Who do you think will be the Nationals' Opening Day starter at the new Nationals Park?
-- Frank F., Bethesda, Md.

That's a good question. I would have to say that Shawn Hill will get the nod because he was the team's best starter last year. I also would not be surprised if John Patterson makes the start. We should know by the time Spring Training starts.

In your opinion, what is more important for the Nationals: Starting pitching or power hitting?
-- Ethan S., Nanjemoy, Md.

It's starting pitching. General manager Jim Bowden always says, "You never have enough pitching." In order to compete in '08, the Nationals have to hope that pitchers such as Hill, Patterson and Jason Bergmann stay healthy.

One thing is certain: Potential trade partners are not going to give the Nationals quality starting pitching unless they give up Ryan Zimmerman and Chad Cordero.

I thought the Nats were the absolute worst bunting team in the league last year. It got to the point where it cost them several runs. Is manager Manny Acta just not interested in bunting to the point where they don't even drill the pitchers constantly in this lost art?
-- Ray D., Rockville, Md.

I'm going to answer this in two ways: I can tell you that Acta and pitching coach Randy St. Claire are always working with the pitchers on their bunting skills. It's just unfortunate that some of the pitchers can't do the job when it comes to bunting.

It's rare that I disagree with Acta when it comes to in-game strategy, but I would like to see Acta have a player like Zimmerman bunt more often. I thought the Nationals had no chance to start rallies because a power hitter like Zimmerman was not allowed to bunt. Zimmerman is one of the best bunters I have ever seen.

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. First Name, Last Initial: Hometown: Email Address: Question:

Do you feel that moving out of RFK Stadium will hurt the pitching staff?
-- Jody D., McLean, Va.

It's a good question. I'm sure it will, since the team is moving to a smaller ballpark, but let's see what happens when they play their first game against the Orioles on March 29.

The Nats want Wily Mo Pena to play full-time in left field. How do you expect him to perform over the course of the regular season?
-- Daniel B., New York City

Pena did pretty well after the Nationals acquired him from the Red Sox last August, but let's face it, opposing pitchers are going to throw him a steady diet of breaking balls in 2008. If he learns how to hit those pitches, then he should have a very good season. I'm looking forward to seeing hitting coach Lenny Harris work with Pena this year.

Do you realize that Washington fans don't care about Andre Dawson and Tim Raines? They never played for the Washington Nationals. You'll never see their names on the Washington "Ring of Fame."
-- Bruce K., Boynton Beach, Fla.

Yes, I realize that Dawson and Raines never played in Washington, but the Nationals came from Montreal, so it's fitting that these players are featured on the Nationals site.

As a season-ticket holder, I am disappointed that the Nationals are being so frugal. If they had been willing to spend money on player development as well as keeping established performers, the Nationals would go into the new stadium with Alfonso Soriano in left field, Ryan Church in center and Jose Guillen in right. Any comments?
-- Kimon G., Washington, D.C.

I have to disagree with you. The Nationals are staying the course and trying to build the team from within. I thought they did the right thing by not giving Soriano that huge contract. It is not like they were in first place when he was there anyway. Church and Guillen were simply not in the Nationals' long-term plans. They didn't produce the way the Nationals wanted.