Nats Chat
554 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 11 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 494 ratingsA Washington Nationals podcast offering recap and analysis after every game, plus all the breaking news throughout the year. Hosted by Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com & Al Galdi, host of "The Al Galdi Podcast". For sponsorship opportunities, contact Tim Shovers at [email protected].
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Episodes
Game 42: Zimmerman HRs & Sets Franchise Run Record in Comeback Win
May 23, 2021 06:00 - 42 minutesThe Nationals beat Baltimore 12-9 despite falling behind 5-0 in the 1st. Al & Mark open the discussion on Josh Harrison, who hit a grand slam that changed the game around in the 3rd, while also playing a new position in the field. (9:40) Ryan Zimmerman had a banner day between clubbing a 3 run HR to take Washington's first lead of the game and setting a franchise record for runs scored. The hosts point out that we are used to the fans asking Zim for curtain calls, but how much more these mo...
Game 41: Strasburg Solid & Victorious in Return
May 22, 2021 06:00 - 39 minutesThe Nats held off Baltimore 4-2 on a beautiful Friday night in D.C. Mark & Al evaluate Stephen Strasburg's first start since returning from the IL; with the largest crowd of the season on-hand. Did Strasburg look like his usual self? (9:21) Josh Bell had his best night yet as a Nat, as he had three hits and also made a crucial defensive play to save a run in the 6th. The hosts focus on the important moment and what led to Bell making the heads-up play. Al then resurfaces his reasons as to wh...
Game 40: Ross Lifted Early & Quarter Pole Report
May 21, 2021 02:00 - 36 minutesThe Nats were defeated 5-2 at the Cubs to wrap-up their road trip. Al & Mark evaluate where the 5th starter situation stands after Joe Ross is now 0-3 in four May starts. Will he get another start before Erick Fedde returns from the IL? There of course are updated gripes regarding the Washington offense. (9:48) The first quarter of the season is in the books and it certainly has been a disappointing start. The hosts run through where things stand and what adjustments should be considered for...
Game 39: Soto HRs, Turner Deja Vu, & Hand Hangs on
May 20, 2021 08:00 - 38 minutesThe Nats edged the Cubs 4-3 on a very active Wednesday in Chicago. Mark & Al analyze the controversial rule that led to Trea Turner being called out yet again for running inside the baseline. Davey Martinez, just like Game 6 in Houston, adamantly defended Turner and was ejected for doing his best impression of Lou Piniella. (11:44) Juan Soto hit his first homer in weeks, however he was thrown out for trying to steal second base at a crucial point in the 9th inning. Will this 3 hit game be t...
Game 38: Bote HR off Harris Sinks the Nats
May 19, 2021 06:00 - 37 minutesThe Nationals lost 6-3 at the Cubs for a 2nd straight defeat. Al & Mark yet again have no choice but to talk about the struggling offense, as Washington stranded 11 men on base. Will things turnaround if Juan Soto continues to lack power? (13:16) A recap of Patrick Corbin's mediocre start, Al explains what "Corbin got BABIP'd" means. Focus turns to his battery mate Yan Gomes, who very quietly is having a strong season defensively. (22:48) A preview of Max Scherzer's Wednesday night start at...
Game 37: Lester & Schwarber's Spoiled Return to Wrigley
May 18, 2021 07:00 - 36 minutesThe Nats lost 7-3 as the Cubs hit Jon Lester hard in his return to Chicago. Mark & Al run-through the lefty's long evening despite being given a hero's welcome at Wrigley Field. (11:26) The offense had another low scoring game and the hosts discuss if fingers will start to get pointed at Kevin Long, the team's hitting coach. Why so many ground balls as opposed to utilizing launch angle? (18:07) Trea Turner hit his 10th homer of the season and his future value seems to go up by the day. What...
Game 36: Fedde Makes His Case with a Shutout Win
May 17, 2021 04:00 - 38 minutesThe Nats blanked Arizona 3-0 behind Erick Fedde's best start of his career. Al & Mark look at what this outing means for Fedde as Stephen Strasburg, fresh off a solid AAA rehab start, is expected to rejoin the team soon. Who is the odd man out in the rotation, Fedde or Joe Ross? Or will they go with a six man rotation for the time being? NATS CHAT T-SHIRTS ARE ON SALE: https://natschatpodcast.square.site/ (17:57) The Nats were held scoreless until the 8th inning. The hosts re-evaluate who ...
Game 35: Ross Allows 8 Runs & Schwarber Strands 8 in Blowout Defeat
May 16, 2021 07:00 - 31 minutesThe Nats lost 11-4 in Arizona as Joe Ross had his second worst outing of the season. Mark & Tim recap the Saturday evening as Ross ran into trouble right away and the Nationals couldn't take advantage of facing journeyman Seth Frankoff. (6:08) Juan Soto had 2 hits and 2 RBIs, which has been a rarity for him in May. Could a game like this break him out of his "slump"? Plus, should Kyle Schwarber remain his protection in the lineup? (17:19) Stephen Strasburg is starting in AAA Sunday. How clo...
Game 34: Nats Slug Their Way to 17 Runs in Arizona
May 15, 2021 08:00 - 33 minutesThe Nationals routed Arizona 17-2 to open up a seven game road trip. Mark & Al for a change have plenty of offensive contributors to run through, including Yan Gomes, who had five hits and was a homer shy of the cycle. Kyle Schwarber homered for the 2nd straight game and Josh Bell was part a trio of players who had 3 RBIs. (16:52) Max Scherzer only pitched five scoreless innings and now leads the NL in strikeouts. Two factors led to his early exit, one was the lopsided score, and the other i...
Game 33: Corbin & A Pair of 1st Inning HRs End the Skid
May 14, 2021 00:00 - 35 minutesThe Nationals ended their 4 game losing streak with a 5-1 victory over Philadelphia. Al & Mark compliment Patrick Corbin, who has turned his season around lately, and had his best start of the year. Are we seeing a return of "2019 Corbin?" The Bullpen also featured some arms in new roles as Daniel Hudson came in the middle of the 8th to save the day and Austin Voth pitched a high leverage 9th inning. Where does Voth rank in the bullpen hierarchy? (13:20) Al compares Davey Martinez's lineup t...
Game 32: Another Blown Save for Hand
May 13, 2021 06:00 - 30 minutesThe Nats cough up a late lead and fall 5-2 in extras to the Phillies. Mark & Al analyze Brad Hand's second blown save in less than a week, which led to the first team meeting of the season. What will come from the message Davey Martinez delivered to the club postgame? Lost in the shuffle of the loss is the fact that Jon Lester pitched well, and has had a quality starts each time out this season. (14:10) The offensive struggles continued as Washington was 1 for 13 with RISP, stranding 12 men ...
Game 31: Bell Strands Six + Jordan Zimmermann Retirement
May 12, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutesThe Nats lost 6-2 to the Phillies as they left ten men on base. Mark & Al focus on Josh Bell, who is hitting .134, and wonder how much longer he can hit behind Juan Soto. When will see Ryan Zimmerman, who is hitting .310, get more starts at first base? (17:21) A recap of Erick Fedde's start as he allowed three runs in five innings. Any cause for concern that he has had two straight subpar outings? The hosts preview Jon Lester vs. Zack Wheeler on Wednesday night as Wheeler's last start was a ...
Game 30: Brad Hand Struggles Again
May 10, 2021 03:00 - 41 minutesThe Nats lost 3-2 at Yankee Stadium as Brad Hand had a difficult 9th inning for the 2nd straight day. Mark & Al recap the frustrating series filled with missed opportunities and discuss who should have taken the mound in the 9th. Not all was lost for the bullpen, as Austin Voth took full advantage of his first high leverage situation. They also look at Joe Ross, who pitched his third consecutive quality start. (18:55) The Nationals offense had more negatives than positives in the majority of...
Game 29: Bullpen Bungles Max's Masterpiece
May 09, 2021 06:00 - 36 minutesThe Nats lost 4-3 in extras at Yankee Stadium in their most frustrating loss of the season. Al & Tim open with the Washington bullpen blowing it's first game and all the late game decisions associated with it. Who should have started the 10th inning on the mound? Should Daniel Hudson have stayed on to pitch the 9th? (8:11) Max Scherzer was brilliant again as he struck out 14 Yankees, including ten in the first four innings. Was this outing more impressive than last weekend against Miami? The...
Game 28: Nats Slug 4 HRs in Yankee Stadium Victory
May 08, 2021 07:00 - 39 minutesThe Nationals ended up routing New York 11-4 after scoring six runs in the 8th inning to break it wide open. Al & Mark highlight all four players who went deep, including the red-hot Josh Harrison & Juan Soto in the DH role. They also focus on Yan Gomes, who has been an under the radar asset for the team so far. (20:57) Patrick Corbin had his first "so-so" start of the year, as opposed to either being great or terrible. How much was he victim of Yankee Stadium hitters park quirks? The hosts ...
Game 27: Swept After Stranding 10 Runners
May 07, 2021 04:00 - 42 minutesThe Nationals were edged by Atlanta 3-2 culminating in a three game sweep in D.C. Al & Mark run through the eye opening numbers that emphasize just how much Washington struggled with runners in scoring position. They check-in on the duo of Bell/Schwarber, who are both below "The Mendoza Line". (15:22) Jon Lester made his 2nd start as a Nat and the hosts give their observations of the veteran southpaw. They then shine a spotlight on Austin Voth, who continues to carve out an important role in...
Game 26: Another Grand Slam Leads to Another Loss
May 06, 2021 06:00 - 35 minutesThe Nationals lost 5-3 to Atlanta as they surrendered a Grand Slam for the 2nd straight evening. Mark & Al run through the managerial decisions from the loss, ranging from when Juan Soto should have pinch hit, how the lineup was constructed, and the decision to walk the slumping Freddie Freeman in the 3rd inning. Should Soto have hit for Yan Gomes or Victor Robles in the 8th? (13:05) Is there a trade that GM Mike Rizzo should look into in order to bolster the lineup? Would this deal be somew...
Game 25: Win Streak Snapped & Seth Davis Interview
May 05, 2021 06:00 - 48 minutesThe Nationals and their four game win streak were defeated 6-1 as Atlanta starter Huascar Ynoa stole the show. Al & Mark react to the loss and open their conversation with the activation of both Juan Soto and Will Harris. Soto's pinch hit appearance in the 8th was met with a rousing reaction from the home crowd. How long will his role be limited to just hitting? (11:11) Tanner Rainey gave up the grand slam to Ynoa in a rough outing for him out of the bullpen. Mark relays what he saw from the...
Game 24: Scherzer "Delivers" A Complete Game Victory
May 03, 2021 01:00 - 37 minutesThe division leading Nationals topped Miami 3-1 to complete the weekend sweep and return to .500. Al & Mark provide many accolades to Max Scherzer, who authored a dominant performance on the same day that his wife was due to give birth, adding to his long list of legendary outings in Washington. (14:58) Ryan Zimmerman continued his excellent season so far with a decisive 3-run HR in the 3rd. Does Zim have more left to his career than we might have thought a few months back? (20:30) Al's in...
Game 23: Corbin & Bell Lead the Way to a 3rd Straight Win
May 02, 2021 01:00 - 36 minutesThe Nats beat Miami 7-2 for their first three-game winning streak of the season. Al & Mark react to the good vibes surrounding the team at the moment and Patrick Corbin's stellar start. Why has he had such a "Jekyll & Hyde" season so far? (13:47) The offense had a good day and Josh Bell led the way with 4 RBIs, including a 3 run double off former National Ross Detwiler. Mark then points out the pace that Trea Turner is on so far offensively and how his defensive statistics are just as impres...
Game 22: Another Schwarber Walk-Off After a Scoreless Lester Debut
May 01, 2021 06:00 - 38 minutesThe Nationals beat the Marlins 2-1 in extras as Kyle Schwarber hit a lead-off 2 run HR in the 10th (Yes, you read that last part correctly). Al & Mark react to the victory which prior to extra innings saw yet another anemic game for the Washington offense. Why was Ryan Zimmerman not given at least one at bat in this game? (12:42) Victor Robles was caught stealing again and the Nats difficulties on the bases continue. Does the team simply need to stop attempted steals unless it's Trea Turner?...
Game 21: Fedde & the Offense Cruise to a Comfy Win
April 29, 2021 07:00 - 39 minutesThe Nationals beat up on the Blue Jays 8-2 in Dunedin, FL to split the short series. Mark & Al marvel at another strong outing by Erick Fedde, who has an ERA of 2.61 over his last four starts. Has he staked a claim to stay in the rotation long-term this season? (13:46) The offense gave Nats fans a lot to enjoy between Trea Turner's four hits, Ryan Zimmerman's continued production when given the chance, and Josh Bell's much needed homer. How should Davey Martinez balance Zim & Bell for the up...
Game 20: Scherzer Off-Night as Vlad Jr. Goes Deep 3 Times
April 28, 2021 06:00 - 36 minutesThe Nats lost 9-5 to the Blue Jays in Dunedin, FL despite hitting four home runs. Al & Mark discuss Max Scherzer's worst start of the season as he allowed 5 earned runs, including a grand slam crushed by Vlad Guerrero Jr. Why did it seem like Max was uncomfortable all evening? They also dive into Josh Harrison's rough game, between committing a pivotal error and being thrown out on a steal attempt. (15:53) Josh Bell was 0 for 4 Tuesday with two strikeouts and his current average is .109. Wil...
Game 19: Bats Quiet Again & Turner Exits After HBP
April 26, 2021 01:00 - 34 minutesThe Nats were shutout 4-0 at the Mets, the 5th time they have been held scoreless this season. Al & Mark run through all the reasons the offense couldn't plate a run; ranging from bad luck, no production, poor base running, and Trea Turner missing a crucial at bat due to a forearm contusion. (13:17) Mark gives all the latest that we know regarding Juan Soto returning to the roster. (16:43) Patrick Corbin regressed and had a bad outing despite pitching well earlier in the week. The hosts rea...
Game 18: Shuffled Lineup & Ross Bounce Back in Queens
April 25, 2021 05:00 - 43 minutesThe Nats beat the Mets 7-1 as a new look lineup card scored in each of the first five innings. Mark & Al praise Davey Martinez for pushing the right buttons as Josh Harrison and Yadiel Hernandez provided a much needed spark to the offense at the top of the lineup. (14:20) Joe Ross was impressive in victory, vastly improving upon his last outing. What are realistic expectations this season for him in the rotation, can he go past six innings? (26:35) Time for an evaluation of #thelittlethings...
Game 17: deGrom Untouchable in Complete Game Shutout
April 24, 2021 06:00 - 35 minutesThe Nats were held scoreless 6-0 Friday night in New York as Jacob deGrom stole the show. Al & Mark tip their caps to the best pitcher in the game after he struck out 15 and only allowed two hits. (13:02) Free agent additions Josh Bell & Kyle Schwarber are both hitting below. 200. How soon before this changes from early season slump to long-term concern? The hosts then analyze Erick Fedde's outing as he was unscathed through four innings before it fell off the rails in the fifth. (24:08) T...
Game 16: Scherzer & the "A" Bullpen Blank St. Louis
April 22, 2021 04:00 - 36 minutesThe Nats shutout the Cardinals 1-0 behind Max Scherzer & their main trio of relievers. Al & Mark put in perspective the team's record thus far, considering all the obstacles the team has dealt with. They then evaluate Scherzer's performance thus far this season as his ERA is 1.80 through four starts, including back to back scoreless outings. (13:08) Tanner Rainey, Daniel Hudson, and Brad Hand for the 2nd straight game got the final nine outs in a victory. The guys run through their efforts, ...
Game 15: Soto's Shoulder to the IL Before Nats Rally in the 8th
April 21, 2021 06:00 - 35 minutesThe Nationals edged St. Louis 3-2 after an eventful day at the ballpark. Al & Mark set the scene as less than a hour before the game Juan Soto was scratched from the lineup and placed on the 10 day IL due to a left shoulder strain. Once the game began, the Nats fortunes changed as Patrick Corbin bounced back in a big way with 6 shutout innings. Why didn't Corbin stay in the game though to pitch the 7th as he was under 80 pitches? (20:33) Josh Bell hit a solo HR, his first with the franchise....
Game 14: Cards Score 10 on Ross in an Ugly Defeat
April 20, 2021 05:00 - 24 minutesThe Nats were routed 12-5 in a series opener at home against St. Louis as Joe Ross allowed ten runs and four homers in less than five innings. Al & Mark recap yet another poor outing by a Nationals starting pitcher and how the bullpen has been continually been put in bad situations as a result. (11:52) The hosts discuss Josh Bell's slumping start to his Washington career as he is hitting well below the "Mendoza Line". Will he be moved down in the order or will the team be patient with him s...
Game 13: Strasburg Placed on the IL Before a Loss to Arizona
April 19, 2021 01:00 - 42 minutesSunday was not a good day for the Nationals as it began with news that Stephen Strasburg has been placed on the 10 day IL due to right shoulder inflammation. Veteran Paolo Espino then started in Strasburg's place and Washington lost 5-2 to Arizona for a series split. Mark & Al update everything we know so far about Strasburg's injury. (12:27) The circumstances behind Espino's start reminds Mark of the "Miss Iowa" moment from years back at Nationals Park and explains the reference. The guys t...
Game 12: Fedde Impresses & McGowin Overcomes Shaky Defense Behind Him
April 18, 2021 01:00 - 39 minutesThe Nationals have won two straight for the first time this season as they defeated Arizona 6-2. Al & Tim Shovers analyze Erick Fedde's impressive start, that saw him strikeout 9 Diamondbacks, tying a career high. (9:32) The offense was impressive as it tallied 15 hits, including a trio of Nats who had 3 hits apiece. However, Victor Robles did not start as Andrew Stevenson got the nod in CF. Anything to make of that, or just off for a day game? Plus, has the organization fully moved on from ...
Game 11: Schwarber Blast Ends It After Scherzer Dominates
April 17, 2021 06:00 - 28 minutesThe Nationals had their 2nd walk-off win of the season as Kyle Schwarber slugged a mammoth solo homer for 1-0 win over Arizona. This came on the heels of Max Scherzer striking out 10 in 7 innings. Al & Mark focus on the importance of the Nats taking advantage of a fantastic start from Scherzer, the ace passing a historic name on the all-time strikeout list, and the impressive roar from the reduced crowd all night; especially after Schwarber's HR. (19:55) Mark updates Jon Lester's status and...
Game 10: Corbin Gets Shelled Early & Often
April 16, 2021 06:00 - 25 minutesThe Nationals lost the opener of their home stand 11-6 to Arizona, as Patrick Corbin allowed 10 runs in just 2 innings. Al & Mark try and figure out what has been plaguing Corbin in his first two starts to the season, as his ERA is currently above 21. How concerned should fans be about the lefty? (14:00) Victor Robles was replaced mid-game by Andrew Stevenson in CF in the top of the 5th. Was it a benching or just an early use of the double switch? (18:21) The Nats bullpen had a strong even...
Game 9: Ross Shines in the Shutout Win
April 15, 2021 01:00 - 39 minutesThe Nats blanked St. Louis 6-0 on Wednesday afternoon to win their first series of the season. Mark & Al react to Joe Ross' second straight scoreless outing. What are realistic expectations for Ross in 2021? What do we need to see to no longer think of him as the 5th starter? (12:55) Josh Harrison had 6 hits in St. Louis after missing the first 6 games of the season due to COVID protocol. The guys look at how the organization has a crafty knack for finding veterans that have been passed on ...
Game 8: Strasburg Struggles in St. Louis
April 14, 2021 07:00 - 30 minutesThe Nats were routed 14-3 by the Cardinals Tuesday evening as Stephen Strasburg had one of his worst career starts, allowing 8 runs in 4+ innings. Al & Mark run through Strasburg's outing and the camera controversy in the tunnel that dominated the postgame conversation. Anything physically wrong with Strasburg or was it just poor mechanics? (13:37) The 5th inning was a nightmare for Washington reliever Luis Avilan and the guys recap the 9 run frame for the Cardinals. On the bright side, the ...
Game 7: New Lineup Ends the Skid
April 13, 2021 07:00 - 32 minutesThe Nationals topped St. Louis 5-2 as Josh Bell, Kyle Schwarber, and Josh Harrison returned to the field and added a much needed punch to the struggling offense. Mark & Al go through what we finally saw from the intended Opening Day lineup and the positive trickle down effect to pinch hitting options. (13:16) A breakdown of Nats pitching on Monday night, starting with Erick Fedde who was much more effective than his last outing. Did we also just see what Davey Martinez's preferred late innin...
Game 6: Kershaw & Co. Extend the Offensive Woes
April 12, 2021 04:00 - 29 minutesThe Nationals were swept over the weekend in L.A., and were shutout in the series finale 3-0 for a fifth consecutive defeat. Clayton Kershaw blanked the struggling offense, despite a strong outing by Max Scherzer. Al & Mark shine a spotlight on how Washington has been held scoreless 3 times in their first week, and discuss how much of it is related to them being shorthanded. Just how much bad luck has the franchise been dealt so far in the young season? (13:17) Scherzer was impressive and d...
Game 5: Corbin Hit Hard in a 4th Straight Loss
April 11, 2021 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBThe Nationals fell 9-5 at the Dodgers as Patrick Corbin's season debut did not make it a full 5 innings. Al & Mark dig into his start and wonder how much cause for concern there should be due to the decreased velocity on his fastball. Is it rust or a continuation from his last season? (15:30) L.A. swelled their lead in the 7th on a liner that got past a diving Andrew Stevenson in LF. Should Stevenson have left his feet or approached it differently with the bases loaded? They then focus t...
Game 5: Corbin Hit Hard in 4th Straight Loss
April 11, 2021 08:00 - 36 minutesThe Nationals fell 9-5 at the Dodgers as Patrick Corbin's season debut did not make it a full 5 innings. Al & Mark dig into his start and wonder how much cause for concern there should be due to the decreased velocity on his fastball. Is it rust or a continuation from his last season? (15:30) L.A. swelled their lead in the 7th on a liner that got past a diving Andrew Stevenson in the outfield. Should Stevenson have left his feet or approached it differently with the bases loaded? They then f...
Game 4: Shutout in L.A.
April 10, 2021 04:00 - 38 minutesThe Nationals were blanked 1-0 by the Dodgers in their first road game of the season. It was Washington's first time back in L.A. since the 2019 NLDS, and ironically the pregame festivities were marked by the Dodgers receiving their 2020 World Series rings with the Nats (and fans) there to watch. Mark & Al look at Victor Robles' crucial base-running miscue in the 8th with Trea Turner in the batter's box, and the extent to which it cost the team. While chatting on stolen base attempts, an exa...
Game 3: Strasburg Gem Wasted
April 08, 2021 04:00 - 22 minutesThe Nationals were shutout 2-0 by Atlanta to lose both games of the Wednesday doubleheader. Mark & Al look at how the shorthanded lineup was unable to give Stephen Strasburg any help, despite his dominant day on the mound. Should Ryan Zimmerman have started both games to provide an offensive lift? (15:18) The guys close the episode by previewing the weekend series in Los Angeles and what to expect rotation-wise. Will any of the players that have been held out due to the virus return to the f...
Game 2: Fedde Gets Hammered
April 08, 2021 02:00 - 24 minutesThe Nationals dropped the opener of their Wednesday doubleheader vs. Atlanta 7-6, as starting pitcher Erick Fedde was pulled in the 2nd inning. What led to the decision to hold Joe Ross until Friday night? Al & Mark give their stances on the 7 inning doubleheaders that were introduced last season before looking at what went wrong for Washington, despite getting to Max Fried in the bottom of the 1st. (11:52) They discuss the solid performance by the bullpen, headlined by southpaw Sam Clay, m...
Game 1: Soto Walks-off Atlanta
April 07, 2021 04:00 - 36 minutesThe Nats opened their 2021 season with a 6-5 victory over the Braves, capped by a Juan Soto walk-off hit. Al & Mark recap the very busy Opening Day in D.C., which included fans in the stands for the first time since Game 5 of the 2019 World Series. Mark gives a firsthand account of what the 5k attendance felt like, and the role they played in the rally. The guys also praise the contributions from a slew of Nationals not originally expected to be on the Big League roster. (17:31) A look at M...
Opening Day Delayed + Dr. Fauci Interview
April 02, 2021 04:00 - 39 minutesMark & Al break down the team’s postponement of Opening Day, why it happened, and when they expect the Nats to finally take the field in 2021. (21:41) For an update on the latest phase of the pandemic, the guys turn to expert (and Nats fan) Dr. Anthony Fauci, NIAID Director. He shares when fans might be able to return in larger numbers, when he started rooting for the Nationals, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Season Preview: Kieboom Sent Down
March 29, 2021 04:00 - 46 minutesIn our final installment of Spring Training episodes, Al & Mark react to the news that Carter Kieboom will not begin the season on the Opening Day Roster. What happens at 2B as Starlin Castro moves over to 3B? They explain what the chances are of Kieboom getting called back up in the near future. (16:47) The guys look at the rest of the roster with updates on pitchers Stephen Strasburg, Jon Lester, and Will Harris' injury. How is the early season rotation plan shaping up? Plus, how the 1B opt...
Castro Instead of Kieboom at 3B?
March 24, 2021 04:00 - 41 minutesOn Tuesday, Starlin Castro got the start at 3B. Will he be at the Hot Corner on Opening Day instead of the struggling Carter Kieboom? (16:45) Mark & Al explain the significance of the Washington Post report that Erick Fedde no longer has minor league options. Will the team now have to decide between keeping him or Austin Voth? (24:48) Juan Soto and Trea Turner have not been slugging this Spring. The guys wonder if this is any cause for concern for the Nationals fans. (28:55) Finally, this wee...
Interview with Max Scherzer, Opening Day Starter
March 22, 2021 04:00 - 49 minutesAl & Mark are joined by three-time Cy Young Winner Max Scherzer to discuss fans returning to the stadium, how long he might pitch for, the future of the DH, and looming labor talks in the sport (23:51). The show leads off with news that Manager Davey Martinez named Scherzer his Opening Day starter where he will face the Mets Jacob deGrom (just like 2019). (14:53) The bullpen situation is murkier with the news that Will Harris has a blood clot in his throwing arm right as Tanner Rainey makes h...
Should the Nats Have Been More Aggressive in Free Agency?
March 18, 2021 04:00 - 35 minutesAl & Mark lead off with all you need to know regarding the top 4 starters and how the rotation is shaping up for the start of the season. Plus, as the focus on Carter Kieboom's Spring increases, Mark updates whether or not Luis Garcia will be playing in the Big Leagues this year. (9:20) Al asks if the Nats should have been more aggressive in Free Agency this offseason. Would George Springer have made financial sense? What sort of budget was GM Mike Rizzo working with? (17:44) Washington D.C...
Strasburg Leaves Start Early
March 15, 2021 04:00 - 47 minutesOn Sunday, Stephen Strasburg left the mound early with a calf strain and is day to day. With just a few weeks left until Opening Day, Al & Mark dissect what this means for Strasburg and the rotation as a whole. (19:22) With Victor Robles' encouraging Spring at the plate, do the guys feel good about him as the 2021 leadoff hitter? And as Carter Kieboom struggles, what are the 3B options for the Nats as the season nears? (31:45) The Nationals are the only MLB team that don't know whether or no...
Will Soto or Turner sign an extension?
March 11, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutesStarting off with a lot of rotation updates. Stephen Strasburg made his 2021 debut after barely pitching in 2020, Max Scherzer dominates the Cardinals, the 5th starter situation starts to crystallize, and a clarification on Jon Lester's surgery. (18:15) Mark & Al discuss the likelihood of stars Juan Soto and Trea Turner signing long-term extensions before becoming free agents. How will the Fernando Tatis Jr. deal affect their decisions? (28:20) DC Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke this week about the...