Nats Chat

The Nats were shutout 1-0 by San Francisco as the home stand couldn't have started in a worse fashion. Al & Tim discuss the post World Series curse that seems to continually hover over the organization as Max Scherzer was injured in the top of the 1st. Do you feel better that Scherzer's injury isn't arm related?

(11:25) Tips of the cap to the Bullpen for basically throwing a complete game and only allowing one run. Paolo Espino was unfortunately handed the loss despite throwing 50 pitches with no notice and setting a great tone. The 'pen retired 16 consecutive Giants hitters to end the game. What gives?

(16:22) This was likely the low point of the season for the offense as they couldn't give the 'pen any help whatsoever. The hosts would like to see a roster move made to switch it up. Can you guess the requested odd man out?

(28:16) A listener submitted voice memo bringing back a debate that Nationals fans will have forever in regards to the off-season of 2019.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nats prevailed 9-7 in 11 innings over Tampa Bay. Al & Mark open with yet another heavy usage night for the bullpen as Patrick Corbin only made it through five innings. Did you agree with using Daniel Hudson & Brad Hand as much as they pitched? Props need to be given to Tanner Rainey, as he recorded his first career save.

(15:25) The offense had a very productive evening, including three homers hit between Ryan Zimmerman and Juan Soto. What has led to Zimmerman's success at the plate this season? Plus, Al gives rare praise to Starlin Castro's performance with the bat.

(26:20) An update on Stephen Strasburg as more questions remain than answers. Will he pitch again this season?

(29:11) The Nationals open up an 11 game home stand with full capacity allowed. First up? Four games against the Giants, who sport the best record in all of Baseball.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nationals were topped 3-1 at Tampa Bay for their 3rd straight defeat. Mark & Al pinpoint the moments where the offense underwhelmed again, including the nearly impossible to believe stat where the team is hitting .145 with the bases loaded this season. They give their reactions to the unconventional decision to hit Kyle Schwarber leadoff. Plus, should Josh Bell have been sent home in the 7th on the Harrison hit?

(17:23) Jon Lester did not give up many runs, but didn't even last four innings. Al puts in perspective at how constantly taxed the bullpen is as Max Scherzer is the only pitcher to eat up frames. Is there any good answer to this quandary?

(25:47) We end this episode with happy topics to cleanse your palate. Cade Cavalli made a major leap in Baseball America prospect rankings. What's the next step for the star pitching prospect? 

(29:37) Luis Garcia was named AAA East Player of the Week on Monday. Our listeners very much want him to be called up for good. Do Al & Mark see that in the near future?

(32:47) Tuesday marked 11 years since Stephen Strasburg's unforgettable MLB debut where he struck out 14 Pirates. The hosts share their memories from that nationally televised evening at Nationals Park. Does he have a shot at making a Hall of Fame push in the later portion of his career?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nats were doubled up in Philadelphia 12-6 in a game that took over four hours. Al & Mark recap the Bullpen Game that went awry in the middle innings for Washington. The beginning of the afternoon started well until Austin Voth had his nose broken during a rare at bat.

(10:01) A round-up of the interminable 4th inning, that saw the Phillies score seven times without getting an extra-base hit. Will Sam Clay be on the roster come next series? The guys then compare Tanner Rainey to another former Nationals reliever with the initials, "T.R." Should Kyle McGowin be placed in more high-leverage situations?

(21:16) The offense however scored more than normal, but the heart of the lineup had plenty of nits to pick. Kyle Schwarber had zero hits over the series and Starlin Castro's offensive numbers have plummeted.

(33:05) Listener email prompts a conversation about where the current thinking is along the lines of potentially trading away Max Scherzer before the Trade Deadline.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nats lost 5-2 at the Phillies on Saturday afternoon. Mark & Al yet again must run through the futile offensive numbers as the Nationals couldn't break it open against the vulnerable Philadelphia bullpen. They react to what seems to be an increasingly frustrated Davey Martinez.

(16:33) Joe Ross was untouchable early in his start, but a Josh Bell error led to Ross falling apart in the 4th. Why does this always seem to be the pattern when Ross pitches?

(24:56) Washington will have a Bullpen Game on Sunday due to a quirk in the rotation. Mark has an offbeat suggestion for using an Opener, which immediately grabbed Al's attention.

(33:39) A potential solid hitter could be available on the trade market summer. Any chance the Nats could be the trade partner?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nationals held on 2-1 in Philadelphia to open the weekend series. Al takes the reins by himself to tell the tale of the pitchers duel that Washington prevailed in. He begins by putting in perspective how well the Nats defense has been so far this year, crystallized by Alex Avila tagging out a pinch runner halfway across the diamond, bringing new meaning to the term "TOOTBLAN".

(13:18) Max Scherzer outdueled Zack Wheeler, lasted until the bottom of the 8th, and threw over 100 pitches in the victory. The Varsity Bullpen did their part too, as Daniel Hudson & Brad Hand combined for the final four outs to keep the slim lead intact.

(24:06) Juan Soto homered for the third time in four days, and the Nationals have won all three times he has gone deep. Hear how much Al enjoyed Soto's theatrics following his blast off of Wheeler.

(33:53) The Marlins have lost seven straight and have fallen below Washington in the NL East standings.

*Audio Courtesy: WIP-FM in Philadelphia

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nats lost 5-1 in Atlanta Thursday afternoon to split the four game series. Mark & Al focus on the missed opportunity by the offense as they were blanked by Tucker Davidson, an unheralded prospect. Al throws out an idea on who could help inject life into the lineup, can you guess who it is?

(17:35) Patrick Corbin was unscathed through five innings, but the wheels came off in the 6th. Mark explains the mechanics as to why he is having trouble fooling hitters this season.

(25:34) Paolo Espino, the Official Relief Pitcher of this podcast, yet again threw a clean inning. When will he pitch in higher leverage situations?

(30:57) A preview of the weekend series in Philadelphia. Will it be a Bullpen game on Sunday?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nationals defeated the Braves 5-3 for their 2nd straight victory. Al & Mark not only have another win to talk about, but they have another Juan Soto HR to discuss. Is it too early to say he's back to his usual self? Yan Gomes had a sterling evening on both sides of the dish, throwing out a stealing Ronald Acuna Jr. and then breaking a late tie with a go ahead solo shot in the 8th.

(14:01) The one bit of bad news Wednesday was an injury suffered by Kyle Schwarber after an attempted diving catch. Will he back in the lineup in the near future? Mark then explains why Ryan Zimmerman did not play despite the Braves pitching a lefty.

(18:52) The hosts tip their caps to Jon Lester, who pitched well on short rest, including retiring 11 in a row at one point. Then they turn their attention towards the bullpen and point out why Daniel Hudson needs to be used with less frequency.

(29:51) An update on Stephen Strasburg after he was placed on the IL due to a neck strain. Will he back before the All Star break?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nationals beat the Braves 11-6 to end their losing streak on an eventful and long evening in Atlanta. Al & Mark begin by wondering whether this was overall a good or bad night for Nats fans. The good was the Juan Soto leading the offense with 3 hits (including a HR), the bad was Stephen Strasburg exiting in the 2nd inning due a tight right trapezius muscle. They choose the good and give props not only to Soto, but also Ryan Zimmerman, who continues tearing the cover off the ball.

(18:09) Washington utilized six relievers in almost eight innings of work. A recap of all those who pitched out of the bullpen, including our guy Paolo "Mr. Untouchable" Espino.

(26:38) A full discussion on Strasburg's injury. The hosts look at what happened Tuesday in Atlanta as his velocity was way down, a clear sign that something was amiss. They then zoom out and put in perspective how disappointing the big money contract for Strasburg has been so far.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nationals lost their fifth in a row, a 5-3 defeat in Atlanta on Memorial Day. Mark & Al look at how the lineup was yet again shuffled, headlined by the Juan Soto Leadoff Experiment being abandoned after just one game. Mark then stuns Al with Victor Robles lineup news that is expected on Tuesday.

(13:08) Joe Ross had a miserable beginning to his outing and then flipped the switch to finish it in dominant fashion. Why does he have a tendency to be so "Jekyll & Hyde"? Will he keep his rotation spot or will Erick Fedde take it over eventually?

(24:41) A preview of Stephen Strasburg vs. LHP Max Fried on Tuesday night. Fried has been pitching well lately, but the Nats hit him hard on Opening Day.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.