The Washington Nationals are rebuilding their coaching staff with a bold, youth-focused approach. Host Ryan Clary breaks down the hiring of 30-year-old Simon Matthews as pitching coach, highlighting his Driveline Baseball background and data-driven methodology. Matthews comes from the Cincinnati Reds, where he worked under Terry Francona, bringing modern analytics and player development expertise the Nationals desperately needed. The team also added Bobby Wilson from the Texas Rangers as catching coordinator. Clary argues these hires address the organization's biggest weakness: outdated coaching that failed to develop young talent. With manager Blake Butera (33) and bench coach Michael Johns also on board, the Nationals are assembling a staff that matches their young roster's energy while embracing analytics the previous regime ignored. The episode also touches on former Nationals Kurt Suzuki and Adam Eaton joining the Angels' coaching staff, sparking discussion about potential reunion hires in DC. 

 

0:00 Intro

0:36 Simon Matthews hired as pitching coach

2:39 Why Driveline Baseball background matters

5:13 Nationals finally investing in analytics

8:17 Terry Francona connection validates Matthews hire

10:19 Bobby Wilson joins as catching coordinator

12:51 Addressing player development through coaching staff

16:24 Young coaches for young talented roster

19:27 Nationals looking themselves in the mirror

21:59 Kurt Suzuki and Adam Eaton reunion

24:33 Bringing former Nationals back to DC

 

Follow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11

Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals

 

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