If they sign a first baseman like Mark Teixeira, what are the Nationals' plans for Nick Johnson?
-- Don T., Milwaukee

If they land Teixeira, I would see the Nationals trying to trade Johnson, who would not accept a backup role. When Johnson was battling Dmitri Young for the first-base job in Spring Training this year, Johnson said he wanted to be traded if he was the backup first baseman.

Knowing the Nationals had one of the worst ERAs in the National League last year, would you rather get a high-priced slugger or a pitcher?
-- Matt S., Farmingdale, N.Y.

Pitching is the most important part in baseball, but the offense was the No. 1 reason the Nationals had the worst record in baseball this season. So if I were the general manager, I would look for a slugger and a leadoff hitter.

Given the glut of outfielders on the Nats' roster, do you see one of them possibly moving to first base?
-- Chris W., Woodbridge, Conn.

I don't see it at all. Let's say that Nationals don't acquire a slugging first baseman, I see Johnson as the first baseman. None of those outfielders are better than Johnson when it comes to playing defense.

Did Ryan Wagner re-sign with the Nationals after electing free agency?
-- Kristen H., Alexandria, Va.

A few weeks after becoming a free agent, Wagner agreed to terms on a Minor League contract with the Nationals. Wagner is also eligible for the Rule 5 Draft.

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:

I would like to see the Nats sign Pedro Martinez to a one-year deal. Although he has been hurt often, Martinez has shown he can be dominant at times. I also think he could be a good mentor for Collin Balester or Jordan Zimmermann. What are your thoughts?
-- Eric R., Shullsburg, Wis.

I like that idea. However, Martinez has been the hurt the last two years and I don't see the Nationals taking that risk. Washington is also not interested in right-hander A.J. Burnett because of his history with injuries. Why take a chance on Martinez? It's too much of a risk.

Why not put Ronnie Belliard at first base? In limited time, he has put up decent offensive numbers.
-- Andy S., Fairfax, Va.

There is no question Belliard is a very good hitter, but I don't think he is that good defensively. I would rather have Johnson at the position at this point.

Do you see the Nats trying to sign any veteran starting pitchers?
-- Andy S., Fairfax, Va.

Yes, I do. Who that is, I don't know. The Nationals are far from done in terms of having a rotation set.

What's Wily Mo Pena been up to this offseason?
-- Dan D., Washington

A couple of weeks ago, general manager Jim Bowden told the local media that Pena is slowly recovering from shoulder surgery and it has prevented him from playing winter ball this offseason. Pena is expected to be ready for Spring Training, however.

Do you think Ian Desmond has a chance to become the Nationals' regular shortstop in two years?
-- Gary G., North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

It will depend on how well Cristian Guzman is doing. If he continues to play All-Star-caliber baseball, Guzman will be in a Nationals uniform for years to come. I also think Desmond has to prove he can hit, something he hasn't been able to do. He has a .247 career average in the Minor Leagues.