The Nats lost 6-3 to the Cubs to end what was likely the worst month in franchise history. Mark & Al put a bow on July 2021 and spin it forward. They analyze Victor Robles returning to the leadoff spot, which he briefly held back in April.

(11:28) Luis Garcia started at shortstop Saturday night as Alcides Escobar had the night off. Could he be the long-term answer there or will he likely be at 2B? Where does recent draft pick Brady House fit into the equation? Carter Kieboom made another error at 3B and he struggled again. How long will his leash be at the hot corner for the final two months?

(20:30) Juan Soto enters a new chapter of his career as he is now "The Face of the Franchise". How will he handle that role, especially in an under .500 season? Plus, Joe Ross earned his "Spin the Wheel/ Make the Deal" status as he regressed this outing.

(28:52) Update on Josiah Gray and when to expect him in Washington.

(34:35) Listener submitted email, including one from Europe and a question about Max Scherzer's 2022 Free Agent options.

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The Nats edged the Cubs 4-3 after a dizzying two day stretch that saw eight players traded away. Al & Mark digest what the deadline moves mean for the organization moving forward and analyze the remarkable Jon Lester trade. They also point out just how different the farm system is now regarded after acquiring a dozen prospects.

(13:46) Reaction to Friday night's starting lineup that looks a lot different after all the moves. Should Victor Robles return to the leadoff spot as opposed to Andrew Stevenson? 

(20:05) Ryan Zimmerman was retained unlike most veterans ahead of the trade deadline. Was there a possibility the Nationals would have dealt him away? Same question applies to Josh Bell.

(26:08) Paolo Espino earned his third win of the season as he pitched into the sixth inning. This comes as he only had three hours notice that he would be taking the mound.

(32:04) Listener submitted emails reacting to the flurry of trades.

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The Nationals split their doubleheader in Philadelphia, but the main news postgame was the blockbuster trade that sent Max Scherzer & Trea Turner to the Dodgers. Mark & Al analyze the mega move by Washington and assess what they think of the move. Why was Turner dealt instead of locking him up to a long-term contract? Did they get enough in return from LA?

(12:15) Kiebert Ruiz (catcher) and Josiah Gray (pitcher) are the top rated prospects in the Dodgers system. When will they be contributing at the big league level?

(25:24) The Nats won Game 1 of the doubleheader 3-1 in Scherzer's final start for the franchise. As fitting as the victory was, Al wonders why the team put Max on the mound while he was on the trade block. Mark explains what might have led to the initial report on Thursday afternoon that the Padres were Scherzer's likely landing spot, not LA.

(35:38) Washington coughed up a 7-0 lead in Game 2 of the doubleheader, missing a major opportunity to sneakily have an outside chance in the division. The bullpen had its worst game yet, as they collapsed in their first day without Brad Hand. Mark puts in perspective how this loss was a microcosm of the entire season.

(43:36) Tim updates the trades that were made after taping of Kyle Schwarber to Boston & Daniel Hudson to the Padres.

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The Nationals beat the Phillies 6-4, but Tuesday was filled with bad news for the organization. Al & Mark react to the announcement that Stephen Strasburg will have season ending surgery. For those not familiar with the procedure, they explain what TOS typically means for pitchers and the long-term ramifications.

(15:15) Trea Turner was pulled from the game in the 1st inning due to a positive COVID-19 test. We hope that he is feeling ok, but also wonder what does this mean for his potential value on the trade market?

(22:22) Victor Robles exited mid at-bat due to lower back tightness. Just how many roster contingency plans does Mike Rizzo need to balance this week?

(26:10) We finally recap the victory, which saw a pair of 3 run HRs early in the game.  Brad Hand this time converted the save and Mark explains why he was given the ball in the bottom of the 9th. Plus, an evaluation of Carter Kieboom's rough defensive performance.

(33:10) A review of Erick Fedde's start, which soured in the 5th. Will we see Fedde return to the form he had prior to his oblique injury?

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The Nationals coughed up a late lead and fell 6-5 in Philadelphia on a walk-off 3 run HR by Andrew McCutchen off of closer Brad Hand. Mark & Al put in perspective what this means for Hand's value on the trade market in addition to the "kick in the teeth" type loss they were dealt.

(4:01) Twitter was filled with reports that the Nats are listening to trade offers for Trea Turner, who is a Free Agent after 2022. Should Washington consider dealing away their All Star Shortstop?

(15:37) Max Scherzer is open to accepting a trade per the Washington Post in order to try and win another World Series. This leads to Al posing a contrarian idea Nats fans might enjoy.

(24:25) Joe Ross had a solid return to the mound after a few weeks on the IL. What is his ceiling?

(33:42) Listener submitted emails. Email yours into [email protected]

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The Nationals were swept in Baltimore as they lost 5-4 on Sunday afternoon. Mark & Al recap the gut punching defeat and try to understand how they could have lost four games in a row to last place teams. What should we expect this week from the front office as Friday's Trade Deadline looms? 

(15:15) Washington entered the bottom of the ninth with a one run lead, but Brad Hand immediately put the leadoff hitter on base. Should Hand and Daniel Hudson flip roles?

(20:20) Paolo Espino was in line for the victory until the 9th, but did allow three solo shots. On the other side, many of the Nats big names didn't produce much at the plate this weekend. Plus, a look at the evolving situation at catcher. How important is the absence of Yan Gomes?

(26:30) For some good news, Joe Ross is expected to come off the IL and pitch Monday in Philadelphia. When will Max Scherzer return to the mound?

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The Nationals lost 5-3 in Baltimore for a third consecutive defeat. Al & Mark start with the troubled state of team as they are limping into the trade deadline. Should they sell and if so, who should they sell off?

(12:37) Max Scherzer was scratched from his scheduled start due to triceps discomfort. Did any of this have to do with the impending trade deadline?

(22:05) Matt Harvey pitched like the New York form of himself, not the current one. Which version of the Nats offense will we see for the remainder of the season?

(27:07) Carter Kieboom is back with Washington after Jordy Mercer was placed on the IL. Kieboom did not start, but had two late at bats, including a run scored after being hit by a pitch. Will he be starting or coming off the bench while in the big leagues?

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The Nationals lost their series opener at Camden Yards 6-1 to the Orioles. It was a busy night for Mark as he made his debut hosting the pre & postgame shows on MASN and he tells Al all about it. They then dissect why Josh Bell got the nod in the field and Ryan Zimmerman was the DH, as opposed to Zim starting at 1B. Bell provided the only offense of the night with a tape measure shot, his third homer of the week.

(16:26) Andrew Stevenson got another start in CF on Friday night. Has Robles been benched? Is this a platoon? Is it a bit more complicated than that?

(21:38) Patrick Corbin had another bad outing despite pitching well in the opening innings. Is his spot in the rotation in jeopardy?

(27:47) Stephen Strasburg again felt discomfort in his neck and will likely see another specialist. Al puts into perspective just how disastrous this contract might end up being for Washington.

(35:28) An update on Cade Cavalli straight from the Voice of the "Harrisburg Senators Terry Byrom". A link to Terry's radio broadcast is located on the team's website.

(38:44) Friday was the one year anniversary of the Nationals most unusual Opening Day vs. the Yankees. Mark relays what that bizarre evening felt like as everything that could have gone wrong, seemingly did go wrong.

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The Nationals lost 3-1 in extras to the Marlins, ending their brief win streak at three games. Al & Mark dive into the offensive struggles from Wednesday night, as some familiar themes from earlier this season returned. This includes multiple double plays and stranding runners in scoring position.

(12:33) Andrew Stevenson started two games this series in CF instead of Victor Robles. Is this a sign of lineup cards to come?

(19:15) Erick Fedde bounced back with a solid outing, his first good start since returning from the IL. How much stock should we put into it considering it was against Miami?

(23:43) Brad Hand gave up the decisive two runs in the top of 10th, while in his second inning of work. Should Davey Martinez have brought in a fresh arm for extra innings?

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The Nats beat the Marlins 6-3 after briefly blowing the lead in the 6th. Al & Mark discuss the victory which saw a balanced offensive attack. Josh Bell went deep for the second straight day, Tres Barrera had another solid performance at the plate, and Juan Soto continues to be locked in.

(14:24) Paolo Espino returned to his "Secret Weapon" form as he tossed five scoreless innings. Why was Paolo able to bounce back after a few recent rough outings?

(22:05) GM Mike Rizzo addressed reporters for the first time in a few months and there was a lot to digest. The hosts react to his comments on Starlin Castro and the upcoming trade deadline. Is he planning on being a buyer or seller at the end of the month?

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