The 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 ...
May 18, 2021•34 min•Ep. 47
The 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 ex...
May 17, 2021•35 min•Ep. 46
The 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 clos...
May 16, 2021•28 min•Ep. 45
The 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...
May 15, 2021•30 min•Ep. 44
The 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...
May 14, 2021•33 min•Ep. 43
The 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 ...
May 13, 2021•27 min•Ep. 42
The 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 ...
May 12, 2021•41 min•Ep. 41
The 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...
May 10, 2021•38 min•Ep. 40
The 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...
May 09, 2021•34 min•Ep. 39
The 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 ho...
May 08, 2021•37 min•Ep. 38
The 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...
May 07, 2021•39 min•Ep. 37
The 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...
May 06, 2021•33 min•Ep. 36
The 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...
May 05, 2021•45 min•Ep. 35
The 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 inte...
May 03, 2021•35 min•Ep. 34
The 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 im...
May 02, 2021•34 min•Ep. 33
The 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?...
May 01, 2021•36 min•Ep. 32
The 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 th...
Apr 29, 2021•37 min•Ep. 31
The 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...
Apr 28, 2021•34 min•Ep. 30
The 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 reac...
Apr 26, 2021•32 min•Ep. 29
The 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....
Apr 25, 2021•41 min•Ep. 28
The 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)...
Apr 24, 2021•32 min•Ep. 27
The 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 effor...
Apr 22, 2021•33 min•Ep. 26
The 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....
Apr 21, 2021•32 min•Ep. 25
The 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 si...
Apr 20, 2021•22 min•Ep. 24
Sunday 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...
Apr 19, 2021•40 min•Ep. 23
The 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 ...
Apr 18, 2021•37 min•Ep. 22
The 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 ...
Apr 17, 2021•25 min•Ep. 21
The 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 evenin...
Apr 16, 2021•23 min•Ep. 20
The 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 e...
Apr 15, 2021•37 min•Ep. 19
The 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 ...
Apr 14, 2021•27 min•Ep. 18
