Nats Chat

In our final installment of Spring Training episodes, Al & Mark react to the news that Carter Kieboom will not begin the season on the Opening Day Roster. What happens at 2B as Starlin Castro moves over to 3B? They explain what the chances are of Kieboom getting called back up in the near future.

(16:47) The guys look at the rest of the roster with updates on pitchers Stephen Strasburg, Jon Lester, and Will Harris' injury. How is the early season rotation plan shaping up? Plus, how the 1B options have been tearing the cover off the ball this Spring.

(29:17) We close with a NL East Preview. Where does Washington fit in as Atlanta goes for a fourth straight divisional crown? Are the Phillies ready to end their decade-long playoff drought? Were the Marlins a fluke last season? How much does the new Mets owner's spending matter? Al gives you his preseason prediction on how he thinks the division will shake out.

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On Tuesday, Starlin Castro got the start at 3B. Will he be at the Hot Corner on Opening Day instead of the struggling Carter Kieboom?

(16:45) Mark & Al explain the significance of the Washington Post report that Erick Fedde no longer has minor league options. Will the team now have to decide between keeping him or Austin Voth?

(24:48) Juan Soto and Trea Turner have not been slugging this Spring. The guys wonder if this is any cause for concern for the Nationals fans.

(28:55) Finally, this week's "Storytime with Mark" is the Gio Gonzalez Edition.

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Al & Mark are joined by three-time Cy Young Winner Max Scherzer to discuss fans returning to the stadium, how long he might pitch for, the future of the DH, and looming labor talks in the sport (23:51).

The show leads off with news that Manager Davey Martinez named Scherzer his Opening Day starter where he will face the Mets Jacob deGrom (just like 2019).

(14:53) The bullpen situation is murkier with the news that Will Harris has a blood clot in his throwing arm right as Tanner Rainey makes his Spring debut. How is the relief pitching shaping up for Washington?

(40:10) Following Max's interview, the guys round out the show by unpacking his comments on ways to address pace of play in the sport.

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Al & Mark lead off with all you need to know regarding the top 4 starters and how the rotation is shaping up for the start of the season. Plus, as the focus on Carter Kieboom's Spring increases, Mark updates whether or not Luis Garcia will be playing in the Big Leagues this year.

(9:20) Al asks if the Nats should have been more aggressive in Free Agency this offseason. Would George Springer have made financial sense? What sort of budget was GM Mike Rizzo working with?

(17:44) Washington D.C. just announced that there will be some fans at Nationals Park on Opening Day. How will it be decided who gets access to the limited tickets?

(23:05) The guys close with the debut of Nats Trivia. These not-for-the-faint-of-baseball heart stumpers go beyond asking, "Who's on first?" with some pre 2012 Nats history.

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On Sunday, Stephen Strasburg left the mound early with a calf strain and is day to day. With just a few weeks left until Opening Day, Al & Mark dissect what this means for Strasburg and the rotation as a whole.

(19:22) With Victor Robles' encouraging Spring at the plate, do the guys feel good about him as the 2021 leadoff hitter? And as Carter Kieboom struggles, what are the 3B options for the Nats as the season nears?

(31:45) The Nationals are the only MLB team that don't know whether or not they'll be able to have fans in attendance in April. The guys give the latest update on the timeline for that decision.

(37:01) Finally, in another edition of "Storytime with Mark," he relays a gem from the Frank Robinson era, a true Hall of Famer.

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Starting off with a lot of rotation updates. Stephen Strasburg made his 2021 debut after barely pitching in 2020, Max Scherzer dominates the Cardinals, the 5th starter situation starts to crystallize, and a clarification on Jon Lester's surgery.

(18:15) Mark & Al discuss the likelihood of stars Juan Soto and Trea Turner signing long-term extensions before becoming free agents. How will the Fernando Tatis Jr. deal affect their decisions?

(28:20) DC Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke this week about the possibility of fans at Nationals Park. Could it happen by Opening Day? The guys compare the Nats situation to that of the Orioles after MD Governor Larry Hogan's recent announcement.

(33:06) Finally, Mark thinks back to exactly a year ago when 2020 Spring Training came to a halt due to the pandemic.

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The Nats off day on Sunday got busy following news that reliever Jeremy Jeffress was released for unspecified "personnel reasons". Al & Mark discuss how it affects the current bullpen situation and give an update on Tanner Rainey.

(13:48) The guys also evaluate how the present and future front-lines of the rotation are looking so far this Spring. Max Scherzer, Patrick Corbin, Cade Cavalli, and Jackson Rutledge have all finally taken the mound.

(29:34) Last season, the Nats defense was the worst in the MLB. With Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber now on the roster, what should we expect from Washington in the field in 2021?

(36:46) Finally, Mark has another story from the Jim Bowden Era in Viera. This one, from their first ever Spring Training game in 2005, and it's can't miss.

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Mark & Al talk about the news from Florida of Jon Lester leaving camp for thyroid surgery, plus take a look at where the 3B position stands this Spring. Tune in to find out what Carter Kieboom now has in common with Cristian Guzman.

(20:41) In news out of DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser denied the request to have fans at Nationals Park. Mark explains all the angles as the decision is expected to be reconsidered again later this month. When will fans finally be able to celebrate the World Series title inside the stadium?

(28:06) Last but not least, Ryan Zimmerman, aka Mr. National, joins to talk about his longevity with the organization, the early years that were filled with losing, his life at home during the 2020 season, and his take on analytics that is not exactly Galdi certified.

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We promised you in-depth discussion on the fifth starter on this podcast and that's exactly what we give you after Erick Fedde took the mound against the Cardinals in Jupiter, FL. Who has the inside track between him, Joe Ross, and Austin Voth?

(11:07) Mark & Al react to the first lineup card of the season. Is it an indication of where Juan Soto might be slotted this year? What do they think of Victor Robles maybe hitting leadoff?

(19:17) The guys give an update on Max Scherzer's ankle, when to expect to see him this Spring, and what to expect of Stephen Strasburg after he barely pitched in 2020.

Finally (33:41), Mark takes a trip down Spring Training memory lane when the Nats trained in Viera during the Jim Bowden era. A Jose Vidro reference awaits.

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Nats fans, we are excited to bring you "Nats Chat" podcast, a year-round podcast that will have episodes after every single game! Hosted by Mark Zuckerman & Al Galdi.

Mark of MASNsports.com, has been covering the team since it all began in 2005. Al has been talking baseball on the DMV airwaves for over 20 years, back when the Expos were still in Montreal.

Enjoy this quick trailer, explaining what we are all about.

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