"As a center fielder, Lastings Milledge is still experimenting with the variables, searching for whatever works. "Do I play shallow, deep?" he said yesterday, just giving an example. "I'm trying to figure out what I'm most comfortable with."

While Milledge, 23, continues his adaptation to the new position -- he played primarily in left and right field while with the Mets in 2006 and 2007 -- the Washington Nationals' front office has its own, corresponding questions about what works. To the point, is the team comfortable with Milledge as its starting center fielder in 2009?

Yesterday, speaking at a lunchtime question-and-answer session with fans at ESPN Zone downtown, General Manager Jim Bowden suggested that the Nationals would explore a position change in the outfield "to upgrade our defense."

Bowden didn't name names, but no hint was needed: Elijah Dukes, currently Washington's starting left fielder, has the natural talent to shift to center. Milledge's play this season leaves little question about his value to the team's future, but his defensive skills -- where he's played exclusively in center -- have fluctuated with little explanation.

The decision about Milledge's position remains unresolved. Manager Manny Acta often has defended Milledge's outfield play this season. Milledge said yesterday that nobody from the organization has talked to him about a potential swap next year, a change that Milledge said he would accept.

"Moving to the corner might not help anything," Milledge said. "You might have to cover the most ground in center, but it's the easiest as far as routes go." "