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Game 139: Bullpen & Soto Get the Last Laugh After Nolin's Ejection Sep 09, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals doubled up the Braves 4-2 in a game that saw a contentious opening inning. Mark & Al recap Sean Nolin being ejected after just eight pitches for throwing at Freddie Freeman. They explain what led to the retaliation and how it was explained afterwards by the Nats. Was it right to throw at Freeman after what happened to Soto on Tuesday night?

(17:14) The bullpen stepped up big time by recording 26 outs from six different pitchers. How creative will Washington need to be the next few days after so many guys had to throw on Wednesday evening?

(20:30) Juan Soto crushed the go ahead solo HR in the 7th and memorably blew a kiss in the direction of the Atlanta bullpen and Will Smith (who plunked Soto on Tuesday). Soto & Josh Bell each went deep and finally caught up to Kyle Schwarber (!) for the team lead in HRs (25).

(35:09) The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony curiously took place on Wednesday afternoon in Cooperstown, NY. The hosts critically examine the decision to hold the event in the middle of the week with little to no fanfare; despite the high profile induction of Derek Jeter. Why does Baseball continually not market itself as well as other sports?

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Game 138: Soto Reaches Base Five Times In Losing Effort Sep 08, 2021

Show notes

The Nats lost 8-5 in Atlanta to open a three game series. Al & Tim look at yet another subpar starting pitching effort, this one by Paolo Espino. Paolo allowed five runs in five innings; lowlighted by a 3 run HR he gave up in the 1st inning to Adam Duvall.

(11:45) The Nationals tied in it the top of the 7th, but the bullpen quickly allowed the Braves to get back ahead. Ryne Harper was the culprit as he issued a leadoff walk prior to serving up the decisive 2 run HR to Ozzie Albies. Albert Baldanado though did impress and continued to keep his ERA at 0.00.

(17:10) Yadiel Hernandez had a big night at the plate (and also in the field). Hernandez slugged an opposite field 3 run HR to briefly tie the game. Will Yadiel fit into the 2022 plans? We also evaluate Carter Kieboom, who was inexcusably picked off to end a rally.

(36:01) Listener submitted emails that are Juan Soto themed. Hear some astounding stats regarding Soto and walks drawn. Just how high is his offensive ceiling later on in his career?

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Game 137: Kieboom Walk-off Hit After More Stevenson Heroics Sep 07, 2021

Show notes

The Nats walked off the Mets 4-3 with a Carter Kieboom single on Labor Day afternoon. Al & Mark analyze the exciting series finale that capped a five game stretch in the past four days. For the third time over the holiday weekend, Andrew Stevenson came off the bench for a major hit in the final inning; this one a game tying RBI scoring.

(12:12) Alcides Escobar had a game big on Monday as he notched a 1st inning triple and also narrowly scored the game tying run n the 9th. Josh Bell also made strong contributions too; hear what Davey Martinez said about the first baseman's performance this season.

(17:14) Patrick Corbin threw a solid outing as he stretched to seven innings and only issued one walk (did give up eleven hits to be fair). Did having a veteran catcher behind the plate (Alex Avila) play any stabilizing role for Corbin?

(25:07) Luis Garcia hit a an 8th inning triple and had five extra base hits in the series. Does it look like the 2B job is his to lose next Spring?

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Game 136: Gray & Voth Each Allow Six Runs in Defeat Sep 06, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals lost to the Mets 13-6 in a game that was competitive until the top of the 9th. Mark & Al recap Josiah Gray's second straight clunker of a start, which immediately began with him surrendering four runs. What is the appropriate level of concern to have on Gray right now?

(15:20) Riley Adams got the start behind the plate as opposed to Keibert Ruiz. Mark explains why that was the case and what to maybe expect for Monday.

(18:48) The bullpen on Sunday was all over the map as a few were outstanding and some were the opposite. Austin Voth had a nightmarish top of the 9th as he faced six batters and all came across to score.

(26:08) Lane Thomas might have had his best game yet as he hit a leadoff HR, flashed leather, and threw a runner out at 3rd. What to make of this stretch that Thomas has been having?

(32:32) Josh Bell slugged his 24th HR of the season, which matches Juan Soto's total. Bell's OPS finally surpassed .800 for the season.

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Games 134/135: Josh Rogers' Solid Start Caps an Eventful Split Doubleheader Sep 05, 2021

Show notes

The Nats and Mets split their doubleheader Saturday in D.C. Game 1 saw New York blow a 9-0 lead, but they ultimately prevailed 11-9 in extras (9 innings). The Nationals took Game 2 by a score of 4-3 to end a seven game losing streak.

Al & Mark recap the action packed day in Navy Yard by tipping their caps to Andrew Stevenson, who homered in Game 1 to force extra innings. Alcides Escobar and Luis Garcia also had noteworthy days at the ballpark.

(17:22) Carter Kieboom had a big day at the plate, but did get ejected from Game 2 on what should have been an obvious transgression.

(23:30) The two starting pitchers for Washington had polar opposite outings. Erick Fedde really struggled (was not helped by poor defense behind him) and Josh Rogers took complete advantage of the opportunity he found himself in. Will we see more of Rogers this month?

(36:21) Kyle Finnegan's Saturday encapsulated the day's events. Takes the loss in Game 1, earns the save in Game 2.

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Game 133: Rally in the 9th Not Enough + Bryce Harper Contract Q Sep 04, 2021

Show notes

The Nats lost 6-2 in ten innings to the Mets after Washington scored two runs in the ninth to force extras. Mark & Al dissect the final frames, highlighted by Andrew Stevenson's collision at home to score the tying run.

(8:23) Riley Adams had a huge night at the plate while getting his first start at catcher since Keibert Ruiz was called up. Adams got on base four times Friday evening, including three hits. How will starts at catcher be parceled out for this series?

(18:58) Juan Soto homered to give the Nationals their first run of the night in the bottom of the 9th. He did however misplay a fly ball, which led to a bloop RBI triple.

(30:10) Sean Nolin was solid as he only allowed two runs in five innings, despite a high pitch count. Nolin has faced the Mets three times since August.

(38:31) Listener submitted question revisiting the Bryce Harper Free Agency debate from a few years back. Harper hit the Nationals hard this season and is making a MVP push in his third season while with Philadelphia. How does this affect Soto's situation?

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Game 132: Yet Another Bullpen Collapse Against the Phillies Sep 03, 2021

Show notes

The Nats lost 7-6 to Philadelphia despite leading 6-0 entering the sixth inning. Mark & Al recap yet another rough day for the Nationals bullpen, which made a habit this summer of blowing leads against the Phils. Luis Garcia played a large role in losing the lead as he made two poor plays in a row in the top of the 8th, which led to three runs.

(17:58) Paolo Espino pitched very well, but ends up with a no-decision. He threw five scoreless frames before allowing two runners on base in the pivotal sixth. What has led to his recent resurgence on the mound? Could it be good karma for appearing on Nats Chat?

(22:56) Juan Soto had a big game on Thursday as he reached base four times, including a 3 run HR. Mark explains his recent approach at the plate.

(30:48) Keibert Ruiz started every game this series and went 2 for 14, including an 0 for 5 effort on Thursday. How much Riley Adams will we see during the five game series vs. the Mets?

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Game 131: Paolo Espino Interview + Robles Demoted to AAA Sep 01, 2021

Show notes

The Nats lost 12-6 to the Phillies as Patrick Corbin's nightmare season continued. Al & Mark begin with the surprising pregame news that Victor Robles is being sent down to AAA Rochester. Should we have seen this demotion coming? Will he wear a Nationals uniform again?

(15:23) Corbin had another rough outing and allowed a pair of HRs in the process. His evening started off smooth, but everything changed starting in the fourth. At what point can we have a serious conversation on whether or not he should be moved to the bullpen?

(24:01) Brad Hand was DFA'd by Toronto just one month after the Blue Jays sent the Nationals Riley Adams in exchange for the southpaw reliever. A trade that Mike Rizzo irrefutably has already won.

(26:41) **If you've listened to this podcast at all this season, you know how much we enjoy Paolo Espino. "The Secret Weapon" joins Nats Chat to discuss his unusual journey in professional baseball. 2021 has been difficult for the Nats, but there is a lot inspiration to draw from Paolo's story. He was drafted in 2006 and waited fifteen years to earn his first career win in the Major Leagues.

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Game 130: Ruiz Debut Fizzles as Gray Has His First Bad Start Aug 31, 2021

Show notes

The Nats lost 7-4 to the Phillies to open up the eight game homestand. Mark & Al discuss Keibert Ruiz's Washington debut, which did not meet the pregame buzz. The Nationals quickly fell behind 3-0 and Ruiz came up empty with the bases loaded in the bottom of the first. Ruiz did hit a bloop single in the eighth to end his evening 1 for 4 at the plate. Where does Riley Adams fit in now that Ruiz will start most everyday behind the dish?

(14:20) Josiah Gray allowed six runs in four innings and immediately gave up a towering HR to Bryce Harper. Why was he working so deliberately on Monday night?

(20:46) Alcides Escobar was injured on a foul ball off his knee in the 1st inning. How will the Nats fill in the infield if Escobar ends up missing time? After the game, it was announced that he is day to day as X Rays were negative.

(28:57) Victor Robles yet again was not in the starting lineup as Lane Thomas was in CF. Are we approaching the end of Victor's time with the Nats?

(39:44) Patrick Corbin takes the mound on Tuesday night. What to expect from the lefty?

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Game 129: Keibert Ruiz Getting Called Up + Fedde Loses in NY Aug 30, 2021

Show notes

The Nats lost 9-4 to the Mets, but the big news of the day came during pregame as Keibert Ruiz will make his Washington debut behind the plate on Monday night. Al & Tim react to the mildly surprising news that Ruiz will get called up before the calendar flips to September. Was this decision made for baseball reasons, box office reasons, or both?

(16:20) Victor Robles yet again was not in the starting lineup,, are they giving up on him? Luis Garcia has struggled at the plate, can you count on him to be in the 2022 Opening Day lineup?

(24:51) Erick Fedde had a mediocre start that ended on a sour note. Do we know how to properly handicap Fedde and where should he be slotted in a typical rotation?

(37:12) Josh Bell homered twice on Sunday and leads the team with 23 on the season. Where does he fit into future plans for the organization?

(43:05) Listener submitted email asking should we move to an eight man lineup; which would eliminate pitchers hitting/ DHs? Very intriguing question.

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