Is shortstop Cristian Guzman going to be dealt at the July 31 Trade Deadline?
-- Will S., Reston, Va.

The Nationals are trying to sign Guzman to a two-year extension, but if they can't, I could see Guzman dealt for prospects before the deadline.

Do you take back your assessment of the trade that sent Austin Kearns, Felipe Lopez and Ryan Wagner from the Reds to the Nationals on July 13, 2006. You thought it was a steal for Washington?
-- Justin, C., Atlanta, Ga.

I talked to Reds right-hander Gary Majewski, who was part of the deal, on Saturday. I told him the trade between the Reds and Nationals is even because of the emergence of Reds pitchers Daryl Thompson and Bill Bray. But when it's all said and done, I think Kearns will make this deal in the Nationals' favor.

His swing looks much better. I also have much more appreciation for Kearns after he went on the disabled list. During his absence, I watched certain players on the team not giving their best every night. Kearns plays hard every day, so I now understand why people such as general manager Jim Bowden and manager Manny Acta were up in arms whenever I would criticize Kearns' lack of production.

Knowing that Bowden likes Reds outfielder/first baseman Adam Dunn, what are the chances that Dunn could be in a Nationals uniform?
-- Joe B., New York, N.Y.

This is a good question. From a trade standpoint, I don't see it, especially after the Reds filed a grievance against the Nationals claiming that Majewski was hurt. The Reds have since dropped the grievance. Now, if Dunn becomes a free agent, I believe Bowden would try hard to sign him because of his power numbers.

Don't you think this team needs some talent on the Major League level to generate interest. You can't possibly be forgetting the reason that they are in Washington in the first place, can you?
-- Jon A., Stony Brook, N.Y.

I thought the talent was there this year, but I was proven wrong. Yes, the Nationals need to acquire talent. I think it's time to bench some of their veterans and play some of the Minor Leaguers like Mike Daniel. They need to do it like the Twins in the late 1990s and early in this decade. Let the kids learn in the big leagues.

Will Ronnie Belliard and Dmitri Young be traded before the Trade Deadline
-- Rob A., Washington D.C.

No, because they are having bad years and I don't see the Nationals getting anything good for them. Now, Bowden has fooled me before. I thought there was no way he could trade Jose Vidro because he was past his prime and Bowden found a way to move Vidro.

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Now that Nick Johnson is out for the reminder of the season, what will be the approach with him for next season? Will he stay here in Washington?
-- Daniel O, Centreville, Va.

I have to assume that he will be the everyday first baseman for Washington next year. However, it's a tremendous risk for other teams to acquire his services because of the injury factor. Johnson is a great guy with great tools, but, let's face it, he's fragile. I haven't seen a player this injury prone since Bill Walton and Ralph Sampson played in the NBA.

I am mostly frustrated that the team lacks basic fundamentals -- not moving the runner over to second or third with no outs, baserunning blunders, throwing to the wrong base or swinging at the first pitch after the pitcher throws four straight balls to the previous batter. What are your thoughts?
-- Tim R., Auburn, N.Y.

Tim, we are watching the same game and I agree with you. It's more than what you are talking about. It's annoying when certain players don't believe in working hard every night and improving their defense or offense. It makes you shake your head as to why Kory Casto and Ryan Langerhans, who work hard, are being sent down to the Minor Leagues.

It's unbelievable that a lot of pitchers on this team don't know how to bunt. Even I could bunt. Only Tim Redding and Odalis Perez know how to help themselves with the bat.