The Washington Nationals

Washington Post staff writer Barry Svrluga was online Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. ET to discuss the Washington Nationals and the latest major league baseball news.

Full Coverage: Washington Nationals

The transcript follows .

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Barry Svrluga: Greetings, Nationals fans. Sorry to disappoint those of you who were expecting to chat with Tom Boswell in this slot. He was originally scheduled, but it seems he forgot about a little something called "flying to Ireland for the Ryder Cup," a duty which he is currently fulfilling.

Anyway, let's talk some baseball -- Nationals, playoff prognostications, whatever you choose.

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Section 312, Row 4: Hey Barry:

Goff did a good job writing up last night's game...and raised an interesting milestone for Soriano. 40-40-40. Adding doubles to the mix. I thought Kasten's effort to throw 20 outfield assists in was a bit ridiculous. It's an offensive category for heaven's sake! Alex Rodriquez had 445 assists with his 40-40. Oh but those were INFIELD assists. It was lame, I thought.

Barry Svrluga: Indeed, soccer aficionado Steve Goff did a nice job filling in for me several times over the last few days (though I heard he kept yelling at the baseball players to "Get off my futbol pitch.").

A couple of people were talking with Soriano before one of the games in Arizona last week, and he asked if any of the 40-40 guys had hit 40 doubles the same year. I figured A-Rod would have. But no, he had only 35. So Soriano -- if he gets out of this current slump -- should be the only 40-40-40 guy in history.

As for the 20 outfield assists -- yes, it's a bit contrived. But the reason I think it's significant is because this came in a year when he -- very reluctantly -- moved to the outfield for the first time. Sure, some of the assists were the result of his own misplays and from people testing his arm. But he's improved dramatically in left, and I think keeping track of the assists is a good way to remind people of that.

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Remember Vinny: Hey Barry,

In honor of Vinny Castilla, departed from the Nats but remembered fondly, do you think Ramon Ortiz, or whoever, will stick one in Lance Cormier's ribs tonight?? I'll be eager to go to the game tonight if you think yes. When he comes to bat, presuming he lasts long enough to bat, I hope that all fans at RFK give him the loud long boo he richly deserves.

Barry Svrluga: This would be a move that, I'm sorry to say, is probably just a bit too deep for most of the 20,000 or so folks that'll be out here tonight.

For those who are a bit confused, remember that Castilla -- on that memorable night of April 14, 2005, when baseball returned to Washington -- had a homer, a triple and a double when he came to the plate for the fourth time against Arizona. And what happened? Cormier, then pitching for the Diamondbacks, plunked him with the first pitch. It was an impressive showing of boos from the sellout crowd that night. I'd be surprised if anyone remembers tonight.

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Hagerstown, Md.: How about a road trip out our way now that the Nationals have signed a two-year agreement with us? Thursday nights are "Thirsty Thursdays" -- all draft beers are just $1

Barry Svrluga: Indeed, the Nationals are lining up their minor league affiliates for the next couple years. They have re-upped with Class AA Harrisburg and Class A Potomac through 2010, and just today announced a two-year agreement with Class A Hagerstown -- just 70 miles from the District. The idea is to get more of their affiliates closer to home, both to build a fan base and to give their major leaguers easier places to rehab.

Columbus, Ohio, however, appears to be the leader for the Class AAA affiliate. Yes, it's geographically closer than New Orleans, but it's not as well-positioned as, say, Norfolk, Va.

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20003: Barry,

Has the Post ever considered hiring additional people who know something about baseball to write about the Nationals? I would think Boswell gets kind of lonely.

TIA.

Barry Svrluga: I haven't asked anybody downtown about this possibility, but I'm pretty sure the long-term plan is to hire people who aren't interested in baseball and, indeed, don't understand the game.

Thanks for the support.

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Fairfax, Va.: Why does it seem like Zimmerman is still under the radar? Shouldn't he be the runaway rookie of the year winner?

Barry Svrluga: It's pretty easy to be under the radar nationally if: 1) The word "Nationals" appears on the front of your jersey, and 2) your name is not "Alfonso Soriano."

That said, the NL rookie of the year race is coming down to the final dozen games. Right now, I think it's between Zimmerman and Florida second baseman Dan Uggla.

Uggla: .290 average, 26 homers, 26 doubles, 89 RBI, .347 on-base percentage, .499 slugging percentage

Zimmerman: .281 average, 18 homers, 42 doubles, 98 RBI, .347 on-base percentage, .459 slugging percentage

Uggla could get the edge because he set a rookie record for homers by a second baseman, and the other stats are close, and he's playing on a team that, until a four-game slide, was in contention for the wild-card race. But if Zimmerman finishes strong, gets to 20 homers and 100 RBI (the latter being almost a shoe-in) then he'd have a strong case, too.

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Arlington, Va.: Beltran Perez looked great last night, but was not widely publicized before. What other lesser known pitchers do the Nats have in the minors that might make any splash in the Nats rotation?

Barry Svrluga: That would be about it.

Perez, who came from the Dodgers organization, had a strong year at Class AA Harrisburg. But this month of September has been kind of an audition for a bunch of guys. Some -- such as Ryan Wagner and Chris Schroder -- have shown potential. Others have struggled. I'd like to see Perez get another start before the year's over. I'd also like to see Mike O'Connor in a starting role again.

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Washington, D.C.: Exactly how many females in the DC area are infatuated with Ryan Zimmerman? (I'd say about 1.2 million.) How does Zimm feel about his heartthrob status? Does he get a lot of teasing from the guys?

Barry Svrluga: I have not surveyed all of the females in the DC area on this point. I intend to do so soon. I will ask Zimmerman soon about how he feels about it. I don't think he'll mind, to be honest.

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W: What's the difference between the Walgreen's "W" and the Nats' "W"? I'm just askin'.

Barry Svrluga: Nationals Baseball: Need Your Prescription Filled?

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Hawk and Dove, Capitol Hill: Besides pitching and the Soriano issue, what do you see as perceived weaknesses for the Nationals next season? Is there hope for improvement?

Barry Svrluga: Good question. To me, pitching -- or, to borrow a line from Jim Bowden, "pitching, pitching, pitching and pitching" -- is the primary concern.

After that, I think it's center field. Nook Logan has proven to be a fine defender, but there are still questions about his offense, particularly hitting from the left side. He's a capable bunter, but can he get on in other ways? And if they lose Soriano, can they afford to go with a defense-only guy in center? Is Ryan Church still an option, or has he played out his chances here?

After that, the big question to me is the three-headed monster in the middle infield -- Guzman, Lopez and Vidro. There's not room enough for all three. Can they move Vidro? We'll see.

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"I'd be surprised if anyone remembers tonight.": Thank you for the reminder. I will be sure to boo when he is introduced.

Barry Svrluga: Please, thank the questioner. I would've let it slide, too.

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Section 408, Row 1: Barry,

What's this I hear that a change in Baseball's CBA could rob the Nats of the compensatory draft picks they were hoping to get if (when) Soriano signs elsewhere? How can baseball change a rule like that after teams have relied on it at the trade deadline? Seems very unfair.

Barry Svrluga: This issue is, apparently, on the table in negotiations for the next CBA, and I wrote about it briefly last week. However, most people believe that even if the rules are changed -- a team such as the Nationals would currently receive two draft picks for losing a free agent of Soriano's caliber -- they won't include this year's free agent class.

That makes the most sense to me. I'll tell you this, though: Both sides are very jumpy about talking about the CBA negotiations. They want to keep them as quiet as possible.

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Arlington, Va.: This was touched upon yesterday in Jorge's chat, and it raised a lot of red flags for me. So I'd like to hear your take.

Next season, MASN apparently will be broadcasting the Orioles as well as the Nationals. Now it's almost a given that both teams will be playing on the same nights. Having said that, just HOW is one channel going to broadcast TWO games? Will it be an ideal MASN world where the Baltimore region gets the Orioles, and the D.C. metro area gets the Nats? Or will Peter Angelos show the Orioles six nights a week, reminding us all that it's "his" territory and that the Nats are infringing upon it?

Okay okay, sarcasm aside, how will MASN get around showing both games on a single night? Has there been any formal talk about his to work around this obstacle?

Barry Svrluga: My understanding is that there will be a separate channel where, presumably, the Nationals' games would be when they conflict with the Orioles. They will not be tape-delayed or any crazy thing like that. I could be wrong, but that's what I remember talking to folks about a couple weeks back.

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Alexandria, Va.: This isn't really a question, but I wanted to let you know, re: the question about the Post's baseball expertise outside of Boswell, that I for one appreciate everything Dave Sheinin contributes to my knowledge of the game.

I kid. You do great work, and I honestly think you're one of the best beat writers there is. Keep up the good work.

Barry Svrluga: Alexandria, you are quite kind. And, in all seriousness, I think we have a great baseball team at the Post. Send Sheinin and Boswell to the World Series, and I don't think there's a better game story-column combo in the country.

Make sure to congratulate Sheinin on becoming a proud papa for the first time the next time you get to chat with him.

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Section 206: Dear Barry: Loved your book, though those happy memories seem pretty distant right now. Why doesn't Omar Minaya get more criticism for the sorry state of the Nats. I know he was under MLB constraints, but he did make some of the worst trades of recent memory (the Sizemore, Lee, Phillips trade and Orlando Cabrera for Alex Gonzalez)? Also, if all he could sign was college picks (which is basically what the A's were doing), why didn't he get ANYONE that was any good?

Barry Svrluga: Minaya did get Chad Cordero in that 2003 draft, and Bill Bray came from the 2004 draft, so those are pretty good.

Yes, this team's farm system was basically run into the ground in 2002. But I think Minaya gets a pass because: 1) it was done in the relative obscurity of Montreal, and 2) the team was supposed to be contracted anyway. If Minaya was entrusted with building a franchise for the future and he STILL made those deals, then I think he would be (rightfully) getting skewered.

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Columbus?: NO! We have real owners now. I don't want to lose to Peter Angelos anymore. The Nats should get Norfolk, not the Orioles!

Barry Svrluga: I know. Norfolk seems a perfect regional fit, and there's a nice ballpark there. But this is a big game of musical chairs. Columbus, at the very least, would be an improvement over New Orleans (geographically, not in a culinary sense).

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Washington, D.C.: I am intrigued why in the last few games Nick Johnson has changed from the full red sock to the red stirrup. Any explanation? Did he lose a bet with Robert Fick?

Barry Svrluga: I was wondering that myself. I'll ask Nick today and get back to you.

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Yesterday's Chat: Jorge inferred you were an ugly kid. Just wanted you to know.

Barry Svrluga: Shocking. A pot shot from Jorge. So tired. So very, very tired.

And did I mention predictable?

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Columbia, Md.: Since 20003 throws the "Is the Post going to hire somebody who know baseball" question at you, Jorge and Sheinin so often that I feel like I'm in "Groundhog Day," I have to ask if he is willing to "step up" and take some questions, so he can display his own deep reservoir of knowledge? Just curious.

Barry Svrluga: That's a cool idea. And we, as a group, appreciate the support.

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$3 seats: What's the possibility of the Nats offering Soriano a balloon-type deal--lower pay in the first few years with a big increase down the road when the new stadium is making the big bucks and the team might be contending?

Would it be worth it if the plan is to contend in four or five years?

Barry Svrluga: I would expect the Nationals to be creative in their contract negotiations, and there will be decisions based on expected increases in revenue in 2008 and beyond. But again, and I hate to keep beating this horse, the Nationals have to evaluate whether spending perhaps a quarter of their payroll on one player -- a player who hasn't been able to elevate them from last place this season -- is worth it.

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Georgetown: Are the Nationals going to field an entire lineup of slap hitters in one game before the end of the season? I'd appreciate it for comedy's sake, if nothing else.

Barry Svrluga: How about this lineup:

Castro -- LF

Logan -- CF

Mateo -- 3B

Lopez -- SS

Vidro -- 1B

Lombard -- RF

Harper -- C

Dorta -- 2B

That'd be kind of slap happy, dontcha think?

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RE: Zimmerman's mail: Did he get a lot more requests when you "let it slip" that he does a very good job of answering his mail and signing things to mail back?

Barry Svrluga: Shhhhhhhh. I wasn't supposed to tell anyone.

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Arlington, Va.: Barry: I have to ask about Daryle Ward's unfavorable public comments about Frank Robinson -- his suggestion that Robinson is distant from the players and does not have the team's complete respect. This comes after yet another players' poll with Robinson showing up as the MLB's worst manager. My sense is that now (after the season ends, of course) would be a good time for a managerial change. Have you heard any reaction to Ward's comments in the clubhouse or in management? And do you agree that a change would be welcomed by the players? Thanks!

Barry Svrluga: Robinson's future is one of the most compelling and urgent offseason issues. Ward's comments -- basically saying he didn't know when and if he would play, that the communication wasn't very good -- were interesting, particularly because Robinson thought highly of Ward's preparation level when not playing very much.

That said, it's a tough issue to get a read on in the clubhouse. For some of these players, Robinson's the only manager they've ever had. They don't really know what a new one would bring. For others, I think it's fair to say that they'd welcome a change. And for others, I think they'd like to see Robinson return.

I expect to write much more about this issue in the coming days and weeks.

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"My understanding is that there will be a separate channel where, presumably, the Nationals' games would be when they conflict with the Orioles.": That's what they do when the Caps and the Bullets play on the same night. Those of us who have DirecTV will see the channels listed as "RSNa" in the on-screen program guide (for regional sports net alternate). I assume the digital cable systems are similar.

Barry Svrluga: And there you have it.

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Yudaville, Ga.: Since it seems like most of the Nats blogs have mailed it in for the year, how does a beat writer stay sane covering a team in this situation?

How is it different than last year?

Barry Svrluga: I've noticed that the bloggers have let down their frequency. It's disappointing. Some of them are really, really funny.

And who says the beat writers stay sane? That's a huge assumption.

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Bethesda, Md.: Count me in as a Svrluga fan. Keep up the great writing Barry and I hope you'll be back for the 2007 season and beyond reporting on the Nats.

Barry Svrluga: Ah, it's good to feel the love, Bethesda. Thanks very much. And indeed, I'll be sitting in this chair in 2007 writing about the new left fielder trying to fill Soriano's shoes and John Patterson as the grizzled ace of the pitching staff.

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Burke, Va.: Can I still get a question answered if I didn't really like your book?

Since it seems like Frank is all but gone next year, despite what he may want, do you think that Kasten and Lerner will do what's right, and give him the dignity of a proper sendoff in the final weekend of the season?

Or, since you know Frank better than us schmucks, would that be something that'd just tick Frank off even more than it typically seems he is?

Barry Svrluga: Of course, Burke.

If, indeed, Robinson is out at the end of the year, I think the dignity of his departure will have a lot to do with him. I don't expect Kasten/Bowden/the Lerners to go to him and just say, "You're fired" and then tell the public, "He's fired." I think they'd go to him and say, "We want to make a change. We'd like it if you'd help us in this capacity, etc." If Frank's into that, he'd have to find it within himself to say it was time to move on, and accept things gracefully. But if he's too proud to do that -- and that possibility definitely exists -- then it could be ugly.

We'll see.

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Chat time, I love chat time: By this time of the season which is worse, the recurring nightmare of being at a never-ending game or the recurring nightmare of being on a never-ending chat??

Or does the nightmare where you roll over in bed and find a long-haired Jorge laying next to you trump them both?

Barry Svrluga: That last thing: Unspeakable. Just unspeakable.

The others: The chats are always refreshing, even hearing from people who, apparently, hate me, The Post and my book.

The games: I've told people often that I go to the park every day just rooting for something interesting to happen. Anything. And about 80 percent of the time, it does.

Keep in mind: I cover baseball for a living. How bad could that be?

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re: Nats blogs: Where are these blogs? I could talk baseball forever and a day, I'd like to find them.

Barry Svrluga: They're on this fancy new thing called the "World Wide Web." You should try it.

(Sorry. That was snide. I've found that Nationals blogs are pretty good about linking to each other. Start by typing "Ball Wonk" into google, and you should be able to start on that blog and link to others.)

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Washington, D.C.: Dodgers and/or Padres in the playoffs?

Barry Svrluga: I'll take both.

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Sec. 515: I understand testing Castro and Logan (although I prefer Church ... he actually has gotten clutch hits), but where does Lombard fit in? And how about Jose Guillen? Does he have any chance at coming back? I miss his big arm in right field. When he was healthy, he was feared by runners.

Barry Svrluga: Lombard doesn't really fit in, I don't think. Nor does Guillen. One, he's not likely to be healthy until the middle of spring training, and two, people in the organization have told me they don't want to bring him back because of the baggage he seems to bring to the clubhouse.

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washingtonpost.com: Ball Wonk

Barry Svrluga: Here you go. This one's good, but there are others that are, too.

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End of season: What very expensive restaurant on your treat has your wife made reservations for the night of Oct. 2??

Barry Svrluga: Hmmmm. I should ask her. Though I don't know how late we can stay out since I'll have to do laundry and pack to go to the playoffs. The offseason doesn't start till November, you know.

And, unless something unexpected happens, I don't think a Washington baseball writer will have any home games in October.

Minneapolis, here I come!

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Va. to N.Y.C.: Are you going to the 40/40 Club tomorrow for Soriano's induction?

Barry Svrluga: Funny, my invitation must have been lost in the mail. That dang Jay-Z has never been very good about keeping up. Always claims he lost my celly.

Alas, I don't head to NYC for the final road trip of the year till Friday morning.

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Washington, D.C.: If Soriano were to play the outfield for some team, wouldn't his skills (lots of speed with a not-so-hot fly ball tracking ability and a strong arm for an infielder) be more of a fit for CF than LF? Seems Johnny Damon and a few others get by with less. He will never be Edmonds or Hunter (well, Jim Hunter maybe), but isn't it easier to get a LF with pop than a CF?

Barry Svrluga: Yeah, but I talked to him about this, and he's not crazy about the idea. For one thing, he feels more comfortable going to his left than his right, which is why he plays closer to the line. And he doesn't like the idea of having to be the captain of the outfield, manning two gaps.

Does he have the physical tools to do it? Probably. But I think the better bet is just to get him to become a better left fielder next year -- whatever city he plays in.

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washingtonpost.com: Two more: Federal Baseball

Capitol Punishment

Barry Svrluga: Thanks to our friendly producer Paul for supplying these.

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3801 Connecticut Ave., N.W.: How inane do you find the Angelos concept of a joint Nationals/Orioles team store? Haven't the Nationals been shafted enough by the MASN arrangement? Do you really see any advantage to the Nationals for such a ludicrous partnership?

Barry Svrluga: I don't see an advantage for the Nationals in such a partnership -- unless, I suppose, it was at a mall in, say, Howard or Anne Arundel counties, kind of the border war for the two teams. But the Nationals -- it seems to me now, as it has seemed to me for two years -- need to make more of a presence downtown in the District. Banners? A store? Whatever. Just let people know that they have games here.

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Arlington, Va.: Barry:

Loved your book. Will read it again during the long, cold baseball-less winter.

Is it just me or have the majority of Soriano's home runs come in the single-run variety, i.e. with no pressure to drive in runs? I get the feeling that he's not much of a "clutch" hitter. Whaddayouthink?

Barry Svrluga: Wow. A second reading in the offseason. Much obliged.

Yes, Soriano has 29 solo homers. A large part of that is because he's hitting leadoff, and in the middle of the game, comes up after the pitcher. But there are statistics to back your point. With runners in scoring position, he's hitting .245. With runners in scoring position and two outs, he's at .214.

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next year: I was JUST getting ready to say something nice to you, and then this: "I'll be sitting in this chair in 2007 writing about the new left fielder trying to fill Soriano's shoes..."

Barry Svrluga: Sorry about that. I'm just calling it as I'm seeing it. I would love to cover him for another year.

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Rockville, Md.: As an outside observer, one who doesn't cover the team, what is you take on tomorrows planned protest at the O's game? Agree? Idiotic? Pointless? It's a start?

Barry Svrluga: Not sure. It would seem to me that, with all these losing seasons in a row, denizens of a once-proud baseball town would have a right to protest. I would throw out "idiotic" and "pointless." Those terms don't seem to fit.

The bigger questions: Will the people who matter notice, and will it matter?

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Wait, they have games here?: Are good seats still available?

Barry Svrluga: Yeah, I think you could squeeze into the upper deck -- if you get here early.

(In all seriousness, just seven home games to go, including tonight. If you want the opportunity to chat "Mel-vin Dor-ta!" until your vocal chords ache, get your tickets now.)

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Washington, D.C.: Given the Twins' soon-to-be successful run to the playoffs, do you think the "Uncurse of Matt LeCroy" could be the title of your book next year when the Nats pull off a similar run? (I'm a Matt fan -- I once submitted a question in iambic pentameter about where to play him.)

Barry Svrluga: I miss LeCroy, and am sorry he won't be in the playoffs this year. Don't know how many people realize it, but he re-signed with the Nationals after they released him to play in New Orleans, but ended up breaking his wrist (I think) and being lost for the season.

If you like him now, he's even better when you know him a little bit. Good guy.

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Alexandria, Va.: With 11 games to go, the Nats and O's are all tied up. Do you have a prediction on who will win the 2006 MASN Cup?

Barry Svrluga: I think we should play this up over the final couple weeks. We could run mugs of me and Jorge growling at each other in the paper, and if it's a tie, the two of us could arm wrestle for the championship.

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Alternate MASN Feed: Hmm... let's see... which team do you think will be relegated to the alternate feed? I wonder...

Barry Svrluga: Difficult to say. Uh, hmmmmmm. I'll get back to you.

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Connecticut Avenue: I realize that it's early, but what's your projection for season-ticket sales and attendance for the Nationals next year?

Barry Svrluga: At RFK? With television no longer an issue? With a lousy team?

2.5 million total attendance.

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Section 427 - Dead Presidents: How about Secret Service agents running with the presidents? that would be pretty funny if I do say so myself. Perhaps they could drive out in black Chevy Suburban?

Barry Svrluga: Oooh. I like that. Think about those giant ear pieces.

(Still think the 10-foot tall John Wilkes Booth would be good.)

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Soldier missing baseball in Baghdad: Barry,

Any thoughts on whether the Lerners will use their own money to ensure the details at the new stadium will be done right? I've been to the new Busch Stadium in St. Louis and it's spectacular, while Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati is nice but completely unremarkable. It makes a difference. I'd still pay to see the Nats play at my high school diamond, but I can't fill up the park by myself. Thanks for the chat.

Barry Svrluga: Greetings from D.C., Baghdad. Hang in there.

There will be lots of haggling, I believe, between the Lerners and the District about who should pay for what. The District will argue that it's already shelling out $611 million, or whatever it is now, and the Lerners will argue they paid $450 million of their own money. Nothing will be done without a fight. I certainly don't think the Lerners are going to walk in one day and say, "Here's an extra $50 million. Do everything right."

There's a lot riding on the whole process, though. Imagine if we get to the park in 2008 and end up saying, "This is it? What a wasted opportunity?" Both sides should consider that possibility as this process unfolds.

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Barry Svrluga: Folks, thanks for joining in. Sorry I'm not Boswell (not just on this chat, by the way, but in life).

We'll have one more regular season Nationals chat next Wednesday (not sure if it will be Boz or me) and then we'll certainly chat from the playoffs.

Sorry I couldn't get to all the questions. Enjoy the final 11 games.

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