From Chuck in Arlington:
The paper said this morning that Game 1 won't start until 8:35 p.m. or thereabouts. Heck, most adults won't stay up for the game. When will MLB get a clue and start games a little earlier?
Mark Zuckerman:
Hey, at least the games aren't starting at 10:18 p.m. like they did twice during the NLCS! Seriously, though, this is a major problem that MLB needs to confront. League and TV execs will insist it's not that big a deal, because ratings are high and that's all they go by. But there was an interesting article in today's Boston Globe about this very subject, talking to kids from around Boston who aren't allowed to stay up to watch more than a couple of innings. That's an entire generation of would-be fans who are being denied the opportunity to see their team in the World Series. That's wrong. I understand these things need to be in primetime, and I understand the folks on the West Coast need a chance to watch as well, but why couldn't these games start by 7:30 p.m.? And why can't they play one weekend afternoon game? Seems like a plausible compromise to me.

From GoNats! in Fairfax:
You predicted the Red Sox in 7, right? Do you really think these teams are that evenly matched?
Mark Zuckerman:
I did, indeed pick the Sox in 7 in today's paper, in kind of a last-minute decision. I was initially thinking (like everyone) that Boston was clearly superior to the Rockies. But the more I thought about it, I'm not so sure. With Tim Wakefield out and Dice-K an enigma, these two teams look more evenly matched than I at first thought. I still believe Boston is better and will win the series, but I don't believe they'll just steamroll a very good Colorado team that still isn't getting credit despite winning 21 of 22 games!

From Gilbert A. in D.C.:
Since you work for a daily newspaper in DC that can vote on post-season awards, who would get your NL Rookie of the Year vote, Braun or Tulowitzki?
Mark Zuckerman:
Hey, Gil -- how's preparation for the upcoming season going? I hear you guys are going to be pretty good. ... Anyways, I actually did have a vote for NL Rookie of the Year. I'm not allowed to reveal who I picked until the results are announced next month, but one thing fans should be aware of is this: all postseason awards must be submitted by the end of the REGULAR season. So a player's postseason performance has no bearing. This makes for some awkward stuff sometimes, since the award isn't handed out til after the World Series. I will say this: Ryan Braun had a fabulous regular season. Troy Tulowitzki did as well, but he's really made a name for himself in the postseason. If playoffs were included, Tulo definitely would win.

From Art in Centrevile:
What's the deal with Bob Carpenter possibly returning to the Nationals' television booth?
Mark Zuckerman:
Here's the quick version ... Late in the season, Nats president Stan Kasten met with Carpenter and informed him the club was planning to go in another direction and look for a new TV play by play man. Carpenter started saying his goodbyes to everyone. Then, just after the season ended, he was told to hang on, because the team was reconsidering. Nothing's finalized yet, but it appears Carp will be offered a one-year contract to return. What actually happened? My understanding is that the Nats were spurned by a few announcers they were interested in (including ESPN's Dan Schulman) and after some strong public support for Carpenter emerged, decided it might be worth bringing him back. Stay tuned...

From Brian in Alexandria:
While it is much more pronounced with the Rockies, the Red Sox also have utilized their player development system to reach the World Series (Pedroia, Ellsbury, Papelbon). Turning the question a bit towards the Nationals, which camp do you think the Nats should follow, (1) building with all homegrown talent like the Rockies or (2) filling some spots with homegrown talent but also trading prospects for key contributors (a la Schilling or Beckett & Lowell) while signing big name free agents (Ramirez)?
Mark Zuckerman:
Interesting question. Here's what I'd say ... I think the Nats would be wise to start off building like the Rockies did, then morph into the Red Sox mold over time, if that makes any sense. Basically, they need to focus on building entirely from within right now. Stockpile prospects, let them work their way up the ladder. Then, once they reach the majors and are successful, start making more "big-market club" moves, like signing top-tier free agents and trading prospects for proven veterans who can get you over the hump. In the long run, I believe that's the best way to build a championship franchise.

From Drew in Burke:
How much of an impact do you think the difference in rest time will have on the teams -- the Rockies having 9 days and the Red Sox having 3? Which situation is better?
Mark Zuckerman:
I don't think there's any question the Rockies will suffer from the long layoff. It's one thing to have three, four, even five days to recoup and set your rotation up. But it's been nine days since Colorado last played a game. That's a long time. We saw last year what dead time can do to a team -- the Tigers had six days off and looked sloppy against the Cards. Doesn't mean it's going to happen to the Rox, too, but I think it's got to have at least some effect.

From Ken in Montreal:
Despite hitting only .225 during the regular season, Jamey Carroll has made some key contributions to the Rockies, including the game-winning single that scored Matt Holliday and clinched the NL Wild Card for Colorado. Do you think that Nationals GM, Jim Bowden, regrets trading Jamey Carroll to Colorado for nothing but cash?
Mark Zuckerman:
How happy are we for Jamey, by the way? I've been talking a lot to him over the last two rounds, and let me tell you, he is having the time of his life. Good for him. ... I doubt Bowden would ever publicly say he regrets getting rid of Jamey (he just never seemed to believe Carroll was good enough for the role the Nats needed him in) but there's probably at least a little bit of second thoughts. Jamey will be a free agent after the '08 season. Perhaps he could come back to D.C. then!

From Frank in Bel Air, Calif.:
Among Sox and Rox, who is going to be a Hall of Famer and who is going to make the Hall of Fame?
Mark Zuckerman:
Slam-dunk, Hank Aaron-type Hall of Famers: Manny Ramirez, probably David Ortiz. I believe Curt Schilling should be in there, too, if for no other reason than his remarkable record in the postseason. Josh Beckett could be on that path if he keeps it up.
Questionable, Gary Carter-type Hall of Famer: Todd Helton, whose numbers were padded by playing at Coors Field.

From Brian in Alexandria:
What would you do if you were the Red Sox when it comes to 1B in the NL ballpark? Would you start Ortiz with his iffy knee and take Youklis' hot bat out the lineup? Start Ortiz with his iffy knee and take Lowell's glove out of the lineup [starting Youklis at 3B]? Or door #3, don't mess with the starters and use Ortiz as LH bat off of the bench?
Mark Zuckerman:
This a huge and difficult decision for Terry Francona. There's really no right answer. How can you take David Ortiz out of the lineup? But then, how can you bench Youkilis (hitting .500 in the postseason) or Lowell (120 RBI during the regular season)? I guess I'd start Papi at 1B and Lowell at 3B, hope you take an early lead and then sub in Youkilis for defense late. But I wouldn't be shocked if Ortiz gets one game off (in part to rest his knees). If so, has there ever been a more dangerous pinch-hitter in the World Series?

From John in D.C.:
How important is defense in your mind? The Rockies were the best team in MLB defensively this season. Is this obvious when you see them play or can stats like this be influenced by the performance of official scorers?
Mark Zuckerman:
I don't think the official scorer is making much difference there, aside from the occasional hometown hit-error decision. The Rockies weren't just the best defensive team in the majors this year. They were statistically one of the best all-time. And yes, from seeing them in person the last few weeks, they are legitimately good. Tulowitzki is outstanding at shortstop. Willy Taveras tracks down everything in center field. And Yorvit Torrealba is an underrated catcher. Defense could help keep the Rox in this series.

From SoxFan in Reston:
If you had to compare this year’s Red Sox to another Red Sox team, which would you pick: 2004 or 1986?
Mark Zuckerman:
Hmm, I wouldn't really compare this team to the 2004 one, which seemed to have more veteran role players who made a difference (Kevin Millar, Bill Mueller, Dave Roberts). This team is more loaded with stars, though one definite comparison are the two studs atop the rotation (Pedro in 04, Beckett now). I'd be tempted to say this team is more like 1986, but then, who would be this team's Bill Buckner or Calvin Schiraldi?

From Mike in Atlanta:
Who do you believe should win AL Manager of the Year? Francona or Wedge? My vote is for Wedge.
Mark Zuckerman:
Well, I didn't have a vote for this one, seeing as how I cover the NL. But I'd say Eric Wedge is the frontrunner to win the award. These things usually go to the manager of a team that surprised, and the Indians surely did (even if they were loaded with talent). Terry Francona is starting to get more respect, though, and in fact there are reports out now of the Red Sox closing in on signing him to an extension once the World Series is over.

All right, that'll do it for now. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. If the series goes to a sixth game, perhaps we'll do this again next Wednesday. I'll keep you posted. Enjoy the game tonight!