Mr. Ladson answers questions from Nationals fans on a monthly basis I believe. Here I will try to answer the same questions as a fan and may comment on Mr. Ladson’s answers as well. I have provided the link for readers to go through the September 2 edition.

Inbox: Sept. 2 Edition

Is there a pending free-agent second baseman that can fit the Nationals’ needs — defensively and offensively? If so, can they sign him?
First question comes from Ken C. of Frederick, Md. about FA market of second basemen in the coming offseason. Mr Ladson believes instead of looking at FA market, we are looking at our 2011 2B in Danny Espinosa, ” Espinosa and Ian Desmond will make a great double-play combination in 2011.” I don’t know what was said about Desmond last September but I think it was something along the same lines. How did that turn out? Offensively, no doubt about it. Desmond had his ups and downs throughout the season but he seems to have found his calling at #2 position in the lineup. Defensively, the story has been quite different. He is leading the league in errors by a good margin. We have also seen highlight reel plays but too many of his errors cost us close games, especially earlier in the season. It took almost a season for him to improve in that important position. Are Nats fans willing to take the same risk with Espinosa, young player with lot of potential as a hitter and runner but might still be learning his position? Don’t get me wrong. Espinosa is our future second baseman but I am willing to wait until he learns his position in the minors and improves his hitting and stealing techniques. So who can be our second baseman next season? To be honest, I don’t know but I would like a defensive wizard to take over that position for some time. That has two advantages: less stress on 1B and also helps Desmond improve. I don’t mind if we get a guy who is not a great hitter (.250 avg, etc) but defensively reliable.

What, if anything, can the Nationals do to beg, borrow or steal some game-situation awareness for Nyjer Morgan? It looks like he has only one approach — ultra-aggressive — which never changes. The results are colossal mistakes. He seems to have the physical tools, but he often misses the cutoff man and gets picked off. Now he’s getting into malcontent territory. (Lee H from Silver Spring, MD)
I am going to write a more elaborate answer in another post but in short, I want to say that having Morgan next season as a leadoff or a fourth OF is not a move forward. He does not seem mentally strong to withstand prolonged slumps (unlike Dunn), very easily lets fan talk get to his head, and brings all his issues to the field. Mr. Ladson hinted that he will either be traded or released in the offseason and I am completely in favor of that.

Who should be the Nationals’ leadoff hitter for the remainder of the season? (Alex C. from Montreal)

Mr. Ladson believes Adam Kennedy will start leadoff most of the time rest of the season and maybe, in the offseason we will sign Carl Crawford to bat first. I have to disagree on both fronts. What’s the point of having someone leadoff when we are pretty certain that he is not going to be with us next season? I would try Bernadina as a leadoff who seems to have pretty much the same tools as Morgan, better fielding instincts and a good head on his shoulders plus a young guy (not 30 years old). I am against Crawford leading off too because he hasn’t done so in last 5 years and he is not the guy to do it anymore. He is better suited to be a #2 or #3 hitter in most major league lineups. He will definitely be a great FA acquisition but we will have to move Hammer to RF and spend a lot for him to sign up for a team that may or may not contend next season. Signing him has its rewards though so I will have him on my team any day but not as leadoff.

Do you think Stephen Strasburg’s injury is the result of him being rushed in the Majors? (Troy from DC)

I have to agree with Mr. Ladson here. Nats FO is not to be blamed for what happened to Strasburg. I am actually glad it happened now (22 years old) than later in his career. Let’s hope he will be back stronger than before.

Where is catcher Jesus Flores? Is he healthy? What happened to him? (Pat from DC)
I am not qualified to answer this since I have no idea where he is. I will stay on Ladson’s side for now.

I’m tired of hearing that the Nats should not re-sign Adam Dunn because of his “below-average” defense. He committed only eight errors so far this year. He has a fielding percentage of .993 that is more than respectable. (Phil from QC, Canada)
Mr. Ladson said, “The reality is, Dunn plays in the National League and defense is important.” Actually the reality is, Dunn plays for Washington Nationals where most pitchers are groundball pitchers and thus, infield defense is utmost important to us. Then again, this question ties in with the very first question about 2B. Since I am in favor of going out to find a really good second baseman in the offseason via trade or free agency, I would like to have Dunn and his 40 HR plus 100 or more RBIs back in the lineup. He still needs to improve his defense, should realize when to come off the bag to get errant throws, how to field bunts, how to be a cutoff man (mostly he needs not, that’s 2B or SS’s job), not have on and off months offensively, and improve average with RISP. Leaving him out of the lineup can create problems for us: no protection for Zimmerman, dip in our offense. Basically we are creating a problem at a position where we need not worry.

With the trade for Wilson Ramos, should the Nationals trade Derek Norris? (Zack from Vienna)

Of course not. Norris can be a backup to Ramos or be moved to first base as well. So hopefully Ramos makes catcher position his for years to come, then we can have Norris and his improved bat at first base.

Just my 2 cents.