What are the Nationals going to do with outfielders Terrmel Sledge, Ryan Church and Preston Wilson? -- Vince A., Denver, Colo.

Wilson, who is a free agent, most likely will not be back. He made $12.5 million in 2005, and the Nationals are not expected to be willing to spend that kind of money to keep him. Also, the organization was disappointed in Wilson's production. He struck out frequently and had a difficult time defensively.

Sledge is coming off a devastating hamstring injury, and he is expected to be healthy by Spring Training. It remains to be seen if Sledge will still be with the team, because he was on the trade block before he tore his hamstring against the Dodgers in early May.

I expect Church to be with the Nationals next season. The big question is, will he play every day? The biggest concern is Church's heath. He has a history of injury problems, and 2005 was no different, as he had two stints on the disabled list. Some in the organization were disappointed that Church could not play with a broken pinkie toe, feeling that he should have played hurt.

Is it possible that Ryan Zimmerman could have the starting third-base job on Opening Day? -- Ben Z, Bethesda, Md.

There is a strong possibility Zimmerman will be the everyday third baseman. According to a team source, the Nationals are looking to trade Vinny Castilla.

Zimmerman is currently playing in the Arizona Fall League. He arrived last week and was hitless in his first seven at-bats before coming through with a 5-for-5 performance on Friday.

Is there any possibility that outfielder Brad Wilkerson could be traded in the offseason? -- Jim K., Allentown, Pa.

Anything is possible. Privately, some in the organization are starting to get impatient with Wilkerson because he strikes out frequently, and he doesn't put up big enough numbers to justify the strikeouts. Last season, he struck out 147 times and hit .248 with 11 home runs and 57 RBIs.

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It is common knowledge that Cristian Guzman had his worst season in 2005. Is there any chance that he could be replaced during the offseason? -- Chris M., Cape Cod, Mass.

It's going to be hard to replace Guzman because of his huge contract. I expect Guzman to be the starting shortstop on Opening Day. Some members of the media have mentioned Ian Desmond as a possible replacement, but the organization feels that he is not ready to hit big-league pitching.

As an incentive to re-sign with the Nationals, will Hector Carrasco be offered an opportunity to become a full-time starter? -- John N., Ottawa, Ont.

If he remains as the manager, Frank Robinson has already announced that Carrasco would both start and relieve. Carrasco has said he wants to become a full-time starter. But it will be interesting to see what other clubs offer the right-hander in the free agent market.

Has Rick Short proven he can hit at any level and be a solid contributor off the bench? -- Tom S., Clarksville, Tenn.

Short has nothing to prove as a hitter, but the big issue is his defense, which is below average. It is the reason Short is a career Minor Leaguer. The Nationals want him to improve his defense this winter, but that is going to be hard to do, considering he is recovering from a separated left shoulder, which was surgically repaired.

Will Keith Osik be back as the backup catcher? -- John, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Osik, who appeared in six games for the Nationals this season, is retired and is currently the head coach of the Farmingdale (N.Y.) Star University Rams. He was awarded the position on July 6. Five weeks later, he signed a Minor League contract with the Nationals. He was promoted to the Nationals on Sept. 5.