The Nationals defeated Atlanta 4-1 on Sunday afternoon for their first victory of 2023. Mark & Al examine MacKenzie Gore's solid 1st outing in Washington as he struck out six and allowed only one run in just over five frames. This was his first start since late July last year while still with the Padres. (14:20) The offense struggled again, but did come through with four runs in the opening inning. No homers have yet been hit this season and they only have two hits with runners in scoring po...
Apr 03, 2023•42 min•Ep. 347
The Nats lost 7-1 on Saturday afternoon to visiting Atlanta as the Braves went "Back to Back" right off the bat against Josiah Gray. Al & Mark wonder why the right hander's struggles immediately carried over into 2023. Gray led the Majors in HRs allowed last season with a dubious mark of 38. (15:30) The Nationals lineup was no match for Braves starter Spencer Strider as he struck out nine in six scoreless innings. Keibert Ruiz was the lone source of offense; as he slugged an upper deck Solo ...
Apr 02, 2023•38 min•Ep. 346
This week the Nationals will begin their 19th season of play when they welcome Atlanta to D.C. on Thursday afternoon. Mark & Al get you set for the Podcast's 3rd campaign with the disappointing news that Our Guy Paolo Espino will begin the season in AAA Rochester. (06:45) Learn about reliever Hobie Harris. He had an impressive Spring and is expected to be part of this year's bullpen. (15:20) Patrick Corbin has received the nod for the second straight season as the Opening Day starter. Why wa...
Mar 28, 2023•41 min•Ep. 345
The Nationals were dealt a terrible blow last week as it was announced that Cade Cavalli will have "Tommy John" surgery in his right elbow and will miss the entire 2023 season. Mark tells Al what he saw from Cade's fateful outing in Port St. Lucie, FL. What are realistic chances for his return in 2024? (18:15) The spotlight on MacKenzie Gore got a lot brighter after the Cavalli news. He has has struggled this Spring as his ERA is over 7.00. Does it matter at all as he rehabs form last season's i...
Mar 20, 2023•38 min•Ep. 344
Nats fans were caught off-guard by the news that the organization and catcher Keibert Ruiz agreed to an 8 year/ $50M extension last week. Al & Mark (Live from West Palm Beach, FL) react to the Nationals officially locking up their franchise catcher. How does this relate to the ownership situation? (09:15) Ruiz recently switched his representation and it involves a name that Washington fans are quite familiar with over the years. How much does it matter that he now longer has Scott Boras as h...
Mar 13, 2023•39 min•Ep. 343
We are under a month until Opening Day as Spring Training is in full swing. Mark & Al begin with wondering when the Nats will begin making cuts down in Florida. They then focus on another setback for Carter Kieboom, who missed all of 2022 due to Tommy John surgery. (17:30) Over the weekend, Josiah Gray and Cade Cavalli each took the mound. Mark explains what Davey Martinez is looking for when the young pitchers have spring outings. (22:45) James Wood, one of the top prospects acquired in the...
Mar 06, 2023•43 min•Ep. 342
The Nationals began their Grapefruit League slate over the weekend and we finally had a chance to see the new rules on display. Mark, who is live in West Palm Beach, gives Al his initial impressions of the Pitch Clock. So far, every game has been completed under three hours. (13:50) MacKenzie Gore threw an inning on Saturday, thus making his organizational debut after last summer's blockbuster trade. This leads to a discussion on how the starting rotation is shaping up so far. Who is the front r...
Feb 27, 2023•42 min•Ep. 341
"Pitchers & Catchers" have reported to West Palm, FL and Mark Zuckerman has as well. Mark and Al begin with the not so surprising bad news that Stephen Strasburg has no timetable to return. Minor setback or is the final time we will go down the Strasburg road? (19:00) We start to set the 2023 table and let you know who "The Big Six" are to keep your eye on for this season. This includes Josiah Gray, who is aiming to give up far fewer home runs this year. What is the ceiling for Keibert Ruiz ...
Feb 20, 2023•52 min•Ep. 340
The long time radio duo of "Charlie & Dave" join us for the January edition of Nats Chat, but before the interview Mark & Al update the latest with the organization. We begin with the continuing ownership saga that has now extended into 2023. (14:20) Washington signed a pair of Free Agents recently in Dominic Smith and Corey Dickerson. Where will each fit in defensively? How does all this affect where "Joey Four Bags" gets slotted on the lineup card? (22:10) The Nats also inked RHP Trevo...
Jan 11, 2023•57 min•Ep. 339
The MLB Winter Meetings have wrapped up and the Nationals.... didn't do much. Mark (Live from San Diego) & Al put into perspective just how little of a splash the team made. We do though unveil our new theme song, courtesy of listener Tim Neumark. There is a timeline for the Angels sale, but what about the Nats? (12:45) Washington made a rare selection in the Rule 5 Draft by selecting RHP Thad Ward from the Red Sox. The team also found that they will select 2nd in next summer's Draft after t...
Dec 08, 2022•50 min•Ep. 338
The Astros defeated the Phillies to win the 2022 World Series. Al & Mark reconvene for the first time this off-season and a few weeks after the inaugural Nats Chat Podcast Party at Walter's. They begin with the new development in D.C. sports and that is the fact that the Nationals aren't the only team for sale in the DMV. Will the Commanders sale affect matters on South Capitol Street? (17:05) Washington made minor moves over the weekend as Sean Doolittle is coming back, but not Nelson Cruz....
Nov 08, 2022•50 min•Ep. 337
The long and difficult 2022 Nationals season is now over as they were blown out 9-2 at the Mets on Wednesday evening as Erick Fedde allowed nine runs in under three innings. Al & Mark (Live from Citi Field) put in perspective how stubbornly this year ended as it was the sixth consecutive day the Nats dealt with rainy weather. (08:03) An unexpected bright spot for this team was the bullpen, which finished in the middle of the pack amongst its MLB brethren. Erasmo Ramirez sported an ERA under ...
Oct 06, 2022•30 min•Ep. 336
The Nats lost both ends of the doubleheader in New York as they are now just one game away from ending this long season. Mark (Live from Citi Field) & Al recap the nightmarish outing by Paolo Espino, as he allowed three consecutive HRs to open up Game #2. Paolo remains win-less, but did say he is willing to come out of the bullpen on Wednesday if necessary. (10:10) The Braves clinched the NL East on Tuesday night as they won in Miami. The Mets have won 100 games, but will not have a division...
Oct 05, 2022•36 min•Ep. 335
The Nats lost 8-1 to the Phillies to wrap-up the 81st home game of the season. Mark & Al run through the decision to call the game an hour into the rain delay, while the contest was through six innings. The final few frames were played through difficult conditions in order to play four official games over the course of a rainy weekend. (11:05) Patrick Corbin lost his 19th game of the year as he likely finishes with an ERA of 6.31. The last pitcher to have a season similar to Corbin's struggl...
Oct 03, 2022•26 min•Ep. 334
The Nats & Phillies split their doubleheader that was able to be played despite the ominous forecast. Joey Meneses was the star at the plate in Game 1, where Washington clobbered Philly 13-4, as he had hit a bases clearing double and his 13th HR of the season. Mark & Al discuss the next chapter of his post trade deadline magic carpet ride. (12:10) Luis Garcia had 3 hits and drove in 5 runs on Saturday afternoon. Hear what former National he might be comparable to. However, Garcia made a ...
Oct 02, 2022•38 min•Ep. 333
The Nats lost 5-1 on Friday afternoon before Game 2 of their doubleheader against the Phillies was postponed. Mark & Al catch you up on this weekend's very confusing schedule, which as of now has a doubleheader slated for Saturday (which was the original plan earlier this week). (11:15) Not only did Philadelphia win the game, but they also dominated in terms of base running. The Phillies were six for six with runners trying to steal, as opposed to Washington who made multiple outs on the bas...
Oct 01, 2022•32 min•Ep. 332
The Nats earned their 2nd walkoff win of the month as they edged Atlanta 3-2 in 10 innings. Al & Mark begin with the hero CJ Abrams, who singled in Alex Call to avoid the sweep on Wednesday night. It was a very costly loss for the Braves as they fell a game back of the Mets in the NL East race. (08:01) Josiah Gray ended a string of poor outings as he only allowed a pair of hits in six frames, giving up just one run. Gray also was successful against Atlanta in April, his only other time facin...
Sep 29, 2022•33 min•Ep. 331
Paolo Espino remains without a win this season as the Nats were handled 8-2 by the visiting Braves. Mark & Al point to all the things that went downhill for the Nationals after their early 2-0 lead, including a trio of HRs from the loaded Atlanta offense. (05:06) Washington's defense was sloppy on Tuesday and the infield's effort came across as "casual". The team was only charged with one error, but there many questionable throws throughout the night. The defense has been much better since t...
Sep 28, 2022•31 min•Ep. 330
The Nats were shutout by visiting Atlanta 8-0 as Bryce Elder tossed a complete game. Al begins with Washington reaching the unfortunate mark of 100 losses on the season, and for the first time since 2009. Hear what Davey Martinez had to say regarding this in his post game press conference. (05:03) Elder is the second pitcher this month to go the distance against the Nationals, the other being Miami's Sandy Alcantara. It was also Elder's 1st victory since April 12th. Meanwhile, Cory Abbott was ve...
Sep 27, 2022•19 min•Ep. 329
The Nats ended their difficult season series against Miami with a 6-1 victory on Sunday. Mark (Live from Florida) & Al begin by acknowledging that the Nationals will avoid the dubious distinction of 110 losses this year. (04:20) Joey Meneses homered for the second straight day in the 1st inning and went deep three times on the road trip. He also flashed leather on a few occasions in the victory. Has he locked up 1B for Washington in 2023? (11:55) CJ Abrams had a busy day that was mostly posi...
Sep 26, 2022•33 min•Ep. 328
The Nats lost 4-1 in Miami as they yet again were no match for Sandy Alcantara. Mark & Al tip their caps for the final time this season to the Cy Young candidate who went 4-0 in five starts in 2022 vs. Washington. (09:42) The offense had a quiet evening, except for Joey Meneses' Solo HR in the opening frame. Alex Call had a good game as he reached base three times (walk, single, HBP). Lane Thomas went 0 for 4 and remains hit-less in his career against Alcantara. (19:30) Erick Fedde took the ...
Sep 25, 2022•32 min•Ep. 327
The Nats lost 5-2 in Miami and Josiah Gray took his 10th loss of the season. Al & Mark (Live from Florida) run through Gray's start, as he had only allowed one run until the Marlins scored three off of him in the 6th. On the bright side, Gray did not allow a home run for the first time in 14 starts. (11:47) Updates on both MacKenzie Gore and Patrick Corbin. Will either guy start a game for Washington in the final stretch? Gore has a rehab start on Monday for Rochester and Corbin left his las...
Sep 24, 2022•32 min•Ep. 326
The Nats rallied to win 3-2 in Atlanta and avoid the sweep. Mark & Al begin with another dramatic HR by Joey Meneses, who hit a 2 run shot in the 7th to grab the lead. Meneses has hit 10 homers since being called up on August 2nd, including three late HRs that led to victory. (09:45) An emailer inquires about a stain on Meneses' resume, as he was once suspended in Japan for PED use. The hosts explore this part of his career as best they can with little information available on the subject. (...
Sep 22, 2022•36 min•Ep. 325
The Nats lost 3-2 in Atlanta on an evening where Patrick Corbin left the game in the 1st inning due to discomfort in his back. Al & Tim open with the narrow defeat for Washington as they could not capitalize with the bases loaded in the top of the 9th. (07:48) Corbin only recorded two outs before exiting on Tuesday night. Could this end his season? He entered the evening with 18 losses on the season and no pitcher has lost 20 games since 2003 (Mike Maroth- Detroit). The Nationals were able t...
Sep 21, 2022•28 min•Ep. 324
The Nats lost 5-2 in Atlanta to begin a six game road trip. Al & Mark focus on how these games are of supreme importance to the Braves, who are just a game back of the Mets for the division lead. Atlanta is seeking a fifth consecutive NL East crown. (05:30) Joey Meneses gathered four hits on Monday and is hitting .325 since being called up on August 2nd. His OPS in abbreviated action this season is .904. The conversation then steers to fellow pleasant surprise, Ildemaro Vargas. (13:45) The t...
Sep 20, 2022•33 min•Ep. 323
The Nats lost to Miami 3-1 as Sandy Alcantara bolstered his Cy Young case by throwing a 103 pitch Complete Game. Al & Mark tip their caps to the Marlins right hander, who is 3-0 this year vs. Washington in four starts. (03:30) Lane Thomas got the day off despite his surge as of late, because his career numbers against Alcantara have not been good (0 for 11 w/ 6 Ks). Do you agree with the manager filling out his lineup cards in this manner? His teammates had yet another game filled with base ...
Sep 18, 2022•27 min•Ep. 322
The Nats beat Miami 5-3 to guarantee a series win while hitting four solo homers and oddly enough not singling. Mark & Al run through the offensive stars from the victory, including all the starting outfielders (Thomas/Robles/Call). Lane Thomas for the second straight season is hitting well post trade deadline and the hosts wonder where he fits into the 2023 lineup. (06:50) Victor Robles homered for just the 10th time post 2019, but this one went over 400 feet. He had been out of the lineup ...
Sep 18, 2022•30 min•Ep. 321
The Nats rallied in the late innings to edge the Marlins 5-4 and snap a five game skid. Al & Mark begin with how the comeback started; "Joey Four Bags" Inside-the-Park in the bottom of the 7th. Meneses now has slugged nine HRs since being called up after the trade deadline. (06:10) CJ Abrams had a two run triple to tie up the affair in the pivotal 7th and his average this month is up to .313. His infield mate Ildemaro Vargas delivered the go ahead hit; a RBI ground rule double in the bottom ...
Sep 17, 2022•40 min•Ep. 320
The Nats lost their 5th straight as they fell 6-2 to visiting Baltimore. Al & Tim start with a birds-eye view of the rivalry (or lack thereof) between the two neighboring teams. If they were to do realignment, would you be in favor of them in the same division? (08:25) The National clung to a 2-1 lead entering the top of the 7th, but that quickly evaporated as all four Oriole runs came while Mason Thompson was on the mound. Gunnar Henderson hit a "Little League HR" which perfectly encapsulat...
Sep 15, 2022•30 min•Ep. 319
The Nats lost 4-3 to the Orioles despite their early lead. Al & Mark recap Hunter Harvey's pivotal relief outing against his ex-teammates; as he allowed two runs in defeat. It was a busy night for the bullpen due to starter Cory Abbott only lasting three frames. (18:45) CJ Abrams made a crucial base running mistake in the 6th inning that caused an unnecessary out at 3B. Has poor base running been the biggest problem the team has had this year (not counting starting pitching)? While we are in...
Sep 14, 2022•37 min•Ep. 318
