Nats Chat

Mark & Al break down the team’s postponement of Opening Day, why it happened, and when they expect the Nats to finally take the field in 2021. (21:41) For an update on the latest phase of the pandemic, the guys turn to expert (and Nats fan) Dr. Anthony Fauci, NIAID Director. He shares when fans might be able to return in larger numbers, when he started rooting for the Nationals, and more.  Learn m...

In our final installment of Spring Training episodes, Al & Mark react to the news that Carter Kieboom will not begin the season on the Opening Day Roster. What happens at 2B as Starlin Castro moves over to 3B? They explain what the chances are of Kieboom getting called back up in the near future. (16:47) The guys look at the rest of the roster with updates on pitchers Stephen Strasburg, Jon Lester...

On Tuesday, Starlin Castro got the start at 3B. Will he be at the Hot Corner on Opening Day instead of the struggling Carter Kieboom? (16:45) Mark & Al explain the significance of the Washington Post report that Erick Fedde no longer has minor league options. Will the team now have to decide between keeping him or Austin Voth? (24:48) Juan Soto and Trea Turner have not been slugging this Spring. T...

Al & Mark are joined by three-time Cy Young Winner Max Scherzer to discuss fans returning to the stadium, how long he might pitch for, the future of the DH, and looming labor talks in the sport (23:51). The show leads off with news that Manager Davey Martinez named Scherzer his Opening Day starter where he will face the Mets Jacob deGrom (just like 2019). (14:53) The bullpen situation is murkier w...

Al & Mark lead off with all you need to know regarding the top 4 starters and how the rotation is shaping up for the start of the season. Plus, as the focus on Carter Kieboom's Spring increases, Mark updates whether or not Luis Garcia will be playing in the Big Leagues this year. (9:20) Al asks if the Nats should have been more aggressive in Free Agency this offseason. Would George Springer have m...

On Sunday, Stephen Strasburg left the mound early with a calf strain and is day to day. With just a few weeks left until Opening Day, Al & Mark dissect what this means for Strasburg and the rotation as a whole. (19:22) With Victor Robles' encouraging Spring at the plate, do the guys feel good about him as the 2021 leadoff hitter? And as Carter Kieboom struggles, what are the 3B options for the Nat...

Starting off with a lot of rotation updates. Stephen Strasburg made his 2021 debut after barely pitching in 2020, Max Scherzer dominates the Cardinals, the 5th starter situation starts to crystallize, and a clarification on Jon Lester's surgery. (18:15) Mark & Al discuss the likelihood of stars Juan Soto and Trea Turner signing long-term extensions before becoming free agents. How will the Fernand...

The Nats off day on Sunday got busy following news that reliever Jeremy Jeffress was released for unspecified "personnel reasons". Al & Mark discuss how it affects the current bullpen situation and give an update on Tanner Rainey. (13:48) The guys also evaluate how the present and future front-lines of the rotation are looking so far this Spring. Max Scherzer, Patrick Corbin, Cade Cavalli, and Jac...

Mark & Al talk about the news from Florida of Jon Lester leaving camp for thyroid surgery, plus take a look at where the 3B position stands this Spring. Tune in to find out what Carter Kieboom now has in common with Cristian Guzman. (20:41) In news out of DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser denied the request to have fans at Nationals Park. Mark explains all the angles as the decision is expected to be recons...

We promised you in-depth discussion on the fifth starter on this podcast and that's exactly what we give you after Erick Fedde took the mound against the Cardinals in Jupiter, FL. Who has the inside track between him, Joe Ross, and Austin Voth? (11:07) Mark & Al react to the first lineup card of the season. Is it an indication of where Juan Soto might be slotted this year? What do they think of Vi...

Nats fans, we are excited to bring you "Nats Chat" podcast, a year-round podcast that will have episodes after every single game! Hosted by Mark Zuckerman & Al Galdi. Mark of MASNsports.com, has been covering the team since it all began in 2005. Al has been talking baseball on the DMV airwaves for over 20 years, back when the Expos were still in Montreal. Enjoy this quick trailer, explaining what...