Rumor Royalty - Barry Svrluga (Nationals)
I've chosen Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post as Rumor Royalty for the Nationals - he is the best source of hot stove buzz for that club. Svrluga's blog can be found here.
Submit your Nationals questions for Svrluga in the comments I will choose the best. Let's keep 'em focused on the hot stove.
What veteran innings-eaters are the Nats looking at? How do you see the outfield shaping-up with the addition of Milledge and Dukes?
Posted by: maximumpotential | February 08, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Who's going, Johnson or Da Meat Hook?
Posted by: jrfukudome | February 08, 2008 at 12:49 PM
PLD? Really? Have fun...
Posted by: JerseyMetFan | February 08, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Is Wily Mo Pena finally going to get 450-500 ABs as the Nats everyday LF?
Posted by: XD23 | February 08, 2008 at 12:54 PM
is barry leaving the nat's beat for the Post? any insights on the effect the new Nat's part will have on offense?
Posted by: claskowski | February 08, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Will Ryan Zimmerman and the Nats agree to a long-term contract (presumably larger and perhaps longer than what Tulowitzki got in Colorado) before spring training ends?
Posted by: Steven J Berke | February 08, 2008 at 01:22 PM
What do you deem the most positive influence of the Nationals roster the previous 2 years?
Any possibility it is the hiring of Manny Acta?
First he had worked with Jesus Flores prior to selecting him in the Rule V draft.
Secondly he worked with Lastings Milledge prior to acquiring him for Church/Schneider.
Lastly the signing of Paul Lo Duca.
Posted by: corbin | February 08, 2008 at 01:32 PM
can i buy a vowel?
Posted by: greg | February 08, 2008 at 01:44 PM
What do you think about the amount of pitchers that have been invited to Spring Training for the Nats? Who do you predict could be the diamond in the rough that earns a spot in the rotation?
Posted by: Doug | February 08, 2008 at 01:57 PM
The Nationals played .500 baseball from June to September last year with a slapdash starting rotation and almost no decent hitting. Now, with significant upgrades in the outfield and bench, Nick Johnson (and hopefully Cristian Guzman) back again, and oodles of young talent, is it too soon to speculate about the Nationals being in the thick of a wild card race?
Posted by: brianrein | February 08, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Correction to my last post - the Nationals played .500 baseball from May 10 to the end of the season last year.
Posted by: brianrein | February 08, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Who do you expect will emerge from the battle royale that seems to be the stockpiling of outfielders?
Is there a backup plan for shortstop if Guzman stumbles (or sits on the DL) out of the gate?
Posted by: Mattyc44 | February 08, 2008 at 02:31 PM
What do you put the chances at of the Nationals making a push for Mark Teixera in 2009? Keeping in mind the fact that they could potentially be involved in a bidding war with the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, Braves and Orioles?
Posted by: DonCoburleone | February 08, 2008 at 04:31 PM
What value do you think Cordero will have on the trade market as Rauch improves his value?
Posted by: oxfrat1665 | February 08, 2008 at 04:55 PM
What is your assessment of ownership's willingness to bring in marquee free agents over the next 2-3 years? We heard alot of talk last year about how they wanted to make a big splash with someone like Andruw Jones or Torii Hunter, but instead we got Paul Lo Duca for 1yr/5 Mil.
Posted by: mind_vs_body | February 08, 2008 at 08:34 PM
How big an impact will the new stadium have on free agents signings over the next few years?
Also, will the Nats be tempted to resign Livan Hernandez? And if so, will they sign him for more than 1 year?
Posted by: Beau Phillips | February 09, 2008 at 09:59 AM