The Nats won 2-1 in New York to open a three game series. Mark & Al have plenty of praise to heap on the five pitchers who took the mound for Washington and they begin with closer Kyle Finnegan. (10:27) Paolo Espino struck out seven, singled, scored a run, and earned the win while pitching five innings. Why does he seem to have so much success against the Mets? Should he have come back out to pitch the sixth? (19:43) The Nationals struggled at the plate as they struck out seventeen times. Wh...
Aug 28, 2021•37 min•Ep. 137
The Nats lost 7-5 in Miami as Patrick Corbin only lasted three innings. Mark & Al dissect the latest with the southpaw, who took a major step back after pitching so well in Milwaukee last weekend. What are the Nats options on what to do with Corbin? Could they send him down to AAA for a few outings? (16:12) Patrick Murphy struck out a pair in his Nationals debut. Hear what Mark thought of his "stuff". (20:01) Juan Soto drew his 100th walk of the season and crushed a 2 run HR. Listen to how i...
Aug 27, 2021•42 min•Ep. 136
The Nats lost 4-3 in Miami in ten innings despite briefly holding the lead in the 7th. Mark & Al recap the stud pitching match-up between Josiah Gray & Edward Cabrera, both of which are top 100 prospects per MLB Pipeline. Gray was solid yet again for Washington, as he has been so far in all five starts since the trade. (10:33) Keibert Ruiz has hit four homers in his past two games for AAA Rochester. Will the promotion of Cade Cavalli to Rochester delay Ruiz getting called up to Washingto...
Aug 26, 2021•45 min•Ep. 135
The Nats beat the Marlins 5-1 as Erick Fedde struck out a career high ten batters. Al & Mark evaluate Fedde's big evening and find out how Sam Clay of all people played a big role in the successful start. Should we be excited about the outing or affix an asterisk to it because it was against last place Miami? (10:31) The bullpen saw a flurry of roster moves including Patrick Murphy & Clay being called up and Gabe Klobosits being sent down to AAA Rochester. Hear what there is too look for...
Aug 25, 2021•46 min•Ep. 134
The Nats lost 7-3 in Milwaukee in another game that had a glacial pace of play. Mark & Al continue to praise Lane Thomas as he had another impressive game while patrolling CF and hitting leadoff. Carter Kieboom also had a solid Sunday, including on the defensive end. (19:30) Sean Nolin and the bullpen tied a franchise record by issuing 11 walks as the pitching was very difficult to watch this weekend. Austin Voth returned to pitch a scoreless frame, where does he fit into the new bullpen hie...
Aug 23, 2021•42 min•Ep. 133
The Nationals lost 9-6 in Milwaukee to halt the three game win streak. Al laments how the game took four hours and eighteen minutes. What can be done to avoid interminable games like this one? (5:20) Lane Thomas was given a prominent role in the lineup card as the leadoff hitter in CF. He backed up the assignment by impressing with his bat, speed, and arm. A few other young guys made contributions as well on Saturday. (14:57) The bullpen had two disastrous innings in the 5th & the 8th. Al ex...
Aug 22, 2021•40 min•Ep. 132
The Nats won 4-1 in Milwaukee for their third consecutive victory. Al & Mark finally have an opportunity to praise Patrick Corbin, who was fantastic against the first place Brewers. How did the Nationals possibly "fix his glitch"? (10:24) The bullpen had a good evening from three different relievers. Is it OK to start feeling good about this young 'pen? (16:28) Many young guys stepped up Friday night including Riley Adams and Lane Thomas, who combined for 3 RBIs. It was Adams' fourth straigh...
Aug 21, 2021•41 min•Ep. 131
The Nats topped the Blue Jays 8-5 to complete the two game sweep. Al & Mark assess Josiah Gray's solid outing that lasted six innings. The only blemish on Gray's resume so far has been giving up solo HRs, of which he allowed two more on Wednesday. Gray did more than just pitch well as he had his first career hit and also made a nice play on a bunt attempt that led to a double play. (9:29) The bullpen for the most part had a good game except for Ryne Harper who very quickly gave up the lead, ...
Aug 19, 2021•47 min•Ep. 130
The Nationals snapped their seven game losing streak with a 12-6 victory over Toronto. Mark & Al look Riley Adams who dominated his former organization with three hits, including a HR. As Adams has shown promise at the plate, it provides an opportunity to handicap what the catcher situation is between Adams, Barrera, and Keibert Ruiz. (8:57) Yadiel Hernandez homered to open the scoring. Where might he fit in for the Nats in 2022? (17:17) Luis Garcia made an excellent play in the field, but a...
Aug 18, 2021•54 min•Ep. 129
The Nats lost 6-5 to Atlanta for a seventh straight defeat, but the main story Sunday stemmed from pregame. Mark & Al react to the news that Joe Ross is back on the IL due to a partial UCL tear in his elbow, which could possibly lead to another Tommy John Surgery. What might this mean for the team's rotation and also the future of Ross' career? (16:54) The Nationals were more competitive than Saturday's rout, but still came up just short. There were some bright spots, including Carter Kieboo...
Aug 16, 2021•47 min•Ep. 128
The Nationals were pulverized 12-2 by Atlanta as Patrick Corbin's ERA is now a Major League worst 6.04 among qualifying starters. Al & Mark look at the flurry of losing in the past month and a half and wonder if 100 losses this season is now in play as they are now tied for last place in the division. (7:48) Patrick Corbin had another poor outing and is on his way to having the worst season any Nationals starter has ever had. What is the solution since his contract has three years remaining?...
Aug 15, 2021•42 min•Ep. 127
The Nats lost 4-2 to the Braves in a game that started three hours later than originally scheduled. Mark & Tim breakdown Josiah Gray's outing that was fantastic early on, but was sullied by a flurry of solo HRs that put Atlanta on top. Should he have been sent back out for the 7th inning? (11:10) The offense squandered many opportunities Friday night as they came up empty three times when they had two men on/ no outs. Josh Bell also was easily thrown out at home on a questionable send by Bob...
Aug 14, 2021•28 min•Ep. 126
The Nats lost both games of their doubleheader to the Mets. Al opens with putting into perspective just how much the Nationals have struggled in the past month and a half. They entered July 2 games over .500 and now are 15 games below that threshold. (6:00) He then dives into the state of the bullpen, which has no anchor to it. Kyle Finnegan gave up the game sealing HR to Pete Alonso and Tanner Rainey also struggled in his brief return to the majors. Plus, an up and down outing for Erick Fedde, ...
Aug 13, 2021•27 min•Ep. 125
The Nationals lost 8-7 to the Mets in a game that began on Tuesday night and ended Wednesday afternoon. Mark & Al respond to the only game played as the evening portion of the quasi doubleheader was rained out and instead we will have a true doubleheader on Thursday. (5:48) Juan Soto returned to the starting lineup from his knee issue and had three hits, including a first inning HR. The hosts point out just how solid of a season he is actually having at the plate, which might catch many Nats...
Aug 12, 2021•42 min•Ep. 124
The Nats game was suspended by rain in the 2nd inning in New York as they lead 3-1 over the Mets. Given the rainout, we decided to bring you a special edition featuring an interview with the incomparable Jim Callis of MLB.com and MLB Pipeline. Jim knows more than anyone when it comes to prospects, so no better person to hear from about Keibert Ruiz, Josiah Gray, Cade Cavalli, Brady House, and more. We even have a Kumar Rocker mention by Jim. The Nationals game will resume at 4:10PM on Wednesday,...
Aug 11, 2021•30 min•Ep. 123
The Nats lost 5-4 in Atlanta as Patrick Corbin gave up two more homers in defeat. Mark & Al react to another disappointing outing for Corbin as he flirts with an ERA of six this season. The hosts then respond to Ryan Zimmerman's postgame comments as to why he thinks the lefty hasn't been the same pitcher since October of 2019. (15:38) Juan Soto was again limited to pinch hitting, which led to Josh Bell patrolling RF on Sunday. Will Bell continue to periodically play in the outfield since Zim...
Aug 09, 2021•38 min•Ep. 122
The Nats rallied in Atlanta for a 3-2 victory to end their five game losing streak. Al & Mark react to the ninth inning where new acquisition Riley Adams hit a go ahead 2 run homer off of Braves closer Will Smith. (7:27) Josiah Gray was terrific on the mound as he had 10 Ks in 5 IP. How excited should Nationals fans be after an outing like this? Should Gray have stayed in the game to pitch the 6th? (19:12) Juan Soto did not start for a second straight game, but did pinch hit in the 6th. When...
Aug 08, 2021•38 min•Ep. 121
The Nats lost their fifth straight as the Braves beat them 8-4 in Atlanta. Mark & Al discuss the decision to rest Juan Soto as he tweaked his knee on Thursday. How cautious will Washington be before he returns? (8:35) Carter Kieboom had another RBI and has nine hits already in August. How encouraged should Nationals fan be? (19:29) Erick Fedde could not maintain a 5th inning lead and his evening was cut short after allowing five runs. Which is the real Fedde? The pitcher from earlier this se...
Aug 07, 2021•46 min•Ep. 120
The Nationals blew yet another late lead to fall 7-6 to the Phillies, resulting in a four game sweep. Al opens the with Kyle Finnegan's blown save, which puts the team at a season low eleven games under .500. He then quickly transitions into Carter Kieboom who had a very up and down game. Kieboom had multiple hits to keep his average above .300, but had a crucial error in the 9th which led to all four Philadelphia runs counting as unearned. (10:04) It was a wacky game and the Nats made multiple ...
Aug 06, 2021•38 min•Ep. 119
The Nationals lost 9-5 to the Phillies despite hitting four homers. Al & Mark focus on the young starters who cleared the fences, especially Luis Garcia who had a pair of dingers. What is his offensive ceiling? (11:11) Juan Soto has cooled off recently and has reverted to hitting a lot of ground balls. Did the fire sale affected his day to day approach at the plate? (18:55) Paolo Espino had his worst outing of the season as he allowed six runs in five innings and could not hang onto an early...
Aug 05, 2021•41 min•Ep. 118
The Nats lost 5-4 to the Phillies and Zack Wheeler. Mark & Al analyze Patrick Corbin's start which was very good until he allowed a pair of 7th inning HRs. He has now given up 25 home runs this season in just 21 starts. (9:34) Wander Suero was sent down to AAA as Javy Guerra took his roster spot. Additionally, Ryne Harper pitched a solid 9th inning as many fans have been howling for him to be given high leverage opportunities. (21:20) Riley Adams was called up less than a week after being ac...
Aug 04, 2021•43 min•Ep. 117
The Nats lost 7-5 (or was it 6-5?) to the Phillies after allowing five runs in the top of the 9th. Al & Mark evaluate Josiah "JoJo" Gray's first start as a National as he only allowed one run in five innings. (9:56) Mason Thompson also made his franchise debut, a relief pitcher acquired from San Diego as part of the Daniel Hudson deal, had a crucial strikeout to strand the bases loaded in the 6th. (12:33) The bullpen conversation turns negative as Washington coughed up the lead. Why was Wand...
Aug 03, 2021•35 min•Ep. 116
The Nats walked off the Cubs 6-5 to win the series. Mark & Al react to the unexpected HR Derby that took place between Yadiel Hernandez and Chicago's Rafael Ortega. Hernandez went deep twice, including the game winner in the bottom of the 9th, while occupying the cleanup spot. (10:18) A dissection of various decisions stemming from Sunday's lineup card. Will Keibert Ruiz replace Rene Rivera on the roster later this month behind the plate? Will Luis Garcia split time at 2B/SS? Where does Alci...
Aug 02, 2021•42 min•Ep. 115
The Nats lost 6-3 to the Cubs to end what was likely the worst month in franchise history. Mark & Al put a bow on July 2021 and spin it forward. They analyze Victor Robles returning to the leadoff spot, which he briefly held back in April. (11:28) Luis Garcia started at shortstop Saturday night as Alcides Escobar had the night off. Could he be the long-term answer there or will he likely be at 2B? Where does recent draft pick Brady House fit into the equation? Carter Kieboom made another err...
Aug 01, 2021•43 min•Ep. 114
The Nats edged the Cubs 4-3 after a dizzying two day stretch that saw eight players traded away. Al & Mark digest what the deadline moves mean for the organization moving forward and analyze the remarkable Jon Lester trade. They also point out just how different the farm system is now regarded after acquiring a dozen prospects. (13:46) Reaction to Friday night's starting lineup that looks a lot different after all the moves. Should Victor Robles return to the leadoff spot as opposed to Andre...
Jul 31, 2021•44 min•Ep. 113
The Nationals split their doubleheader in Philadelphia, but the main news postgame was the blockbuster trade that sent Max Scherzer & Trea Turner to the Dodgers. Mark & Al analyze the mega move by Washington and assess what they think of the move. Why was Turner dealt instead of locking him up to a long-term contract? Did they get enough in return from LA? (12:15) Kiebert Ruiz (catcher) and Josiah Gray (pitcher) are the top rated prospects in the Dodgers system. When will they be contrib...
Jul 30, 2021•46 min•Ep. 112
The Nationals beat the Phillies 6-4, but Tuesday was filled with bad news for the organization. Al & Mark react to the announcement that Stephen Strasburg will have season ending surgery. For those not familiar with the procedure, they explain what TOS typically means for pitchers and the long-term ramifications. (15:15) Trea Turner was pulled from the game in the 1st inning due to a positive COVID-19 test. We hope that he is feeling ok, but also wonder what does this mean for his potential ...
Jul 28, 2021•43 min•Ep. 111
The Nationals coughed up a late lead and fell 6-5 in Philadelphia on a walk-off 3 run HR by Andrew McCutchen off of closer Brad Hand. Mark & Al put in perspective what this means for Hand's value on the trade market in addition to the "kick in the teeth" type loss they were dealt. (4:01) Twitter was filled with reports that the Nats are listening to trade offers for Trea Turner, who is a Free Agent after 2022. Should Washington consider dealing away their All Star Shortstop? (15:37) Max Sche...
Jul 27, 2021•40 min•Ep. 110
The Nationals were swept in Baltimore as they lost 5-4 on Sunday afternoon. Mark & Al recap the gut punching defeat and try to understand how they could have lost four games in a row to last place teams. What should we expect this week from the front office as Friday's Trade Deadline looms? (15:15) Washington entered the bottom of the ninth with a one run lead, but Brad Hand immediately put the leadoff hitter on base. Should Hand and Daniel Hudson flip roles? (20:20) Paolo Espino was in line...
Jul 26, 2021•31 min•Ep. 109
The Nationals lost 5-3 in Baltimore for a third consecutive defeat. Al & Mark start with the troubled state of team as they are limping into the trade deadline. Should they sell and if so, who should they sell off? (12:37) Max Scherzer was scratched from his scheduled start due to triceps discomfort. Did any of this have to do with the impending trade deadline? (22:05) Matt Harvey pitched like the New York form of himself, not the current one. Which version of the Nats offense will we see fo...
Jul 25, 2021•39 min•Ep. 108
