Nats Chat

Mark is down in West Palm Beach, Florida for the beginning of Nats Spring Training and relays to Al what he's seen thus far. James Wood has already reported and it is emblematic of the high profile prospects that will garner a lot of attention down at camp unlike the past few seasons.

(13:30) Despite the optimism for the future, a negative story line from the past remains as there is still a vacant locker for Stephen Strasburg. Mark explains the complicated situation that was not resolved over the offseason. Listen as to why February 24th is a particularly noteworthy day on the Nationals calendar.

(25:00) It was a very quiet Winter for the franchise but a few weeks ago did sign Joey Gallo to a minor league deal. Gallo had quite the unique stat line last season as he had more homers than singles. Yes, Al is already talking flipping him at the Trade Deadline.

(33:00) There are high profile Free Agents still on the markets that include Cody Bellinger and Blake Snell. Any chance Washington could sign one of them to a 1 year deal?

(42:00) A discussion on how the Orioles sale could affect the Nats?

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Al & Mark are back in 2024 in what continues to be a very sleepy offseason for the Nationals. The episode begins with an exciting podcast announcement as it relates to the NL East.

(12:25) We are joined by two important new additions to the organization who just came over from Baltimore. Brad Ciolek, Senior Director Amateur Scouting, and Danny Haas, VP of Amateur Scouting. A true "Inside Baseball" segment as they give a peek into the world of scouting and the exhaustive preparation head of this summer's Draft.

(37:00) Should MLB allow teams to trade Draft picks, like other sports do?

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The Winter Meetings wrapped up with a flurry of news as Mark has returned home from Nashville. He and Al begin by evaluating the Nick Senzel signing to a one year deal. If he primarily plays 3B, what does mean for Brady House's timeline? This comes as Jeimer Candelario agreed to terms with Cincinnati where Senzel played last season.

(10:15) The Nats acquired Nasim Nunez from the Marlins in the Rule 5 Draft. Get to learn about the young shortstop.

(19:00) Juan Soto has been traded again and he is now a New York Yankee. Nats Chat unpacks all the layers of interest as it relates to his original organization. Oh by the way, he and Trent Grisham forever remain associated together as Grisham is also on the move from San Diego to the Yanks.

(36:20) A forecast of what's coming up next for the team. Will there be any moves before Christmas?

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The MLB Winter Meetings are underway as Mark (Live from Nashville) & Al check in on the latest regarding the Nationals off-season. Mike Rizzo and Davey Martinez each addressed the media and there are indications that this could be another slow Hot Stove for Washington. How does Jeimer Candelario fit into all of that?

(19:00) The Stephen Strasburg situation was addressed and we still have not yet reached a resolution.

(26:00) An explanation as to why Joey Meneses' did not have the power we all expected throughout 2023. Will he get time at 1B next season?

(30:00) Davey did not give a ringing endorsement for Luis Garcia as the definitive 2B for 2024. Garcia was surprisingly sent down to AAA for a portion late in the season.

(37:30) New look coaching staff that includes Gerardo Parra and former veteran infielder Miguel Cairo at Bench Coach. Parra will take over as the franchise's new 1st Base Coach.

(41:30) Will any of the highly touted prospects make the Opening Day roster? Hear about the new Future's Game in D.C. in late March after the conclusion of Spring Training.

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The Texas Rangers won their 1st World Series title to officially bring on the MLB's off-season. Al & Mark begin with a quick recap of the successful Podcast Party last month at Walter's. Thanks to all who came!

(04:00) The Nationals announced that weeknight evening games will begin 20 minutes earlier at 6:45pm. This seems to be a way to encourage more fans to be able to stay for the final few innings, but what about those who don't get off work until around 6:30pm?

(11:30) Roll call and analysis of the new members of the Nats Front Office. This includes the new senior director of amateur scouting, Brad Ciolek, who joins the organization after a successful tenure in Baltimore.

(25:00) There also was some movement among the coaching staff that includes Gerardo Parra replacing Eric Young Jr. as 1st Base Coach. Darnell Coles was retained as Hitting Coach and Jim Hickey will also return as Pitching Coach. How much of these changes are simply about money?

(39:20) Now that teams can no longer keep players on the IL, Stephen Strasburg is back on franchise's 40 man roster. Is this headed to a resolution this Winter?

(45:00) Texas won it all just two years after losing over 100 games. Arizona meanwhile made the World Series with only 84 victories as the final Wild Card team.

(50:00) A tribute to Frank Howard, one of the greatest hitters in the history of Washington Baseball. Howard passed away at age 87 and had many prolific offensive season while playing for the Senators in the late 60's/ early 70's.

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The Nats ended 2023 on a high note as they defeated the Braves 10-9 in a Sunday Slugfest. Mark (From Georgia) & Al wrap-up the 71 win campaign; which was 16 more victories than a season ago. Washington ended up beating Atlanta 5 times and were never swept from the NL East Champs.

(05:30) CJ Abrams stole a pair of bases in the finale to surpass Trea Turner's previous franchise mark. Abrams ended at 47 swipes, which just nosed past Turner's 46 stolen bases in 2017.

(12:30) Lane Thomas concluded his season w/ a team high 28 HRs. Where does he fit into the organization moving forward as there is a lot of OF talent in the pipeline?

(19:00) Jackson Rutledge took a no decision in his 5 IP as he allowed 5 runs in his efforts. Rutledge made 4 MLB starts since getting called up from AAA Rochester and was originally drafted in the 1st Round of the 2019 Draft.

(29:10) Mark gives an overview of immediate off-season headlines to keep track of, many of which involve musical chairs in the Front Office/ Coaching changes. What sort of payroll flexibility will Mike Rizzo have as well?

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The Nats lost 5-3 on Saturday night in Atlanta despite jumping out to an early edge. Mark (From ATL) & Al examine how the offense immediately attached Spencer Strider, but then went silent after the 1st inning.

(06:25) CJ Abrams had a pair of hits and stole his 45th base of the year. He trails Trea Turner (46 - 2017) by just one stolen base for the franchise record in a single season.

(11:00) Joan Adon only lasted 4 IP in his final start of the season. Adon made 10 starts and his ERA was a woeful 6.45 with a WHIP of 1.63. What does his future look like?

(17:30) Tanner Rainey tossed a scoreless 8th inning as he finally made it back to the Washington mound for the first time in 2023. Rainey has been away since last summer as he rehabbed from "Tommy John" surgery.

(22:00) Mark relays what GM Mike Rizzo had to say to the gathering media prior to the game.

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The Nats out-slugged the Braves on Friday night for their 70th victory on the season. Mark ( From ATL) & Al recap the 10-6 victory that saw Washington crush 5 home runs as Dom Smith continued his scorching September with his 6th trip around the bases this month.

(07:40) Carter Kieboom went deep while getting the start in his hometown. The hosts handicap where Kieboom fits into the organizational plans and show why this past stretch might be his last real opportunity to make an impression.

(11:00) Keibert Ruiz has not had a good year defensively, but offensively his OPS of of .708 is encouraging. Ruiz has the 2nd most hits of any NL catcher (131) only trailing William Contreras (153).

(17:30) Trevor Williams only lasted 3.1 IP and his season is now over with a 5.55 ERA. He is contractually due to return to Washington next season and his rotation spot is seemingly not guaranteed for next season.

(29:00) Tyler Clippard officially announced is retirement on Friday via Instagram as he did not sign anywhere this season after pitching for Rochester in parts of 2022. Is he the best overall relief pitcher in franchise history?

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The Nats were swept in their 2 game series in Baltimore as they fell 5-1 on Wednesday night. Mark (From Camden Yards) & Al have another Nationals loss to discuss as the team is now 7-17 in September.

(06:45) Patrick Corbin took the "L" in his final outing of the season. He wraps up with a 10-15 record, ERA of 5.20, and a staggeringly high WHIP of 1.48. Corbin threw 180 IP, up from 152.2 IP.

(18:45) Jake Alu had a RBI single; which shockingly was the only run Washington scored on Baltimore all season. Unfortunately, Alu had a TOOTBLAN to immediately follow.

(23:00) CJ Abrams stole his 44th base on the season and trails Trea Turner by 2 for the franchise record (46 - 2017).

(33:00) Sam Holbrook, the home plate umpire for Game 6 of the 2019 World Series, joins Tim for a quick conversation about the infamous "Trea Turner Play".

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The Nats lost 1-0 on Tuesday night in Baltimore, to begin their final road trio of the season. Mark (From Camden Yards) & Al though begin by honoring Brooks Robinson, the Orioles Hall of Fame 3rd Baseman, who passed away prior to the game at age 86. Robinson was an 18 time All Star and won 16 Gold Gloves (2nd most all time).

(02:00) Josiah Gray only allowed 1 run in 6 IP in what is his final start of the season. Gray dropped his ERA to 3.91 to conclude his All Star season. Al poses the question of whether or not the organization will look into an extension for Gray, similar to what Keibert Ruiz agreed to in the off-season.

(17:00) Gunnar Henderson unsuccessfully tried to steal in the bottom of the 8th with Robert Garcia on the mound. Henderson was the source of the only run scored in the game with his lead-off homer off Gray.

(26:00) Davey clarified the rotation for the rest of the way and this weekend in Atlanta and it will be Trevor Williams, Jackson Rutledge, and Joan Adon. Will Tanner Rainey get activated?

(32:00) A portion of our March 2022 interview with Sean Doolittle prior to Opening Day. Hear the full interview at natschatpodcast.com

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