Nationals: Bill Ladson -

“Q: Why do you keep saying that Lastings Milledge is a building block given his numbers in the Major Leagues? Compare his numbers to the center fielders on contending teams – Elijah Dukes and Justin Maxwell have shown much more potential.

Ladson: Let’s not forget that Milledge missed a month of the season because of a right groin problem, and that he was all over the place in the lineup. I think, when it’s all said and done, Milledge will become a good hitter. I was encouraged that he hit .299 after the All-Star break.

As far as Dukes and Maxwell go, there is no question they have a lot of potential. But the jury is still out on Dukes, on and off the field. Maxwell is like Nick Johnson — he has been hurt every year during his professional career. Let’s hope that 2009 marks the first time Maxwell stays healthy for a full season.”

Marlins: Joe Frisaro -

“Q: Why on Earth would the Marlins think about trading Dan Uggla? They could easily build a very good team around Uggla and Hanley Ramirez.

Ladson: The team hasn’t come out and said they will trade anyone. But when you consider Uggla’s salary in arbitration will jump to between $5-6 million, cost becomes a factor. I think the team is going to be pretty strong in ‘09 based on some of the players I feel will definitely be back. My optimism is based on the fact that Ricky Nolasco, Josh Johnson and Chris Volstad will be as strong a trio of top three starters as any in the National League East. If the team can get quality in return for Uggla — or any of the other young power hitters heading to arbitration — then they will explore that. It’s not automatic that Uggla will be moved. My belief at this time is I wouldn’t be surprised if he is moved.”

Orioles: Spencer Fordin -

“Q: Do you think Kevin Millar will be back next year? While he does not have a high batting average, he has shown some power this year. I think the Orioles could use him.

Fordin: Millar is probably a long shot to return, thanks to the re-emergence of Aubrey Huff and the potential availability of a superstar like Mark Teixeira on the free agent market. Teixeira, a native of nearby Severna Park, has long been a local favorite and may be high on Baltimore’s wish list once the free agent season opens, a developing story to watch this winter.

Huff, meanwhile, has played designated hitter for most of his two seasons as an Oriole and may prefer playing the field. The veteran had a career year with the bat in 2008, spelling Millar at first base and Melvin Mora at third base from time to time. With Mora still under contract and holding a no-trade clause, first base would be the easiest spot to place Huff.

All of that may leave Millar, one of Baltimore’s clubhouse leaders, on the outside looking in at the Orioles. The veteran has held down first base for the last three seasons, providing a steady glove and a patient batting eye in the middle of the order. Millar will likely be available late in the free agent process, giving the Orioles extra time to evaluate his status.

Millar has said he wants to come back and help the Orioles achieve their first winning record since 1997, but he also understands the business aspects of the game. He’ll weigh his options and look around the league for a starting job, but if he can’t find one, he’ll likely hold out hope that Baltimore will miss out on Teixeira and opt to keep Huff as a DH.”

The third interview of our opening week installment is with Baseball America’s Jim Callis. Jim is the Executive Editor of Baseball America and was kind enough to come on to talk about some prospects and review some seasons from 2008. For more from Jim you can check out BaseballAmerica.com or keep your on the ESPN SportsNation Chats. You can also check out their Prospect Handbook coming out this winter. To listen to the interview click on the following link:

Jim Callis Interview Click Here to Listen

OutsPerSwing.com – Tommy Rancel of OPS interviews Rays Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman.

“TR: You were able to acquire Chad Bradford after the trade deadline to help bolster the bullpen. With the recent rash of injuries, do you plan to stay aggressive on the waiver wire? Or are you confident that the guys we have here and in Durham can get the job done?

AF: This is a special group and I have enormous confidence in our guys. They’ve battled through adversity all year and there is no doubt in my mind that they can continue to do so. We look closely at the waiver wire every day and if something presents itself that is in our best interests, we are ready to act. If that doesn’t happen, we all feel like the group we have here is good enough to get us where we want to go. The only downside to having the record we have is that it is nearly impossible to be awarded a claim on a player we like. “

Palm Beach Post -PBP Staff Writer Joe Capozzi interviews Marlins outfielder Luis Gonzalez.

“JC: Maybe you can swirl some and spit it out into a cup and then auction that off. After all, didn’t they once auction off your chewed bubble gum?

LG: That was back in 2002. That was ridiculous. It made national news. They auctioned off the bubble gum for ten grand! I went on the radio with the guy who bought it. The deejay asked him, “Why would you buy that gum for ten

grand?” He said he wanted to motivate his employees. I said, “If you want to motivate your employees take that $10,000 and spread it out among them. I guarantee they’ll work harder!”"

Nats320 – Interview with Nationals President Stan Kasten.

“Q : Just to clarify this last minute negotiating. If you sign a guy at midnight, is that a verbal commitment? Or how does that work? (SBF)

SK: “Both sides file an email. We send an email in and there are no problems there. There is even a few minutes after the deadline when the paperwork is being filed.””