Nats Chat

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Game 4: Offense Only Collects 4 Hits in Defeat Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

The Nats lost the series opener to the visiting Rays 6-2 as the offense only mustered four hits. Al & Mark begin with the struggling lineup and wonder... is that what to mostly expect all season? Washington has only totaled nine runs in four games so far.

(12:20) Trevor Williams' Nationals debut resulted in a loss as he gave up four runs in his outing. Adding to the bad fortune of the evening, runner interference yet again did not go the franchise's way.

(24:00) Ildemaro Vargas got the nod to play LF on Monday night and Mark explains what went into the decision. When to expect Stone Garrett in the lineup?

(27:20) Answering a listener email in relation to the new Pitch Clock. Send in your questions to natschatpodcast@gmail.com.

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Game 3: Gore Impresses and Wins in Nats Debut Apr 03, 2023

Show notes

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 position so far. Jeimer Candelario flashed the leather at 3B early in the game and combined with Dominic Smith for solid infield defense at the corners.

(26:20) Alex Call started in LF on Sunday while Stone Garrett was called up to replace Corey Dickerson (Placed on the IL). Keibert Ruiz started all three games this series and showed a new found sense of leadership and responsibility as captain of the defense behind the plate.

(37:30) A celebration of the pace of play for this game... 2 hours and 17 minutes!

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Game 2: Gray Allows 3 Homers in Season Debut Apr 02, 2023

Show notes

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 HR in the 9th. The Washington bullpen allowed a pair of runs in four frames, including Hobie Harris tossing a scoreless set in his MLB debut.

(29:15) Hear a recap of where some of the top prospects were assigned in the Nationals Farm System. This includes Elijah Green, Jarlin Susana, Brady House, Robert Hassell, James Wood.

(33:00) MacKenzie Gore will make his franchise debut on Sunday on the mound in the series finale against Atlanta. Gore was acquried in last summer's blockbuster Juan Soto trade to San Diego.

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2023 Nationals Season Preview Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

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 was Corbin given the ball instead of Josiah Gray? It has been nearly four years since Corbin defeated the Braves. Mark then lays out how to expect the starting rotation to shake out over the first week of the season.

(26:00) A look at the positional players for Washington this season. Among the newcomers, Dominic Smith joined the team from the Mets. How does Alex Call fit in? "Joey Four Bags" figures to prominently in the batting order.

(31:00) How many wins for the Nats this season? The hosts lend their predictions while ending with a giddy view of the new Pitch Clock.

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Cavalli Out for the Year Mar 20, 2023

Show notes

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 injury?

(23:00) The Nats hired former MLBer Ricky Gutierrez as their new "Run Prevention Coordinator". Mark explains what that new position will entail and how Ricky will work with the young middle infield.

(31:00) Joey Meneses has been one of the stars of the World Baseball Classic as the Championship round approaches. The WBC has drawn tons of positive headlines, but also yielded multiple high profile injuries. When is the best time to hold this now very popular event?

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Ruiz & Nats Surprisingly Agree to an Extension Mar 13, 2023

Show notes

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 his agent in agreeing to this extension? Is this the smart move for Ruiz to agree to the extension now?

(19:30) A discussion on Ruiz's realistic ceiling for the duration of his new contract.

(24:00) The Nats made some cuts recently as we approach Opening Day. Jake Alu, almost 26 years old, was among those sent down to Minor League Camp. Who are the guys fighting for the final roster spot with the Big League club?

(31:15) MacKenzie Gore has struggled in his past few outings, including on Sunday in Jupiter. Mark details what he's seen so far from all the young starting pitchers.

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Kieboom Setback + Soto Extension Talks with Padres Brass Mar 06, 2023

Show notes

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 Juan Soto trade, saw Grapefruit League action recently. Hear what to expect form his as 2023 gets underway. Wood is OFer who attended St. John's College High School in D.C.

(29:35) According to the New York Post's Jon Heyman, the Padres are looking into locking up Juan Soto to a long-term extension; as part of their continued spending spree. This would stand in stark contrast to what we had been told for years that Soto is happy to wait until he becomes a Free Agency after the 2024 season. What are the chances this comes to be?

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Pitch Clock Era Has Arrived Feb 27, 2023

Show notes

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 runner to start on Opening Day?

(22:15) A look at some of the lineup possibilities, including the search for a consistent lead-off hitter. Will it be CJ Abrams?

(31:10) Owner Mark Lerner penned a letter to fans as the season has begun right after the passing of his father. Will he meet with the media soon?

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Nats Begin 2023 Spring Training Feb 20, 2023

Show notes

"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 behind the plate?

(29:30) All of MLB is adapting to the slew of new rules coming in 2023. Mark explains some potential quirks that might emerge from the new wrinkle involving a "Pitch Clock". How steep will the learning curve be across the sport?

(39:30) There is not much of an update regarding the potential sale of the team and the hosts run through the reasons why. Last week Ted Lerner, the former Managing Principal Owner of the franchise, passed away at age 97.

**Audio courtesy of NBC- 4 WRC TV.

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"Charlie & Dave" Visit Nats Chat Jan 11, 2023

Show notes

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 Trevor Williams, a versatile arm who last year pitched for the Mets. Will he be in the starting rotation this season?

(28:25) Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler, who have been the Nationals Radio tandem since 2006, make their Nats Chat debuts. They provide insights on what helps them prepare for broadcasts, how they developed their chemistry in the booth, and of course there will be a Nook Logan reference.

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