DoDCast on the Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals Spring Training begins on Wednesday when their pitchers and catchers report to West Palm Beach. Players, coaches, reporters and fans alike are all excited for the season ahead.

The Washington Post's Nats beat writer, Jesse Dougherty, joins Site Expert Blake Finney on the DoDCast this week to help preview the main storylines down in Florida. On the podcast they discuss the following:
- The never-ending Bryce Harper puzzle
- Analyzing the recent Jeremy Hellickson signing
- Previewing position battles this spring
- Any other storylines during Spring Training
- Answer some listener questions

As the polar vortex plunges most of America into a deep freeze, it somewhat resembles activity around baseball. But nobody told the Washington Nationals who continue to be one of the most active team's this offseason.

Joining Site Expert Blake Finney on the DoDCast to discuss the Nationals' activity levels is The Athletic's Nats beat writer, Brittany Ghiroli. On this edition of the DoDCast, the two discuss the following:
- Analyzing the Nats' additions since the last podcast
- Dissecting the Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon situations
- What else is still left to come before Spring Training
- A brief look at Brittany's journey to the Nats' beat
- Finish off by answering some listener questions

Usually, in baseball, the MLB Winter Meetings are when the offseason really kicks into gear. However, for the Washington Nationals, they come in with most of their biggest needs already addressed.

On a special edition of the DoDCast, Site Expert Blake Finney is joined by MLB.com's Nationals beat reporter, Jamal Collier. On this episode, they talk about
- The big Patrick Corbin signing
- What does this mean for Bryce Harper?
- Analyzing the rest of the offseason signings
- What's likely to be next on the to-do list
- Winterfest recap, key storylines
- Answer some listener questions

On this special edition of the DoDCast, we spoke to Washington Nationals catching prospect, Tres Barrera.

He talked about: His draft day experience, his progress defensively behind the plate, an All-Star selection with the Potomac Nationals, and whether he would rather hit .400 or break the home run record.

On this special edition of the DoDCast, we spoke to Washington Nationals pitching prospect, Kyle Johnston.

He talked about: His draft day experience, the adjustments he's made in his first full pro season, his playoff appearance with the Potomac Nationals, and whether he steals the window or aisle seat on a road trip.

Daniel Murphy was traded away by the Washington Nationals in late August as they attempted to get something for some of their pending free agents. Now he'll return to D.C. with his new team, the Chicago Cubs.

Joining Blake Finney on the DoDCast this week to look ahead to the series is Cubbie Crib contributor and Climbing the Ivy co-host, Alex Patt. On this edition of the podcast, they discuss the following:
- Bryce Harper and his continued resurgence against the Cardinals
- All aboard the Victor Robles hype train
- Has Blake recovered from seeing the David Bote walk-off home run?
- A check-in on how Murphy has been getting on at Wrigley
- Some other players to watch out for in this series
- Preview and predict each pitching matchup

After the Washington Nationals were agonizingly close to a sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies, they start an interesting homestand. The Milwaukee Brewers will be the first of three-straight NL Central teams to visit Nats Park.

Joining Blake Finney on the DoDCast to help preview the series is David Gasper from Reviewing the Brew. On this edition of the podcast, they discuss the following:
- What did we learn about the Nats and Phillies in their latest series
- How has Wilmer Difo faired in his first week auditioning for the second base job
- The Brewers bizarre series with the Reds
- Which Milwaukee players are worth keeping an eye out for
- Previewing and predicting each pitching matchup

It's certainly been an interesting week for the Washington Nationals organization. To wrap it up, they head to the big apple to face the New York Mets.

Joining Blake Finney on this edition of the DoDCast to look ahead to the series is Andrew Lang from TalkNats. On this episode, they look at the following:
- The epic pitchers duel between Max Scherzer and Aaron Nola
- Ryan Zimmerman and his walk-off heroics
- The waivers trade the Nats made in the week
- Which Mets should we watch out for?
- Preview and predict each pitching matchup individually

The Philadelphia Phillies are coming to town this week to face the Washington Nationals. Aces will be wild at Nationals Park with several great starting pitchers going throughout the series.

Joining Blake Finney for this episode of the DoDCast, from The Good Phight and Yahoo Sports is Liz Roscher. On this edition of the podcast, they discuss the following:
- The Nats disappointing series defeat to the Miami Marlins
- What could the bullpen look like in the series
- The Phillies Little League Classic game
- Which players should we be watching out for in the series
- Predict and preview each pitching matchup

Sitting at .500 yet again, the Washington Nationals are on the brink, if not over the brink of their 2018 season. If any series was a must-sweep, it's this weekend's series with the Miami Marlins.

Looking ahead to the series with Blake Finney on this episode of the DoDCast is District on Deck Contributor, Brian Foley. On the podcast, they discuss the following:
- Does the series with the St Louis Cardinals put the final nail in the coffin?
- Why have the Nats struggled to develop their pitching depth?
- Which players should we look out for on the Marlins?
- Are there Nationals who need to bust out of their slumps?
- Preview and predict each pitching matchup