Nats Chat

Mark Zuckerman & Al Galdi, Blue Wire

A Washington Nationals podcast offering recap and analysis after every game, plus all the breaking news throughout the year. Hosted by Mark Zuckerman of natsjournal.com & Al Galdi, host of "The Al Galdi Podcast". For sponsorship opportunities, contact Tim Shovers at natschatpodcast@gmail.com.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

980 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes980

Newest first

Apr 5, 2024 · 33 min
Gray Gets Hammered Again
The Nats lost 7-4 to Pittsburgh in D.C. to drop a 2nd straight rubber match as they are now 2-4 on the season. Al & Mark recap another bad outing by Josiah Gray as he gave up four runs in the opening inning. His ERA so far this season after a pair of starts is 14.04. (14:00) The offense totaled eight hits after trying to dig themselves out from the early deficit. Lane Thomas was for 0 for 4 and so far he is hitting just .179 on the young season. (18:00) Joey Gallo doubled and drew a walk in what
Apr 4, 2024 · 36 min
Gallo Homers as Trevor Williams Earns the Win
Wednesday was filled with rain in the DMV, but the skies were clear enough in the early evening for a 5-3 Nationals victory over Pittsburgh. Mark & Al start with Joey Gallo as his first hit with the franchise was fittingly a solo HR. He then later added two more hits after beginning the season 0 for 12. (08:00) Luis Garcia Jr. doubled three times and knocked in a run. It is the first time in Garcia's career that he pulled off that feat. (11:40) CJ Abrams had another impressive performance as he
Apr 2, 2024 · 33 min
More Bullpen Woes in Home Opening Loss
The Nats lost 8-3 to the Pirates in their sold out home opener to begin the season 1-3 for the sixth consecutive year. Mark & Al recap a second straight day filled with bullpen struggles as the game was tied at 4 entering the top of the 8th. Matt Barnes and Tanner Rainey shared responsibility for the four late Pirates runs and overall the quartet of Nats relievers gave up ten hits in the afternoon. (12:00) MacKenzie Gore threw a so-so start as he gave up a trio of runs in 5.1 IP on 101 pitches.
Apr 1, 2024 · 28 min
Finnegan Blows the Rubber Match
The Nats came one out shy of winning the opening series of the season as they lost 6-5 on Sunday afternoon in Cincinnati. Mark (Live from Cincy) & Al recap the loss where a 5-3 lead with two outs in the 9th quickly turned into a Reds walk-off HR given up by Kyle Finnegan. (07:30) Trey Lipscomb homered in just his 2nd career game and continues to impress at 3B. (11:00) CJ Abrams also homered on Sunday, but Al takes issue with a decision for him to attempt a sacrifice bunt despite it working out.
Mar 31, 2024 · 34 min
9th Inning Rally Leads to First Win of the Season
The Nats scored 3 runs in the 9th to escape with a 7-6 victory on Saturday afternoon. Mark (From Cincinnati) & Al discuss the comeback, which involved a lot of "Small Ball". Keibert Ruiz tied the game by getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Eddie Rosario continued his strong start to the season with the go ahead sacrifice fly. CJ Abrams had a excellent game as he scored a trio of runs and also stole 3 bases in the win. (11:00) Trey Lipscomb made his Major League debut as the starting
Mar 29, 2024 · 39 min
Opening Day Loss: Senzel Injured & Gray Hit Hard
The Nats were routed 8-2 on Opening Day on Thursday afternoon in Cincinnati . Mark (Live from Cincy) & Al recap the defeat that got off to an immediate negative tone as third baseman Nick Senzel broke his thumb while fielding a ground ball in warmups. Then Josiah Gray allowed seven runs before the 3rd inning was over, including allowing a pair of HRs to Nick Martini, who entered the game with only 8 career HRs. (16:20) The offense was very ineffective as only one runner reached scoring position
Mar 25, 2024 · 46 min
2024 Season Preview
Mark is back from Florida and so are the Nats as Opening Day is Thursday in Cincinnati. He & Al begin start with the prospect likeliest to begin in Ohio this week and it's not James Wood or Dylan Crews. Hear all the factors that led to Trey Lipscomb escalation up the depth chart within the organization. Lipscomb is an infielder and was drafted by Washington in the 3rd round of the 2022 Draft after playing at the University of Tennessee. (12:00) An update on the starting rotation which will inclu
Mar 20, 2024 · 43 min
Gray Named Opening Day Starter
As Opening Day approaches next week, Mark (From West Palm) & Al react to Davey Martinez giving Josiah Gray the nod to take the mound on March 28th in Cincinnati. Patrick Corbin, who started Opening Day the past two seasons, will get the ball in Game #2. MacKenzie Gore is expected to be the starting pitcher for the home opener on Monday April 1st. (15:20) An update on the bullpen and which arms are healthy as the regular season approaches. (19:15) A look at the outfield and first base from a defe
Mar 6, 2024 · 39 min
James Wood's Chances to Make the Opening Day Roster
Opening Day is under a month away as Mark & Al convene to discuss the latest with the Nationals. James Wood has been the star of Spring Training and that is where the conversation begins. What are the chances the 21-year-old will be with the Nats on March 28th in Cincinnati? (08:30) An update on how Dylan Crews and Robert Hassell III have looked during Grapefruit League play. (11:30) An explanation of the complicated Prospect Promotion Initiative (PPI) that factors into the decision of whether
Feb 26, 2024 · 55 min
James Wood Goes Deep & the Lerners Aren't Selling
The Nats have played a pair of Grapefruit League games and James Wood homered in each one. Mark & Al begin by discussing the team's #2 ranked prospect's mammoth shots in West Palm and Jupiter over the weekend. Wood is 21 years old spent the bulk of 2023 with Double-A Harrisburg. Meanwhile, Robert Hassell III tripled on Saturday night and Dylan Crews already came through with a diving catch. (11:45) Keibert Ruiz's had a rough start to Spring as he was charged with two catcher interference calls a
Feb 16, 2024 · 48 min
Prospect Promise but Strasburg Drama Lingers
Mark is down in West Palm Beach, Florida for the beginning of Nats Spring Training and relays to Al what he's seen thus far. James Wood has already reported and it is emblematic of the high profile prospects that will garner a lot of attention down at camp unlike the past few seasons. (13:30) Despite the optimism for the future, a negative story line from the past remains as there is still a vacant locker for Stephen Strasburg. Mark explains the complicated situation that was not resolved over t
Jan 15, 2024 · 44 min
New Look Front Office Interview
Al & Mark are back in 2024 in what continues to be a very sleepy offseason for the Nationals. The episode begins with an exciting podcast announcement as it relates to the NL East. (12:25) We are joined by two important new additions to the organization who just came over from Baltimore. Brad Ciolek, Senior Director Amateur Scouting, and Danny Haas, VP of Amateur Scouting. A true "Inside Baseball" segment as they give a peek into the world of scouting and the exhaustive preparation head of this
Dec 7, 2023 · 40 min
Soto Traded Again
The Winter Meetings wrapped up with a flurry of news as Mark has returned home from Nashville. He and Al begin by evaluating the Nick Senzel signing to a one year deal. If he primarily plays 3B, what does mean for Brady House's timeline? This comes as Jeimer Candelario agreed to terms with Cincinnati where Senzel played last season. (10:15) The Nats acquired Nasim Nunez from the Marlins in the Rule 5 Draft. Get to learn about the young shortstop. (19:00) Juan Soto has been traded again and he is
Dec 5, 2023 · 47 min
Winter Meetings Latest
The MLB Winter Meetings are underway as Mark (Live from Nashville) & Al check in on the latest regarding the Nationals off-season. Mike Rizzo and Davey Martinez each addressed the media and there are indications that this could be another slow Hot Stove for Washington. How does Jeimer Candelario fit into all of that? (19:00) The Stephen Strasburg situation was addressed and we still have not yet reached a resolution. (26:00) An explanation as to why Joey Meneses' did not have the power we all ex
Nov 7, 2023 · 58 min
Remembering Frank Howard + Earlier Start Times
The Texas Rangers won their 1st World Series title to officially bring on the MLB's off-season. Al & Mark begin with a quick recap of the successful Podcast Party last month at Walter's. Thanks to all who came! (04:00) The Nationals announced that weeknight evening games will begin 20 minutes earlier at 6:45pm. This seems to be a way to encourage more fans to be able to stay for the final few innings, but what about those who don't get off work until around 6:30pm? (11:30) Roll call and analysis
Oct 2, 2023 · 40 min
Abrams Steals Franchise Record in Closing Win
The Nats ended 2023 on a high note as they defeated the Braves 10-9 in a Sunday Slugfest. Mark (From Georgia) & Al wrap-up the 71 win campaign; which was 16 more victories than a season ago. Washington ended up beating Atlanta 5 times and were never swept from the NL East Champs. (05:30) CJ Abrams stole a pair of bases in the finale to surpass Trea Turner's previous franchise mark. Abrams ended at 47 swipes, which just nosed past Turner's 46 stolen bases in 2017. (12:30) Lane Thomas concluded hi
Oct 1, 2023 · 36 min
Game 161: Early 3-0 Lead Goes to Waste
The Nats lost 5-3 on Saturday night in Atlanta despite jumping out to an early edge. Mark (From ATL) & Al examine how the offense immediately attached Spencer Strider, but then went silent after the 1st inning. (06:25) CJ Abrams had a pair of hits and stole his 45th base of the year. He trails Trea Turner (46 - 2017) by just one stolen base for the franchise record in a single season. (11:00) Joan Adon only lasted 4 IP in his final start of the season. Adon made 10 starts and his ERA was a woefu
Sep 30, 2023 · 37 min
70 Wins After 5 Homer Barrage
The Nats out-slugged the Braves on Friday night for their 70th victory on the season. Mark ( From ATL) & Al recap the 10-6 victory that saw Washington crush 5 home runs as Dom Smith continued his scorching September with his 6th trip around the bases this month. (07:40) Carter Kieboom went deep while getting the start in his hometown. The hosts handicap where Kieboom fits into the organizational plans and show why this past stretch might be his last real opportunity to make an impression. (11:00
Sep 28, 2023 · 36 min
Game 159: Bats Quiet Again + Sam Holbrook Interview
The Nats were swept in their 2 game series in Baltimore as they fell 5-1 on Wednesday night. Mark (From Camden Yards) & Al have another Nationals loss to discuss as the team is now 7-17 in September. (06:45) Patrick Corbin took the "L" in his final outing of the season. He wraps up with a 10-15 record, ERA of 5.20, and a staggeringly high WHIP of 1.48. Corbin threw 180 IP, up from 152.2 IP. (18:45) Jake Alu had a RBI single; which shockingly was the only run Washington scored on Baltimore all se
Sep 27, 2023 · 34 min
Gray Closes His Season w/ a Solid Outing
The Nats lost 1-0 on Tuesday night in Baltimore, to begin their final road trio of the season. Mark (From Camden Yards) & Al though begin by honoring Brooks Robinson, the Orioles Hall of Fame 3rd Baseman, who passed away prior to the game at age 86. Robinson was an 18 time All Star and won 16 Gold Gloves (2nd most all time). (02:00) Josiah Gray only allowed 1 run in 6 IP in what is his final start of the season. Gray dropped his ERA to 3.91 to conclude his All Star season. Al poses the question