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Game 128: Conforto Late HR the Difference + Cavalli Brief AAA Debut Aug 29, 2021

Show notes

The Nats lost 5-3 to the Mets as the bullpen relinquished the lead in the 7th. Al & Mark recap the solid start by Sean Nolin, who lasted until the sixth inning before the hosts dive into the pen. What to make of Nolin after he pitched well and lasted more than five frames?

(14:32) Lane Thomas got the nod in CF over Victor Robles and had a pair of doubles while hitting leadoff. Do we have ourselves a "developing situation" long term in CF?

(19:55) Alcides Escobar reminded New Yorkers of another recent SS as he dazzled both with his glove and bat on Saturday night. Does he fit into the Nationals 2022 plans at all?

(30:51) Cade Cavalli only lasted three innings in his AAA debut with Rochester. He had a hot start, but all five runs he allowed came in the third inning. Mark explains why this was an important outing for him in the long run.

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Game 127: Paolo & 'Pen Extend the Mets Misery Aug 28, 2021

Show notes

The Nats won 2-1 in New York to open a three game series. Mark & Al have plenty of praise to heap on the five pitchers who took the mound for Washington and they begin with closer Kyle Finnegan.

(10:27) Paolo Espino struck out seven, singled, scored a run, and earned the win while pitching five innings. Why does he seem to have so much success against the Mets? Should he have come back out to pitch the sixth?

(19:43) The Nationals struggled at the plate as they struck out seventeen times. Why was 41 year old Rich Hill so effective against them?

(30:00) The Nats confirmed reports that all full-time employees are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Astros also announced a similar measure.

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Game 126: Corbin Takes a Big Step Backwards & Late Rally Falls Short Aug 27, 2021

Show notes

The Nats lost 7-5 in Miami as Patrick Corbin only lasted three innings. Mark & Al dissect the latest with the southpaw, who took a major step back after pitching so well in Milwaukee last weekend. What are the Nats options on what to do with Corbin? Could they send him down to AAA for a few outings?

(16:12) Patrick Murphy struck out a pair in his Nationals debut. Hear what Mark thought of his "stuff".

(20:01) Juan Soto drew his 100th walk of the season and crushed a 2 run HR. Listen to how impressive his stats have been since the 2019 season.

(24:43) After not being in the lineup for four games, Victor Robles hit leadoff and played CF. Do we have an update on how Martinez will handle Robles/Thomas the rest of the way?

(35:35) Washington has been unable all month to throw out base stealers. Why so much trouble at stopping the opponents running game?

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Game 125: Gray vs. Cabrera Meets the Hype, but Miami Prevails in Extras Aug 26, 2021

Show notes

The Nats lost 4-3 in Miami in ten innings despite briefly holding the lead in the 7th. Mark & Al recap the stud pitching match-up between Josiah Gray & Edward Cabrera, both of which are top 100 prospects per MLB Pipeline. Gray was solid yet again for Washington, as he has been so far in all five starts since the trade.

(10:33) Keibert Ruiz has hit four homers in his past two games for AAA Rochester. Will the promotion of Cade Cavalli to Rochester delay Ruiz getting called up to Washington?

(20:11) Carter Kieboom had a rough end of the game on Wednesday evening as he made a poor defensive play in the 9th and was surprisingly thrown out at home in the 10th. Is it too early to discuss whether or not the Nationals should try him at a new position?

(28:53) Lane Thomas was hitting leadoff and playing CF for the fourth consecutive game. What exactly is happening in CF, as it relates to Victor Robles?

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Game 124: Fedde's Career Night + Cavalli Promoted to AAA Aug 25, 2021

Show notes

The Nats beat the Marlins 5-1 as Erick Fedde struck out a career high ten batters. Al & Mark evaluate Fedde's big evening and find out how Sam Clay of all people played a big role in the successful start. Should we be excited about the outing or affix an asterisk to it because it was against last place Miami?

(10:31) The bullpen saw a flurry of roster moves including Patrick Murphy & Clay being called up and Gabe Klobosits being sent down to AAA Rochester. Hear what there is too look for from Murphy, who was picked up off waivers from Toronto earlier this season.

(17:05) Tres Barrera had three hits including a homer while getting the start behind the plate. The hosts marvel at how much the catching situation has changed in the organization in the past month. Plus, Lane Thomas had another impressive showing with both his bat and glove.

(32:01) Preview of Wednesday's intriguing pitching matchup between two stud prospects both ranked in the top 100 per MLB Pipeline (Josiah Gray vs. Edward Cabrera).

(33:46) Cade Cavalli was promoted to AAA Rochester. What does this mean in terms of his timetable for pitching for Washington? Listen why it might not be so simple for him to be on the 2022 Opening Day roster.

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Game 123: Too Many Walks + Storytime on D.C. Earthquake Anniversary Aug 23, 2021

Show notes

The Nats lost 7-3 in Milwaukee in another game that had a glacial pace of play. Mark & Al continue to praise Lane Thomas as he had another impressive game while patrolling CF and hitting leadoff. Carter Kieboom also had a solid Sunday, including on the defensive end.

(19:30) Sean Nolin and the bullpen tied a franchise record by issuing 11 walks as the pitching was very difficult to watch this weekend. Austin Voth returned to pitch a scoreless frame, where does he fit into the new bullpen hierarchy?

(29:50) Monday is the ten year anniversary of when D.C. experienced an earthquake as the Nats played Arizona later that night at home. Mark recalls how hectic and unforgettable that time was for him and his family.

**Audio Courtesy of ABC News

(39:27) We close with another listener submitted voice memo recalling October 2019.

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Game 122: Yelich Slams the Win Streak Shut in Four Hour Affair Aug 22, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals lost 9-6 in Milwaukee to halt the three game win streak. Al laments how the game took four hours and eighteen minutes. What can be done to avoid interminable games like this one?

(5:20) Lane Thomas was given a prominent role in the lineup card as the leadoff hitter in CF. He backed up the assignment by impressing with his bat, speed, and arm. A few other young guys made contributions as well on Saturday.

(14:57) The bullpen had two disastrous innings in the 5th & the 8th. Al explains what went wrong on a very shallow sacrifice fly that made the Nats defense look amateurish. Javy Guerra then authored an inning to forget as the Brewers broke the game open.

(24:45) Juan Soto reached base four times as he leads the Majors with a .449 On Base Percentage and is now ahead of Joey Gallo by five walks for the most in MLB.

(30:02) Listener submitted email and we close with another voice memo recalling October 2019. Send in yours to natschatpodcast@gmail.com

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Game 121: Corbin's Gem Leads to 3rd Straight Win Aug 21, 2021

Show notes

The Nats won 4-1 in Milwaukee for their third consecutive victory. Al & Mark finally have an opportunity to praise Patrick Corbin, who was fantastic against the first place Brewers. How did the Nationals possibly "fix his glitch"?

(10:24) The bullpen had a good evening from three different relievers. Is it OK to start feeling good about this young 'pen?

(16:28) Many young guys stepped up Friday night including Riley Adams and Lane Thomas, who combined for 3 RBIs. It was Adams' fourth straight start behind the plate and Mark explains how the current catching situation is shaping up.

(21:09) Josh Bell was crucial in both ends of the 9th inning, but not how you would naturally assume. He drew a RBI walk for a much needed insurance run and then made a great play defensively after Kyle Finnegan had a poor throw towards first base.

(30:32) MLB Pipeline has updated their prospect rankings and the Nationals have four players in the top 100. Washington fans should be encouraged at the lofty ranking already for Brady House.

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Game 120: Gray Looks Good & the Nats Hand Revenge to Their Ex Closer Aug 19, 2021

Show notes

The Nats topped the Blue Jays 8-5 to complete the two game sweep. Al & Mark assess Josiah Gray's solid outing that lasted six innings. The only blemish on Gray's resume so far has been giving up solo HRs, of which he allowed two more on Wednesday. Gray did more than just pitch well as he had his first career hit and also made a nice play on a bunt attempt that led to a double play.

(9:29) The bullpen for the most part had a good game except for Ryne Harper who very quickly gave up the lead, costing Josiah Gray any chance of first career victory. Was this his one chance to pitch in a high leverage spot? Kyle Finnegan stepped up as he escaped an 8th inning jam and recorded a four out save.

(17:50) Brad Hand had an outing that Nationals fans are familiar with as he gave away the lead immediately upon entering the game in the 7th. Carter Kieboom slugged one of the HRs off of Hand and the hosts discuss where his situation currently stands as he has been playing every day.

(25:07) Juan Soto had a Barry Bonds type stat line Wednesday as we explain in the podcast. Should he continue to take so many pitches or should he start swinging more?

(36:13) What is the timetable on the Nats rebuild? Are they aiming to be competitive come next season or do they have a more long term vision?

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Game 119: Adams & Co. Double Up the Jays Aug 18, 2021

Show notes

The Nationals snapped their seven game losing streak with a 12-6 victory over Toronto. Mark & Al look Riley Adams who dominated his former organization with three hits, including a HR. As Adams has shown promise at the plate, it provides an opportunity to handicap what the catcher situation is between Adams, Barrera, and Keibert Ruiz.

(8:57) Yadiel Hernandez homered to open the scoring. Where might he fit in for the Nats in 2022?

(17:17) Luis Garcia made an excellent play in the field, but also committed an 8th inning error at a crucial time. Do we know if the organization has decided on whether they want him to be a 2B or shortstop?

(22:56) Erick Fedde earned the win, but was not particularly sharp. What has led to his recent regression?

(37:39) There was an update on Joe Ross' elbow Tuesday. Surgery isn't called for now, but the hosts explain why the possibility still remains down the road.

(42:20) Josiah Gray is scheduled to start Wednesday vs. the Blue Jays and their powerful lineup. Plus, Al updates the latest Baseball America prospect rankings.

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