The Nats lost 6-3 at the Cubs for their sixth consecutive defeat. Al begins by pointing out to Mark (Live from Wrigley Field) that a bright spot emerged on Monday in the new prospects rankings by Baseball America. Washington has five of the top 55 prospects, with four ranked ahead of Cade Cavalli (C.J. Abrams the highest at #11). (07:30) An emailer asks if Cade Cavalli remaining in AAA has anything to do with MLB service time stipulations. Is it more baseball reasons or service time reasons? (12...
Aug 09, 2022•35 min•Ep. 287
The Nats were crushed 13-1 in Philadelphia that capped a four game sweep by the home team. Al & Tim try to make sense of the miserable weekend, which was low lighted by noncompetitive starting pitching. Cory Abbott on Sunday allowed four homers and seven runs in fewer than four frames; while issuing five walks. (20:10) Luis Garcia committed an egregious throwing error in the 8th inning on Sunday. C.J. Abrams spent the weekend at SS for Rochester, which begs the question of when will Abrams g...
Aug 08, 2022•37 min•Ep. 286
The Nats lost 11-5 in Philadelphia as Patrick Corbin yet again didn't even record three outs. Al tries to figure out what the next move is as his ERA is above 7.00 and Davey Martinez's tone after the game indicated there might be a change in his role. Corbin is 4-16 on the season and is flirting with being the first pitcher to lose 20 games in a year since Detroit's Mike Maroth dubiously accomplished this in 2003. (20:45) It basically became another bullpen game for Washington and Jordan Weems h...
Aug 07, 2022•32 min•Ep. 285
The Nationals lost 7-2 in Philadelphia as Josiah Gray allowed four homers in just four innings pitched. Al & Mark dive into Gray's continued struggles, that include a healthy edge across Baseball for most homers given up this season (28). Why the refusal to throw his change-up? (19:01) Kyle Gibson took a Perfect Game into the 7th until Victor Robles broke it up w/ a HBP. Robles had another adventurous evening as he misplayed fly ball in the first became a J.T. Realmuto triple. (25:07) Josh R...
Aug 06, 2022•40 min•Ep. 284
The Nats lost 5-4 in a rain shortened affair (4.5 innings) at the Phillies as Paolo Espino remains winless on the season. Al & Mark evaluate Luke Voit's franchise debut that included a RBI single and a run scored. What exactly were the circumstances that led to him coming to Washington as opposed to Eric Hosmer? (13:42) MacKenzie Gore, one of the players acquired from San Diego, joined the team in Philadelphia on Thursday. Mark gives the latest as his injury timetable as he has elbow inflamm...
Aug 05, 2022•41 min•Ep. 283
The Nats lost 9-5 to the Mets in the series rubber match on Wednesday afternoon. Mark & Al start by digesting the fact that Juan Soto is playing Baseball for another team on the other side of the country. The franchise has lost many stars in the past few years, but this one feels different in a more profound way. (10:03) Luke Voit will join the team on Thursday in Philadelphia and will likely be at 1B and in the heart of the order. He will take the roster spot of Alcides Escobar, who has bee...
Aug 04, 2022•31 min•Ep. 282
The Nationals unexpectedly beat the Mets 5-1, but the headline of Tuesday is that Juan Soto is no longer in D.C. Al & Mark react to the blockbuster trade that shipped Soto & Josh Bell to San Diego in exchange for a horde of prospects. What to make of this monumental day as Soto has officially been traded? Why did the team feel that it had to do this? (16:43) The Nats received six players in return and the hosts run through their credentials. C.J. Abrams is a shortstop and is expected to ...
Aug 03, 2022•46 min•Ep. 281
The Nats lost 7-3 to the Mets in what **might** be the final game in which Juan Soto sported the "Curly W". Al & Mark marvel at Soto's performance on Monday night as he crushed a HR off of Max Scherzer, walked three times, stole a base, and threw a runner out at home. They give their updated thoughts on Soto's situation as we are under 24 hours until the 6pm Eastern Trade Deadline on Tuesday August 2nd. (17:45) Josh Bell doubled in what will likely be his final game as a National and his ave...
Aug 02, 2022•38 min•Ep. 280
The Nats fittingly ended a terrible month by being shutout by St. Louis in the series rubber match. Al & Mark begin with with what else..... Juan Soto trade talk. How does his looming situation affect Mike Rizzo's overall game plan this week before Tuesday's deadline. (12:01) Josiah Gray did not pitch very well on Sunday and allowed his MLB high 24th homer of the season. Gray only lasted five frames, but did strikeout six Cardinals. (21:24) Luis Garcia committed another throwing error on a r...
Aug 01, 2022•35 min•Ep. 279
The Nats rallied to beat the Cardinals 7-5 in front of a crowd of over 34K on national TV. Mark & Al recap the victory that saw Josh Bell with a crucial late HR that gave Washington a lead they would not relinquish; in what will very likely be one of his final games with the organization. (08:30) Victor Robles had an eventful evening as he homered, made a webgem, had a poor throwing decision, and left the game early due to cramps. Robles has four homers on the season, three of which have com...
Jul 31, 2022•54 min•Ep. 278
The Nats lost 6-2 to the Cardinals to open up a six game home stand. Mark & Al begin with the latest in the Juan Soto trade rumors as the deadline approaches (6pm Eastern on Tuesday August 2nd). Al asks Mark why ownership is acting like their is such urgency in the Soto situation? (18:30) Anibal Sanchez faced St. Louis for the first time since Game 1 of the 2019 NLCS and the results were a bit different this time. He was one out away from a quality start, but back to back HRs to sullied his ...
Jul 30, 2022•43 min•Ep. 277
The Nationals hopes of bringing out the broom in Los Angeles didn't even last an inning as Patrick Corbin allowed six runs in the opening frame in a 7-1 loss. Mark (Live from Dodger Stadium) & Al yet again have to rehash a blow-up start by Corbin, who has given up at least six runs in a start a whopping fourteen times in the past two seasons. (09:03) GM Mike Rizzo addressed the Juan Soto trade rumors while on his weekly visit with "The Sports Junkies" on "106.7 The Fan". He was asked about i...
Jul 28, 2022•33 min•Ep. 276
The Nats have won three in a row after rallying in Dodger Stadium for a 8-3 victory. Al & Mark (Live from LA) praise Luis Garcia's big evening as he connected on the go- ahead two run HR in the 8th evening that sent the sold out crowd headed for the exits. Can you believe the Nationals might sweep the mighty Dodgers on the road? (07:26) Nelson Cruz came off the bench and in his 2nd at bat he effectively ended the game with a 2 run double to give Washington a four run edge. Cruz has really st...
Jul 27, 2022•30 min•Ep. 275
The Nats beat the Dodgers 4-1 for their second consecutive win on the road trip. Mark (Live from LA) and Al discuss the bullpen's excellent performance as they combined for five scoreless frames. Paolo Espino pitched well, but only lasted 54 pitches before being removed by Davey Martinez. Which members of the bullpen might be traded before next week's deadline? (15:12) Juan Soto was the center of attention as the Los Angeles media descended upon him during pregame. He responded with two hits and...
Jul 26, 2022•36 min•Ep. 274
The Nats rallied in Arizona 4-3 to avoid being swept. Mark (Live from Phoenix) and Al discuss the sloppy win, but with Victor Robles as the story line from Saturday extended into Sunday as Robles donned a red clown nose in the dugout. What did his Skipper have to say about the antic? (09:53) Keibert Ruiz was all over the box score as he came through with three hits, including the game winner in the 8th inning. He however was tagged out at third base on a botched bunt attempt during a crucial mom...
Jul 25, 2022•38 min•Ep. 273
The Nats fell in Arizona 7-2 as Madison Bumgarner was too much for the last place Nationals. Mark (Live from Chase Field) & Al focus on the curious comments that Bumgarner said postgame as he referred to Victor Robles as a "clown". Is Bumgarner out of line with what he had to say about how Robles responded to going deep in the 8th? (17:10) Juan Soto's streak of reaching base in 27 consecutive games came to a screeching halt as we was 0 for 4, w/ a trio of Ks. The hosts then catch you up on t...
Jul 24, 2022•38 min•Ep. 272
The Nats returned from the All Star Break with a hapless 10-1 defeat in Arizona. Mark (Live from Phoenix) & Al begin by catching everyone up from the Juan Soto scuttlebutt as his future was the main storyline while the Baseball world gathered in Los Angeles. Even his flight from D.C. to L.A. drew headlines that lingered all week. Have the chances of him being dealt increased because of this? (22:03) The offense had another poor evening as they were being no hit until the 6th inning and ultim...
Jul 23, 2022•39 min•Ep. 271
The Nats head into the All Star Break on a positive note as they beat the Braves 7-3 in a bullpen game to end a nine game losing streak. Al & Mark discuss the much needed victory, coming off a rough Saturday for Nationals fans due to the Juan Soto contractual news. Soto crushed his 20th HR of the season; as he will head into the Home Run Derby on a power surge. (13:06) Victor Robles hit his second HR of the season and it his first dinger since May 28th. Josh Bell continued his hot weekend (9...
Jul 18, 2022•42 min•Ep. 270
The Nats lost 6-3 to the Braves, but that was not the main news Saturday from South Capitol Street. Mark & Al respond to the pregame news from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal that Juan Soto turned down a 15 year/ $440 Million contract extension offer and therefore the Nationals would be open to trading Soto. Will Soto still be in Washington after this year's trade deadline? (14:02) A deep dive into the contract particulars and each side's perspective as ownership's future is uncertain. Hear why...
Jul 17, 2022•36 min•Ep. 269
The losing streak is now at eight games as the Nats were doubled up the Braves 8-4. Al & Mark recap yet another defeat as for the first time ever they have lost fourteen out of their last fifteen games. Patrick Corbin was dealt the "L" as the Nationals have lost the last nine times he has faced Atlanta. The bottom of the 9th did have some entertaining elements though as Washington scored three runs, brought up the tying run to the plate, and Juan Soto was able to show up Braves closer Will S...
Jul 16, 2022•43 min•Ep. 268
The losing streak extended to seven as the Nats lost 5-4 to visiting Atlanta. Mark & Al discuss the continued pattern of the offense not coming through in the clutch as Josh Bell struck out with the tying run on base in the bottom of the 9th. The team has only one victory so far this month as reach this midpoint of July. Juan Soto moved his hitting streak to sixteen games, but was on the on-deck circle during the final out. (17:45) Anibal Sanchez made his first Big league start since 2020 an...
Jul 15, 2022•42 min•Ep. 267
The Nats were swept in Wednesday's doubleheader by Seattle (5-1, 2-1) as the only runs scored came via Juan Soto Solo HRs. Mark & Al begin with the news that Tanner Rainey has been placed on the 60 day IL with a UCL sprain. Will he need Tommy John surgery? The positive side of this though is that Tyler Clippard finally has been called up to the Majors. (13:53) Josiah Gray had a rough outing in Game 1 as he allowed a trio of homers in five innings and continued his pattern of struggling in th...
Jul 14, 2022•37 min•Ep. 266
The Nats lost 4-3 in 12 innings as they were swept by the Braves on a walk-off hit by Austin Riley. Al however begins with the postgame news that Juan Soto was named an All Star and as of right now, Josh Bell is not headed to L.A. He explains why despite the stats, he is in fully in favor of Soto heading to the Midsummer Classic for the 2nd straight season. (07:01) The Nationals inexplicably were unable to score in all three extra innings despite having an ghost runner at 2B each time. Lane Thom...
Jul 11, 2022•30 min•Ep. 265
The Nats came up short in Atlanta 4-3 on Saturday afternoon. Al hosts solo and lays out the hot streak that Juan Soto is on as he has reached base in 19 consecutive games and has homered in both games this series. Might he be continuing his pattern of catching fire in the second half of the season? The Nationals homered twice and Al illustrates how unusual of an occurrence that is this season. (10:10) Cesar Hernandez only has one hit in July, but has remained in the lead-off spot. Should Luis Ga...
Jul 10, 2022•31 min•Ep. 264
The Nats were slaughtered 12-2 in Atlanta as Erick Fedde allowed eight runs in only three innings of work. Al & Mark recap Fedde's rough outing that brought his ERA up to 5.01 and how wide the chasm is between Washington and the Braves. (17:04) Juan Soto slugged his 16th HR of the season on an evening where he reached base three times. Hear why Mark likes what he sees lately from Soto at the plate. (26:05) We address a listener submitted question regarding the managerial style and skills of ...
Jul 09, 2022•41 min•Ep. 263
The Nats lost 5-3 in Philadelphia in the series rubber match. Al & Mark (Live from Philly) discuss Juan Soto misplaying a fly ball in the 3rd at the warning track, and the curiously dueling postgame explanations that ensued from Davey Martinez and Soto himself. Speaking of dueling, hear Mark try to make a point on the Phillies bullpen while the Citizen's Bank Park fire alarm blares briefly in the background. (14:40) Luis Garcia mysteriously left the game early and the explanation afterwards ...
Jul 08, 2022•36 min•Ep. 262
The Nats ended their six game skid by topping Philadelphia 3-2 on the road. Mark (Live from Philly) & Al have plenty of praise for the pitching staff as Josiah Gray set a career high with 11 strikeouts in what might have been his best outing yet. The "A" bullpen came up big as well, including Tanner Rainey who notched the save. (15:03) Juan Soto and his calf returned to the starting lineup after being on the bench the past few games. It is nice to have him back, but why is he bunting in the ...
Jul 07, 2022•37 min•Ep. 261
The Nats were crushed 11-0 in Philadelphia as Paolo Espino couldn't last four innings. Mark (Live from Philly) & Al have no choice but to begin with how badly the team played on Tuesday as they have now dropped six games in a row. (07:05) The offense came up empty and in the past few days are displaying a troubling trend as they have not scored a run in the opening six innings for three straight days. The discussion then leads to the top offensive propsects in the farm system. (13:30) Paolo ...
Jul 06, 2022•31 min•Ep. 260
The Nats perplexing inability to beat Miami continued on Monday as they lost 3-2 in extras on July 4th. Al & Mark note how the Nationals are 1-12 this year vs. the Marlins among other troubling trends. Tanner Rainey again gave up a late crucial HR, this one being a 2 run shot to break the tie in the top of the 10th. (12:54) Patrick Corbin had another strong start as he lasted seven frames and only allowed one run. Are we allowed to get excited after how the past the two outings have gone? (1...
Jul 04, 2022•32 min•Ep. 259
The Nats continue to be tormented by the Marlins as they fell 7-4 in extras. Mark & Al recap a hectic final few innings that saw the lead change hands multiple times in the final few innings. Tanner Rainey was one pitch away from the save, but instead his struggles continued as he gave up a lead changing 2 run HR. Is the 9th inning not for him? (16:20) The narrative of this game changed shape many times as Washington was being no hit by Pablo Lopez until Josh Bell got a hit in the 7th inning...
Jul 04, 2022•40 min•Ep. 258
