Nats Chat

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Game 8: Adon & "B" Bullpen Get Hit Hard in Pittsburgh Apr 15, 2022

Show notes

The Nats lost 9-4 in Pittsburgh as they couldn't hold onto an early 3-0 lead. Mark (Live from Pittsburgh) and Al discuss Joan Adon's poor outing, which was made worse by the bullpen performance to follow. Was Adon tipping pitches?

(21:58) Yadiel Hernandez got another start in LF and Lane Thomas was in CF after Dee Strange-Gordon was a late scratch form the lineup. This leads to questions already about Victor Robles as he already sat multiple games in this young season. What amount of playing time should we expect for Robles this month?

(26:20) Forbes reported on Thursday that Ted Leonsis (Wizards & Caps Owner) and David Rubenstein (The Carlyle Group) are mulling a bid for the organization. The hosts examine dynamics behind this possibility.

(34:14) Our first listener submitted voice memo recalling his memories of attending a MLB game for the first time at RFK Stadium.

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Game 7: Gray & "A" Bullpen Take the Series in Atlanta Apr 14, 2022

Show notes

The Nats won the rubber match in Atlanta 3-1 for their third victory in the past four days. Mark (live from Truist Park) and Al open the discussion with praise for Josiah Gray, who tossed five scoreless innings. What was working for Gray in the outing?

(10:46) The top bullpen arms then stepped up for the final twelve outs to give Gray his first W of the season (Finnegan, Doolittle, Cishek , and Rainey). Do the Nationals actually have themselves a solid back-end of the 'pen?

(17:24) The offense jumped out on Max Fried with two runs for a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Maikel Franco had two more hits and Josh Bell extended his hitting streak to seven games. However, Alcides Escobar has already struck out nine times, which makes us wonder if the team might soon explore other options at SS.

(28:33) We read a listener submitted email about Patrick Corbin and any potential fixes Jim Hickey can provide? Plus, email us in a voice memo recalling your first ever baseball game to natschatpodcast@gmail.com.

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Game 6: Corbin Clunker but Soto Crushes His 100th HR Apr 13, 2022

Show notes

The Nats were walloped by the Braves16-4 as Patrick Corbin allowed 9 hits before the 3rd inning concluded. Mark (Live from Atlanta) & Al recap the rout and begin by dissecting the "strange" decision to have Dee Strange-Gordon take the mound in the 8th during garbage time. Is it unbecoming to have a position player throwing 58 MPH in a regular season game?

(15:42) The Nationals comically botched a rundown and Victor Robles allowed a ball underneath his glove and to the wall. It was the first game so far this season that the team has committed any errors.

(22:30) Juan Soto hit a tape measure HR (451 feet) for the 100th of his career. Soto reached that milestone less than four years after his MLB debut. A Washington fan ended up with the ball and was able to meet Soto after the game.

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Game 5: Rogers Rocks His Way to a Win + Ownership Report Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

The Nationals routed the defending champs 11-2 in Atlanta as Josh Rogers picked up where he left off last season. Mark (covering on-site) & Al discuss the southpaw's performance, which included retiring ten in a row at one point.

(08:42) The offense poured it on the Braves pitching staff, led by Maikel Franco who had four hits and 5 RBIs. Lane Thomas and Josh Bell also filled out the scorecard in the victory. Mark explains how Atlanta' pitching staff is in a tough spot as the series progresses.

(22:40) The Washington Post surprised many with a report on Monday that the Lerner family is exploring the possibility of changing the franchise's ownership structure. Will they sell the team? What might be the reasons behind it?

(31:53) How does Juan Soto's contractual situation fit into all of this with the potential of an ownership change? Al explains how this might actually work in Nats fans favor.

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Game 4: Cruz & Fox Lead the Rally for Win #1 Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

The Nationals earned their first "Curly W" of the season as they came from behind to beat the Mets 4-2. Lucius Fox had quite the MLB debut as he had a game tying squeeze bunt, scored an insurance run, and flashed leather at SS. Mark & Al let you know who exactly Fox is and what he might bring to the table this season.

(10:17) Nelson Cruz had a big afternoon as he slugged his 450th career HR and had the go-ahead hit in the bottom of the 8th.

(17:48) Erick Fedde finally gave Washington a starter who lasted five innings. The bullpen then propped him up with four shutout frames., including Sean Doolitle's clutch relief appearance.

(31:09) It is looking doubtful that Anibal Sanchez will be starting Monday night in Atlanta. Mark gives his educated guess as to who he thinks will start on the mound.

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Game 3: Alonso Grand Slam Extends the Winless Start Apr 10, 2022

Show notes

The Nats were shutout by the Mets 5-0 to begin the season at 0-3 for the first time in over a decade. Mark & Al discuss the struggling offense which has only scored four games in this series so far.

(10:53) Another busy night for the bullpen as Joan Adon's outing fell apart in the top of the 5th when he allowed a Grand Slam to Pete Alonso. The hits then continued for the 'pen as Mason Thompson exited the game after just three pitches due a right biceps issue.

(20:02) The bright spot so far this year for the Nationals has been their excellent defensive play, including by Victor Robles. We wrap-up with a preview of Sunday's finale against New York as Erick Fedde takes the mound, plus an update on Anibal Sanchez's sore neck.

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Game 2: Mets win in Max's Return w/ A Bench Clearing Sprinkled in Apr 09, 2022

Show notes

The Nats lost 7-3 to the Mets in a very long and active Friday evening in Navy Yard. There were multiple delays, a bench clearing fracas, and Max Scherzer returned to D.C.

The brawl came after Steve Cishek hit Francisco Lindor in the top of the 5th, ending Cishek's franchise debut after just two pitches. Mark explains to Al why Cishek was ejected when it did not seem that the pitch was intentional. Was New York manager Buck Showalter to blame for the escalation on the field?

(17:03) Max Scherzer made his first appearance at Nationals Park since last summer's trade. He lasted six innings in his Mets debut. What did the hosts notice from Max on the mound?

(24:57) Joan Adon will take the mound on Saturday evening as he surprisingly made the rotation to start the season. This will be his 2nd career MLB start, the other being in the season finale in 2021.

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Game 1: Soto Homers in Opening Day Loss Apr 08, 2022

Show notes

The Nats lost a rain delayed Opening Day 5-1 to the visiting Mets. Al & Mark recap the disappointing evening as not too much went right for the home team. Patrick Corbin was tagged with the loss as he only lasted 4+ frames, which led to five relievers coming out of the bullpen.

(13:19) Juan Soto's Solo HR was the only run produced by the Nationals offense, the 99th of his career. The offense struggled mightily as they combined for ten strikeouts. Keibert Ruiz however had an excellent game both with the bat and the glove.

(20:39) There were a flurry of moves on the IL, including Stephen Straburg, Seth Romero, and Will Harris. Was Harris being placed on the 60- day IL a surprise or was it more procedural than practical?

(26:15) Max Scherzer returns to the mound at Nationals Park on Friday night, but this time while wearing a New York uniform. A lot of juicy story lines as he opposes Josiah Gray, who was acquired for Scherzer in last summer's blockbuster trade.

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Season Preview + Sean Doolittle Interview Apr 04, 2022

Show notes

The regular season is just a few days away and we get you set for 2022. Mark & Al set the pitching table for the Nationals as Patrick Corbin has officially been named the Opening Day starter. Do you remember Joan Adon from Game #162? Hear why you might hear that name again as soon as April.

(19:53) A look at the position players, including Victor Robles getting another shot at the Major League level. Mark explains why there still might be more roster movement before Thursday. Why is Andrew Stevenson starting the season in the minors?

(31:28) The Nats offense have a lot of reasons for optimism this season. The heart of the order is expected to feature Juan Soto, Josh Bell, and Nelson Cruz. What kind of production is expected from Keibert Ruiz at the plate?

(35:16) Sean Doolittle makes his Nats Chat debut as he is back in Washington after being a crucial cog to the 2019 World Series title. Hear what "Doo" has to say about this year's team, returning after being honored last year, his thoughts on the "ghost runner" rule, and more!

(52:39) The hosts give their season predictions for this season. Hint: World Series title not expected by either.

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Garcia Sent Down + Cavalli Getting Called Up? Mar 29, 2022

Show notes

Opening Day is under two weeks away as a Florida sun soaked Mark joins Al, who is a tad under the weather during this cold late March in the DMV. We begin with the demotion of Luis Garcia to AAA Rochester, despite him playing every day after the trade deadline last season. This leads to a discussion about Victor Robles' situation.

(16:33) Lane Thomas ended last season on a very high note, but it seems Cesar Hernandez is the favorite to his lead-off this year. What do the Nats think they have in Thomas?

(20:18) Cade Cavalli recently started for the Nationals in Spring Training. We continue to ask the same question we've been wondering for almost a year now..... will Cavalli get called-up to make his Big League debut in the somewhat near future?

(28:01) Tyler Clippard is back in Washington after almost a decade away. Why didn't a contender scoop up the reliever once the lockout ended?

(35:49) Davey Martinez has yet to officially name an Opening Day starter, but many expect the nod to go Patrick Corbin. What are the chances his 2022 can be a drastic improvement to 2021?

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