Nats Chat

Opening Day is just one week away and the roster is starting to come into focus.  Mark (From West Palm) & Al dive into what players are expected to head north with the Big League team as Spring Training is wrapping up soon. Many positions still have question marks and catcher is atop the list. (05:45) Zack Littell is on track to start the Nats 2nd game of the season in Chicago despite not having signed with the team until March. (08:00) Where does Jake Irvin fit into the starting rotation as he has impressed this exhibition season on the mound? (12:05) There are a lot of off days in the first month of the season; mixed with th impending return of Josiah Gray.  How many starters will Blake Butera begin the year with in the rotation? (18:10) Brady House is tearing it up at Spring Training as he prepares for his first full season at 3B in D.C. (20:35) Dylan Crews is struggling at the plate this Grapefruit League season.  The hosts address the online conversation about how it might be best for Crews to begin 2026 with Rochester instead of Washington. (30:35) Update on Jacob Young as he has been dealing with a wrist contusion. (32:00) The defense is off to a poor start; will this be indicative of another rough season in the field for the Nats? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It is a busy time in Baseball as Spring Training continues alongside the popularity of the World Baseball Classic. Team USA is onto the quarterfinals amid very strong TV ratings. (04:30) The Nats just signed veteran starter Zack Littell, who surprisingly was available into March.  The 30-year-old has a 3.88 career ERA and will immediately fit into the starting rotation, which has more experience than previously expected.  Washington also inked Foster Griffin and Miles Mikolas after camp began in Florida. (15:00) Will Jake Irvin be in the rotation? (18:15) Cade Cavalli this week was given the ball for Opening Day on March 26th at Wrigley Field.  Cavalli missed mutiple seasons due to injury, but made ten starts to close out 2025. (24:15) What is Josiah Gray's timeline? He hasn't pitched in the majors since April 2024. (29:25) The Nationals have a new TV situation for this season and we help explain the steps to get all set as a viewer (best we can). (43:40) A heartfelt goodbye to the "Secret Weapon" AKA Paolo Espino, who took the mound for the final time this month for Team Panama in the WBC.  Espino will always be part of Nats Chat lore due to his performance in the 2021 season.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nats will be in Wrigley Field in under three weeks, but before then the sport is focused on Spring Training & the World Baseball Classic.  Al & Mark begin with looking at how the new Front Office has made its impact on the club while down in Florida thus far. (09:00) Jacob Young is dealing with a wrist contusion and has been out of the lineup for an extended time. (22:20) Harry Ford, the catcher who the Nationals acquired from Seattle in exchange for Jose A. Ferrer, is playing for Great Britain in the WBC. Ford is expected to play a lot in Washington this season, but will any highly rated prospect join him in the Bigs? (34:30) Initial thoughts on Foster Griffin, who will likely be in the starting rotation. **Audio courtesy of 106.7 The Fan Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nats have had a strong start to exhibition play in Florida; for whatever that is worth. Mark & Al begin with James Wood seeing a lot of action in RF so far this Spring Training. Wood has a lot of CF experience in the minors and LF duty in the majors, but has not found a permanent spot in the outfield.  There is also conjecture that Wood could switch to 1B within the next few seasons. (14:30) Brady House homered twice in the Spring Training opener vs. Miami.  House struggled mightily in his rookie season at the plate, but this will be his first Opening Day in the Big Leagues at 3B. (21:40) The annual February focus on improved base running. (26:25) The Nationals did not seem to sign a collection of veterans that could be flipped at the Trade Deadline unlike previous seasons. (35:10) Is there another signing on its way or only if there is an injury? (37:30) Mark relayed questions to Manager Blake Butera that were contributed from subscribers at natsjournal.com  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Grapefruit League play is just days away. Mark (From West Palm) & Al open with Dylan Crews, who is looking to bounce back after an injury filled rookie season. Crews showed signs of power last year with 10 homers, but his average was barely over the "Mendoza Line". (10:10) Blake Butera was singing the praises of CJ Abrams and expects him to return to All-Star form.  The hosts also dive into the notion of him not returning to the trade market until this summer despite many expecting Abramsto be dealt at the same time as MacKenzie Gore. (19:00) The new manager made mention that Cade Cavalli has been standing out so far this spring.  Cavalli returned to the Washington mound last August for the first time in three years due to injuries and made ten starts in the process. (27:40) Catching up on recent additions to the bullpen on minor league deals. (34:45) What is Luis Garcia Jr.'s primary position?  Is it 2B or 1B? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"Pitchers & Catchers" (and a lot more) have reported to West Palm Beach to begin the 2026 Nationals campaign.  Mark (Live from Florida) & Al discuss the initial impressions of a camp run by Paul Toboni & Blake Butera.  Hear what the reaction has been to the upgrade in technology and infrastructure behind the scenes.(14:00) Washington signed veteran starting pitcher Miles Mikolas to a one-year deal around $2M.  Mikolas has not had a ERA below 4.00 since 2022, but consistently starts over 30 games a year.(18:30) An early look at the potential starting rotation and if Cade Cavalli will take the mound on Opening Day.(22:40) Almost all position players have already reported to Florida, including James Wood.(31:15) This is a critical season for Dylan Crews, who is aiming to take on a larger leadership role in the clubhouse.(34:00) Updates on Travis Sykora & Jarlin Susana, who are out for the season, but are participating in Big League Camp.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For all of those wondering what Mark's next step would be after MASN, here is your answer! Mark tells Al about natsjournal.com and how to subscribe in this quick episode before "Pitchers & Catchers" get going this week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just one day after making his first big move as Nationals President of Baseball Operations, Paul Toboni joins the podcast for a wide ranging conversation.  Mark & Al begin by asking him about trading MacKenzie Gore to Texas in exchange for five prospects.  The discussion then touches upon Free Agency, 1B, building a bullpen, CJ Abrams' future, working with ownership, and more. Stay tuned after the 25 minute interview to hear the hosts give their thoughts on the Gore deal and other observations from interviewing Toboni.(01:00) Gore traded to Texas(08:00) Competitive timeline(14:30) Approach in Free Agency(15:20) 1B Situation(18:35) CJ Abrams' future(20:00) Bullpen construction(22:40) Did you run the Gore trade past ownership?(25:30) Extended post interview reaction from Al & Mark Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tim Shovers with a quick reaction to the news that MacKenzie Gore has been traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for 5 prospects. Mark & Al will have a full episode out Saturday morning. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nationals announced on Wednesday that the era of games airing on MASN is over and that the next chapter of local broadcasts will be on the newly formed "Nationals TV". Al & Tim explain what this means and how this will align with some other MLB team's broadcast situation.(06:00) A refresher on the decade plus litigation between the Orioles & Nats over MASN that suddenly ended last year.(12:15) How will the new broadcast compare to its predecessor?(21:15) Alexa Datt has reportedly been hired as the team's new sideline reporter and she comes from the Cardinals broadcast team. Who will replace Bob Carpenter as the play-by-play announcer?(23:00) The Orioles will remain on MASN, but MASN2 will no longer exist. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The new era of Nationals leadership just completed their first time representing the franchise at the annual MLB Winter Meetings. Mark (After returning from Orlando) & Al begin with the results of the Draft, where they were not allowed to end up with a top 10 pick.  The Nationals had the ping pong balls bounce their way initially, but due to the leagues rules they will settle for #11 overall.(06:00) Evaluating the chances that MacKenzie Gore and/or CJ Abrams get traded this off-season.(15:00) Parsing through Toboni's recent note to fans that could be interpreted as a heads-up that we are headed towards a new rebuild.(19:10) Handicapping the catcher situation now after the trade with Seattle.  Harry Ford is one of the top rated catching prospects and Keibert Ruiz still has many years left on his extension.(27:30) Why did Washington trade away Jose A. Ferrer?(30:15) A check at the new technology that Toboni has added to the infrastructure of the organization.(36:10) Jake Irvin, Riley Adams & Luis Garcia Jr. were among those were tendered by the team to return in 2026.(40:00) Would Abrams move to 2B if he is not traded? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Quick recap of the Nationals trade over the weekend with Seattle by Tim Shovers.  Closer Jose. A Ferrer was sent to the Mariners in exchange for catcher Harry Ford & RHP Isaac Lyon.  Get up to speed on the first trade executed by Paul Toboni. **Next full episode with Mark & Al will be Friday morning December 12th after the MLB Winter Meetings take place in Orlando, FL. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nationals introduced their new 33-year-old Manager Blake Butera on Monday afternoon to the local media.  Mark & Al react to the press conference where Butera was joined on stage by Paul Toboni and fielded questions about becoming the youngest MLB Manager in a half century.  (17:00) An early look at Butera's coaching staff, which will include Sean Doolittle.(24:35) Luis Garcia Jr., Jake Irvin, and Riley Adams are among the non-tender candidates as it relates to upcoming Arbitration eligibility.(32:00) Brief commentary on some potential big names that will be floated this off-season in trade rumors.(35:10) Tim is joined by WTOP & Sirius XM's Ben Raby for a review of the Netflix documentary "Who Killed the Expos?". Ben grew up an Expos fan in Canada and is an avid Nats Chat listener.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tim Shovers provides a short recap of Paul Toboni's Conference Call on Tuesday to address the hiring of Blake Butera as new manager.  Butera and his wife welcomed a child the same day he accepted the job and his intro press conference is expected to be held later this month in D.C.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Nationals hired the youngest Manager in over 50 years. Mark & Al discuss the news that Washington will soon name 33-year-old Blake Butera as the team's next skipper.  The surprising hire comes from the Rays organization and his only previous managerial experience was in Low-A. Butera was drafted in the 35th Round out of Boston College but became a minor league manager at age 25.(14:10) A look at some of the other candidates in the interview process.(22:00) Going over Butera's resume in MLB, who was Tampa Bay's Director of Player Development in 2025. (29:15) Who will be on Butera's Coaching Staff? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tim Shovers with a quick reminder about the end of season Podcast Party.  This Friday night, October 10th, at 7pm at Walter's Sports Bar in Navy Yard.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nationals began a new era on Wednesday morning as Paul Toboni was officially introduced as the new President of Baseball Operations.  Mark & Al react to Toboni's first time meeting with the D.C. media in the press room at the ballpark.  Toboni was joined on the podium by three members of ownership in Mark Lerner, Ed Cohen, and Robert Tanenbaum.(07:00) Spending by ownership was brought up multiple times during the press conference.  (15:35) Toboni's answer on if he will hire a General Manager beneath him.  Mike DeBartolo was in attendance at the press conference.(21:20) Toboni's response about the young talent within the franchise.(24:00) Discussion on the managerial situation and what Toboni had to say about interim skipper Miguel Cairo.(36:45) How should Toboni handle the current staff within the Front Office?(39:05) NATS CHAT PODCAST PARTY ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 10TH AT 7PM AT WALTER'S.  FIRST BEER ON THE HOUSE! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nats closed their last place season on a sour note as they were shutout 8-0 on Sunday afternoon by the visiting White Sox. Mark & Al put the 66 win campaign under a wide-angle lens on the heels of their 14th shutout defeat. It should be a more active October than the past few years as they remake the front office and likely will make a change at manager.(13:20) Hear what Dylan Crews said afterwards as he seems to be gearing up for more of a leadership role on the team.(21:15) James Wood went 0 for 3 and struck out in every at-bat.  Wood finishes the year w/ 221 strike outs, by far the most in Baseball, but still two shy of Mark Reynolds' record from 2009.(23:45) A wrap-up of just how the bad the Washington relief pitching was this season.(32:00) A thank you to our great listeners as our numbers grew this season on the podcast despite the terrible performance on the field.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nats overcame an early four-run deficit to edge the White Sox 6-5 on Saturday afternoon. Mark & Al begin with an ode to Bob Carpenter, who is calling his final Nats games this weekend for MASN. Carpenter was honored prior to the game after 20 years of being the TV voice of the team.(10:00) James Wood hit his 31st homer to take the lead for good in the bottom of the 7th. Wood has four homers this week to end his season on a high note.(15:00) "Mr. September" was at again as Daylen Lile bolstered his NL Rookie of the Year with his 8th home run of the month.  Hear how Lile's season stacks up against the other top candidates for the award.(20:10) Josh Bell & CJ Abrams are surprisingly neck and neck for OPS this season (.751/.752).(23:00) Jake Irvin allowed four runs in six inning to close his season.  Irvin's rough 2025 ends with a 5.70 ERA and his future in the rotation is in jeopardy.(29:15) Julian Fernandez pitched a perfect top of the 7th and that led to earning his 1st career Big League win.  Fernandez was picked up off of waivers in Mid August after he was DFA'd by the Dodgers. Jose A. Ferrer recorded a bumpy save one night after blowing it in the 9th.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nats rallied all the way back from a seven run deficit, but Jose A. Ferrer could not close the door in the 10-9 loss to the White Sox. Mark & Al gather after maybe the craziest game of the season that saw the Nationals hit six homers, but also commit four errors.(06:00) Luis Garcia Jr. hit a trio of homers for the first time in his career.  Garcia's third homer of the night briefly put them up 9-8 in the bottom of the 8th.  The last time Washington lost when a player hit three homers in a game was in 2013 in Baltimore when Ryan Zimmerman went deep three times.(09:05) Daylen Lile tied the game with a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 8th.  Lile is having an all-time month as he has five homers and seven triples in September.(13:20) CJ Abrams & Josh Bell each went deep, but both committed errors in the top of the 1st. Abrams is now up to 19 homers; one behind his total last season.(19:30) Cade Cavalli finished his season on a bit of a down note as Chicago tagged him for four unanswered runs in the top of the 1st. Cavalli ended up making ten starts with the Nats after his very long rehab from Tommy John surgery.(24:10) Ferrer's disastrous 9th inning began with a throwing error from the lefty; before have gave up the game deciding 2-run HR to Colson Montgomery.(26:45) When should we expect the formal announcement about Paul Toboni taking over as Head of Baseball Operations? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.