Mailbag: Where does Hammonds fit in?

Here are some answers to your questions. Keep those e-mails coming. Thanks a bunch.

With trade talks surrounding Nationals outfielders and with some of the outfielders not being at full strength, how long before we see Jeffrey Hammonds back with the big club?
-- D.J., Ocean City, Md.

Hammonds got off to a slow start, then turned it up a notch starting on March 7 against the Tigers. Manager Frank Robinson and interim general manager Jim Bowden told Hammonds to straighten out his swing at Triple-A New Orleans. After all, Hammonds hasn't played many baseball games in the last two years.

Here's what Robinson said about Hammonds last week: "He didn't stick his head above the crowd. I told him that we didn't want to lose him. I told him to go down and get five at-bats [per game]. I saw a difference in his bat the last few ballgames. He was getting quicker and making better contact. He needs at-bats more than anything else."

Does J.J. Davis have a shot at a starting position, since his numbers are looking better than some of the other outfielders?
-- Gabrielle A., Los Angeles

Davis most likely will not be a starter in the outfield for the Nationals. If he makes the team, it will most likely be as a fifth outfielder.

Is RFK Stadium setting up to be a place where the Nationals can play small ball? If so, will Endy Chavez be given a short time to prove himself a leadoff man?
-- Bernie N., Hartwell, Ga.

According to team president Tony Tavares, the stadium is supposed to be a pitcher's park, so yes, RFK is a place for small ball. But if you look at the starting lineup, they really don't have the players to play small ball. With the exception of Chavez and Cristian Guzman, the rest of the players are longball hitters with very little speed. The only time the Nationals could play small ball is when Chavez is on base and Guzman is at the plate.

As for Chavez, he will be given a chance to be the leadoff hitter for a while. Robinson is a patient man and feels that Chavez has improved at the plate. Robinson said that Chavez has been showing more patience by working the count.

The Zephyrs are located in New Orleans. Last year the Triple-A team was located in Edmonton and was known as the Trappers.

I keep hearing that the Nationals don't really have a leadoff hitter. Why isn't Jose Vidro considered a candidate?
-- Jon T., Gaithersburg, Md.

Vidro would never be considered for the spot, for two reasons. His job is to drive in runs, and he doesn't have enough speed.

Will Nick Johnson be splitting time with Wil Cordero, or will he be the everyday starter?
-- Jack K., Aurora, Ill.

Johnson will begin the season as the everyday starter, but if he gets off to a slow start, don't be surprised if Cordero sees a lot of playing time. In 2003, Cordero was the everyday first baseman for the Expos and one of Robinson's best hitters.

Have a question about the Nationals?

E-mail your query to MLB.com Nationals beat reporter Bill Ladson for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content.


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Question:

How can Brendan Harris have one of the highest batting averages in Spring Training and not make the club? What is the sense of having Spring Training if the roster is predetermined?
-- Steve M., Albany, N.Y.

The roster was not predetermined. Harris was shaky on defense. At times he had problems catching routine throws and popups.

Do you think the Nationals are underrated? It seems like all the experts are locking them into last place. I think they may surprise some people. What do you think?
-- Jim T., Woodbridge, Va.

The Nationals will be much better than last year, but how much better remains to be seen. It depends who they bring up north. Last year it was predictable that the Expos were going to struggle, because they lost so many good players after the 2003 season, such as Vladimir Guerrero, Michael Barrett and Jose Macias.

I was really surprised that the Nationals dealt Juan Rivera to the Angels. He proved he could be a valuable member of the team.
-- Dennison D., West Pubnico, Nova Scotia

Rivera had a very good season for the Expos last year, but there was uncertainty as to whether he could have a repeat performance. Jose Guillen, whom the Nationals acquired for Rivera, is a proven player. Guillen can drive in runs, hit for average and is a far better defensive outfielder.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.