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.

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979 episodes
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Episodes979

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Mar 22, 2022 · 47 min
Zimmerman Number Retirement+ Infield Preview
Mark is back in West Palm Beach for the first time since the Shutdown two years ago, an extra refreshing sign as Opening Day is just over two weeks away. Al & Mark discuss the Nationals decision to retire Ryan Zimmerman's number 11 over a weekend series in Mid June. One apt fact is it will be on the anniversary of his first career walk-off HR. (11:30) We get an update on Carter Kieboom's forearm injury and what it means at 3B. This leads to a preview of how the infield overall is shaping up. W
Mar 15, 2022 · 53 min
PLAY BALL!
The MLB Lockout is finally over and the Nationals have opened Spring Training in West Palm Beach, Florida. Al & Mark are back for Season #2 of the Nats Chat Podcast. We begin with quick analysis of the topsy turvy negotiations that resulted in there still being a full slate of games for this season. (07:26) We now have the Universal DH and the Nats wasted no time in signing a top notch hitter in Nelson Cruz. Mark says his goodbyes to pitchers hitting in the NL and then lays out what Cruz bring
Feb 16, 2022 · 45 min
Ryan Zimmerman, "Mr. National", Officially Retires
An emergency edition of Nats Chat as Ryan Zimmerman publicly announced his retirement at age 37. Mark & Al respond to "Employee #11" ending his illustrious Washington career that began all the way back in 2005. (04:19) What will his next role be with the Nationals organization? (6:20) Perfect send-off for Zimmerman in what ended up being his final game. (10:32) What was the main reason he decided it was the right time to "hang 'em up"? (13:10) Franchise & career milestones set (19:15) Shift
Jan 13, 2022 · 1 hr 8 min
Tim Kurkjian Interview + Lockout Latest
Mark & Al are back for the first edition of Nats Chat since the calendar flipped to 2022. Make sure to tune into the final portion of the podcast as we congratulate Tim Kurkjian for winning the BBWAA Career Excellence Award, which means he is headed to Cooperstown. We begin by checking in on where the MLB Lockout stands as it seems the two sides will finally sit down for the first time in over a month. Will Spring Training begin on time? (13:23) Juan Soto's sixteen year old brother, Elian, sig
Dec 8, 2021 · 52 min
MLB Lockout + Max to NY + Quiet Nats Winter
MLB players might be locked out, but the podcast doors are still wide open for Mark & Al in our third off-season edition of Nats Chat. They begin by setting the scene as to why the sport is going through its first work stoppage in almost thirty years. Will Opening Day start on time? (15:51) Free Agency was abnormally active in the final days leading up to the CBA"s expiration. How could Baseball replicate that for other Novembers moving forward? The hosts then examine Max Scherzer's mammoth dea
Nov 19, 2021 · 53 min
Soto Finishes 2nd Behind Harper for NL MVP
Juan Soto was runner-up for NL MVP as Bryce Harper won for the second time in his career. Mark & Al react to Soto coming up short in his bid for the MVP and split hairs between the two former teammates resumes. Was Harper more deserving? (10:17) Scott Boras, Soto's agent, had some interesting comments at the recent GM Meetings regarding his client's future. What are the chances the Nats lock him up to an extension before he becomes a Free Agent after the 2024 season? (23:41) Max Scherzer came
Oct 26, 2021 · 56 min
New Hitting Coach + WS Preview + Scherzer's Future?
Mark & Al return for the first off-season edition of Nats Chat. Since the Nationals season ended, there have been a few changes on the coaching staff, most notably at hitting coach. Darnell Coles replaces Kevin Long; who took a job with Philadelphia. What led to Long leaving town? What attributes does Coles bring to the position? What does Juan Soto make of this change? (17:13) Bob Henley & Randy Knorr have new assignments in player development. What is the aim in these changes? (24:01) Washin
Oct 4, 2021 · 54 min
Game 162: Zim Gets the Spotlight in Season Finale
The Nats ended their season with a 7-5 loss to Playoff bound Boston. Mark & Al open with their thoughts on the emotional moment in the top of the 8th when Ryan Zimmerman was ceremoniously removed from the game to thunderous applause. It certainly felt like his final game, will it end up being so? (10:47) Juan Soto struggled on Sunday and struck out three times. Given that nobody else ran away with it, does he still have a chance to win the NL Cy Young? (19:48) Alex Avila had a memorable final
Oct 3, 2021 · 54 min
Game 161: Gray Looks Good, but Boston Prevails Late
The Nats lost 5-3 to Boston on Saturday afternoon. Mark & Al go through Josiah Gray's good outing, which was arguably his best start of the season. (8:13) The bullpen had another active day and Mason Thompson was the low light as he walked an AL relief pitcher on four pitches. What approach should Mike Rizzo take for next season in bolstering the bullpen? (20:06) Gerardo Parra made possibly his final at bat in Washington, Jordy Mercer's ejection caused a roster scramble, and Juan Soto had a te
Oct 2, 2021 · 34 min
Game 160: Soto Adds 4 More Walks in Boston Defeat
The Nats lost 4-2 to the Red Sox in a crucial game in terms of the AL Wildcard chase. Al & Mark react to Juan Soto managing to walk four more times on Friday, lifting his total on the season to 144. Does Soto still have a chance at the MVP? (9:28) Jordy Mercer homered, but curiously got the start at 2B over Luis Garcia. Just a day off for Garcia or anything more? (15:20) Josh Rogers was impressive for five shutout innings, but it unraveled when facing Boston's lineup for the third time. Has Ro
Sep 30, 2021 · 43 min
Game 159: Bad Pitching in Bad Weather + Cavalli Clunker in AAA
The Nats lost 10-5 in Colorado in their final road game of the season. Al & Mark assess where the rotation stands as Paolo Espino's outing was cut short due to the two hour rain delay that began in the top of the 3rd. Will he get the nod for Sunday's finale vs. Boston as Patrick Corbin season is over? (17:55) Juan banged his knee into the chain link outfield fence while making an excellent catch. He stayed in the game and we have been told he is OK. At the plate, he had a RBI infield single and
Sep 29, 2021 · 42 min
Game 158: Corbin Solid in Low Scoring Coors Field Loss
The Nats lost 3-1 in Colorado as Patrick Corbin struck out nine in what could be his final start of the season. Mark & Al evaluate Corbin as September has by far been his best month of his terrible season. How important will ending this year on a positive note be for the high priced lefty? What are the chances he pitches Sunday vs. the Red Sox? (15:27) Juan Soto went 0 for 4 and didn't reach base for the first time in two weeks. He is now hitting .318; which trails Trea Turner (.325). Should he
Sep 28, 2021 · 46 min
Game 157: Gray Earns His 2nd Straight Win
The Nats beat Colorado 5-4 as Josiah Gray has been victorious in back to back starts. Al & Mark discuss Gray's outing, which was scoreless through the first five innings. What led to him becoming ineffective though in the 6th? Was it hustling down the line on a bunt or was it facing the Rockies lineup for a third time? (10:08) The Nationals bullpen had a good night as they only allowed one run. Davey Martinez changed it up a bit as Kyle Finnegan pitched the 8th and Tanner Rainey took over for t
Sep 27, 2021 · 36 min
Game 156: Record Tying Grand Slam Allowed in Defeat
The Nats lost 9-2 in Cincinnati as Ryne Harper yielded a MLB record tying fourteenth grand slam on the season by the pitching staff. Before we get into our usual show, Tim does some end of season housekeeping. (5:38) Mark & Al recap Josh Rogers' outing as he held the Reds scoreless early, but it unraveled for him the third time through the order. What was different for Rogers today as opposed to his previous solid outings? (11:02) Only two relievers were used on Sunday, but Harper became the t
Sep 26, 2021 · 51 min
Game 155: Ruiz Impresses with the Arm & Bat in Losing Effort
The Nats lost 7-6 in Cincinnati as Nick Castellanos hit a walk-off homer against Patrick Murphy. Al & Tim evaluate Keibert Ruiz's evening as he threw out two runners and also homered for the second straight night. Is Ruiz lately starting show the franchise catcher potential we have been told about? (7:10) Lane Thomas homered again and kept the train rolling. Hear Tim's opinion on where the CF derby stands for Opening Day 2022. Robles or Thomas? (21:57) Erick Fedde had another subpar start as h
Sep 25, 2021 · 34 min
Game 154: Ruiz Homers but Extra Inning Hex Continues
The Nats late rally came up short in Cincinnati as they lost 8-7 in 11 innings. Mark & Al wonder why the Nationals so often can score late in the game, but then can't bring in a run in extras. The 9th inning comeback involved three runs scored; all coming with two outs. (9:18) Keibert Ruiz hit his first homer with Washington and had three hits overall on the evening. Ruiz is hitting .315 this month. (11:47) Juan Soto did not get any hits, but was walked four times on Friday. Hear Mark put in
Sep 24, 2021 · 46 min
Game 153: Soto Bolsters MVP Case w/ 2 HRs in Win
The Nats edged the Reds 3-2 for their 3rd straight victory. Al & Mark search for the proper superlatives for Juan Soto as his torrid stretch continued on Thursday night. He yet again reached base four times, set a franchise record in walks, and has lifted his average to .325. Is it fair to say he is the NL MVP frontrunner with a week to go? How does this recent run affect potential extension talks? (22:52) Patrick Corbin did not allow a run as he almost lasted seven innings. Can fans be optimis
Sep 23, 2021 · 41 min
Game 152: Soto Reaches Base 5 Times in Gray's 1st Win
The Nats won 7-5 in Miami for a rare series victory. Mark & Al begin with Josiah Gray's much needed solid outing that resulted in his career Major League win. Most encouraging for Gray was that he did not allow any homers and only issued one walk in six innings. (11:55) Juan Soto was all over the scorecard on Wednesday night as he reached base five times and was a triple shy of the cycle. Soto walked twice; tying Bryce Harper's single season franchise record of 130. Where does Soto's MVP campai
Sep 22, 2021 · 43 min
Game 151: Rogers Outstanding in Win over the Marlins
The Nats won 7-1 in Miami as Josh Rogers almost lasted eight innings. Al & Mark evaluate Josh Rogers throwing another solid outing; this one being his best one yet. Where does the lefty stack up for the team's plans in 2022? Hear the hosts put in perspective how rare a deep start has been for the starting staff this season. (14:26) Keibert Ruiz continued his offensive surge as he had two hits while hitting in the 5th spot. He has not yet homered, but his recent production at the plate is an enc
Sep 21, 2021 · 42 min
Game 150: Blunders & Controversy Doom the Nats in Extras
The Nats lost a heartbreaker 8-7 at Miami in ten innings. Mark & Al are flabbergasted at how for the third time in under two years; the Nationals have been on the wrong end of a runner's interference call at first base. Josh Bell was called out to end the top of the 10th, costing the team a chance to take the lead. Was the right call made? Hear an exasperated Davey Martinez from his postgame press conference. (9:56) Luis Garcia had a very costly base running mistake in the top of the 10th as he