The Nationals have expressed interest in free agent outfielder Sammy Sosa, according to a baseball source. General manager Jim Bowden was scheduled to have preliminary discussions with Sosa's agent, Tom Reich, in Melbourne, Fla., but had to postpone the meeting because he and manager Frank Robinson are getting ready to hire their coaching staff, an announcement that is scheduled to be made in the next 48 to 72 hours. This is not the first time the Nationals have tried to acquire Sosa's services. Last February the Cubs almost traded Sosa to Washington for outfielder Terrmel Sledge and infielder Brendan Harris, but ended up trading him to the Orioles for infielders Jerry Hairston and Mike Fontenot, and right-hander Dave Crouthers. Bowden was not available for comment, but according to the source, the Nationals are willing to give Sosa, 37, a chance provided that he accepts an invitation to Spring Training, not the one-year deal that has been reported. Sosa's last good season was in 2003, when he hit 279 with 40 home runs and 103 RBIs and guided the Cubs to the National League Championship Series against the Marlins.