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Game 102: Bell's 3 Run Blast Propels the Nats Jul 31, 2022

Show notes

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 come in the past two weeks.

(20:40) Erick Fedde was placed on the IL due to right shoulder inflammation. Cory Abbott will start in his place on Tuesday instead of Cade Cavalli. This leads to a lengthy conversation as it seems the Nationals front office feel that Cavalli needs more time to develop on the farm. Overly cautious or overly concerning that he hasn't been called up yet?

(39:10) We are under 72 hours until the trade deadline arrives and Juan Soto's future is still uncertain. This leads to Al wondering if there is quantifiable evidence as to what Soto's worth to the team he plays on.

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Game 101: Soto Rumors Swirl As Trade Market Heats Up Jul 30, 2022

Show notes

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 pitching line. Mark explains a major flaw with Sanchez and how the Cards took advantage of it.

(25:40) The Nationals bullpen continued their solid stretch as they combined for another scoreless effort. The hosts shine a spotlight on Hunter Harvey, who has a WHIP of 0.72 on the season.

(30:35) Elijah Green, who the franchise drafted at 5th overall a few weeks back, was in Navy Yard on Friday night. Hear what Mark had to say about his physical stature and how his batting practice went before the game.

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Game 100: "Sweep Dreams" Immediately Evaporate Jul 28, 2022

Show notes

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 including Corbin in any Soto deal and gave an eyebrow raising answer in return.

(22:10) The bullpen had to pitch almost the entire game and continued their excellent series, with Erasmo Ramirez throwing over three innings. The 'pen's scoreless streak was snapped, but lasted over 21 innings; dating back to the Arizona series.

(24:40) Cade Cavalli threw five scoreless innings in AAA Rochester on Wednesday evening. Will he get called up after the trade deadline?

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Game 99: Garcia's Late HR Flips the Script in LA Jul 27, 2022

Show notes

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 struggled this summer as it was only his 2nd extra base hit this month.

(12:45) Victor Robles went 3 for 5 with a stolen base while in the lead-off spot, but he was thrown out at home when testing Mookie Betts' arm. Robles has been on a hot streak since Saturday night's notable HR off of Madison Bumgarner as he is 6 for his last 15 at the plate.

(18:30) The bullpen stepped up again on this road trip, the latest effort resulting in four scoreless frames. Hunter Harvey took the mound in the 9th as Kyle Finnegan was given the day off. They came in after Josiah Gray only lasted five innings; which included him allowing two more HRs.

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Game 98: Soto Triples in Dodger Stadium Victory Jul 26, 2022

Show notes

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 a walk, including a RBI triple in the 5th inning where Washington scored all of its runs. Mark relays what the vibe was like as Soto visited Dodger Stadium one week after winning the HR Derby.

(27:15) Victor Robles hit lead-off for the first time all season coming off a series where he drew many headlines in Arizona. What happened to Luis Garcia getting chances in the 1 spot?

(33:45) It has been one year since the Nationals were swept in Baltimore to extend their losing streak to four games. It became clear after this series that the Nats would be sellers at the upcoming trade deadline.

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Game 97: Nats Get the Last Laugh in Arizona Jul 25, 2022

Show notes

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 moment in the close game. What happened during that instance?

(22:45) The bullpen threw 4+ shutout frames, but nobody was more clutch than Kyle Finnegan who recorded a five out save. He had quite the escape act to hold onto the lead in the bottom of the 8th as the Diamondbacks had bases loaded.

(30:40) The Nationals shift their road trip to Dodger Stadium one week after Juan Soto won the Home Run Derby at that very stadium. The Soto circus is expected to be revved up as L.A. is one of the teams many expect to be involved in Soto trade talks. The Dodgers have six of the top 75 prospects according to MLB Pipeline.

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Game 96: Bumgarner Beats the Nats & Criticizes Robles Afterwards Jul 24, 2022

Show notes

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 the latest trade rumors involving #22. How many top 100 prospects should the team demand in return for Soto?

(29:20) Anibal Sanchez took the loss as he allowed three runs in five frame without much help from his offense. The pitching lowlight of the evening belonged to Andres Machado as he was charged with four runs on just 24 pitches in the bottom of the sixth.

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Game 95: Soto Talk Dominates the All Star Break Jul 23, 2022

Show notes

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 ultimately ended with only three hits. Cesar Hernandez had two of the hits with Soto going 1 for 4. Mark puts in perspective of how rough the offense might be after the trade deadline.

(25:34) Patrick Corbin was tagged with the loss on Friday as he allowed five runs in as many innings. His name has surfaced in Soto trade talks as a way for the Nationals to possibly unload his contract. What are the odds of that happening?

(33:40) Washington already signed Elijah Green, who they drafted #5 overall last week. What are the expected next steps for the outfielder?

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Game 94: Soto & Robles HR in a Skid Snapper + Draft Instant Reaction Jul 18, 2022

Show notes

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 for 16 this series) as he recorded a hit and heads into the All Star Break with a .311 average. Still not good enough for him to be headed to the NL All Star team?

(20:30) Erasmo Ramirez started the afternoon off on the right foot as he threw three scoreless frames out of the 'pen. Carl Edwards Jr. came through in the clutch as well as he escaped a 7th inning jam with the bases loaded.

(30:10) Washington selected Elijah Green, a high school outfield prospect, at #5 overall in the 2022 MLB Draft. Tim & Mark give you a snapshot of Green. Will the plan be to put him in CF?

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Game 93: Soto's D.C. Future in Doubt After Reportedly Turning Down Mega Offer Jul 17, 2022

Show notes

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 the average annual value (AAV) is "too low". Was there deferred money involved?

(30:10) A quick recap of the 9th consecutive loss for the Nats. Josh Bell did collect three hits on Saturday as his average is now up to .311.

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