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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May 8, 2021 · 36 min
Game 28: Nats Slug 4 HRs in Yankee Stadium Victory
The Nationals ended up routing New York 11-4 after scoring six runs in the 8th inning to break it wide open. Al & Mark highlight all four players who went deep, including the red-hot Josh Harrison & Juan Soto in the DH role. They also focus on Yan Gomes, who has been an under the radar asset for the team so far. (20:57) Patrick Corbin had his first "so-so" start of the year, as opposed to either being great or terrible. How much was he victim of Yankee Stadium hitters park quirks? The hosts the
May 7, 2021 · 39 min
Game 27: Swept After Stranding 10 Runners
The Nationals were edged by Atlanta 3-2 culminating in a three game sweep in D.C. Al & Mark run through the eye opening numbers that emphasize just how much Washington struggled with runners in scoring position. They check-in on the duo of Bell/Schwarber, who are both below "The Mendoza Line". (15:22) Jon Lester made his 2nd start as a Nat and the hosts give their observations of the veteran southpaw. They then shine a spotlight on Austin Voth, who continues to carve out an important role in th
May 6, 2021 · 32 min
Game 26: Another Grand Slam Leads to Another Loss
The Nationals lost 5-3 to Atlanta as they surrendered a Grand Slam for the 2nd straight evening. Mark & Al run through the managerial decisions from the loss, ranging from when Juan Soto should have pinch hit, how the lineup was constructed, and the decision to walk the slumping Freddie Freeman in the 3rd inning. Should Soto have hit for Yan Gomes or Victor Robles in the 8th? (13:05) Is there a trade that GM Mike Rizzo should look into in order to bolster the lineup? Would this deal be somewhat
May 5, 2021 · 45 min
Game 25: Win Streak Snapped & Seth Davis Interview
The Nationals and their four game win streak were defeated 6-1 as Atlanta starter Huascar Ynoa stole the show. Al & Mark react to the loss and open their conversation with the activation of both Juan Soto and Will Harris. Soto's pinch hit appearance in the 8th was met with a rousing reaction from the home crowd. How long will his role be limited to just hitting? (11:11) Tanner Rainey gave up the grand slam to Ynoa in a rough outing for him out of the bullpen. Mark relays what he saw from the ri
May 3, 2021 · 35 min
Game 24: Scherzer "Delivers" A Complete Game Victory
The division leading Nationals topped Miami 3-1 to complete the weekend sweep and return to .500. Al & Mark provide many accolades to Max Scherzer, who authored a dominant performance on the same day that his wife was due to give birth, adding to his long list of legendary outings in Washington. (14:58) Ryan Zimmerman continued his excellent season so far with a decisive 3-run HR in the 3rd. Does Zim have more left to his career than we might have thought a few months back? (20:30) Al's inter
May 2, 2021 · 33 min
Game 23: Corbin & Bell Lead the Way to a 3rd Straight Win
The Nats beat Miami 7-2 for their first three-game winning streak of the season. Al & Mark react to the good vibes surrounding the team at the moment and Patrick Corbin's stellar start. Why has he had such a "Jekyll & Hyde" season so far? (13:47) The offense had a good day and Josh Bell led the way with 4 RBIs, including a 3 run double off former National Ross Detwiler. Mark then points out the pace that Trea Turner is on so far offensively and how his defensive statistics are just as impressiv
May 1, 2021 · 35 min
Game 22: Another Schwarber Walk-Off After a Scoreless Lester Debut
The Nationals beat the Marlins 2-1 in extras as Kyle Schwarber hit a lead-off 2 run HR in the 10th (Yes, you read that last part correctly). Al & Mark react to the victory which prior to extra innings saw yet another anemic game for the Washington offense. Why was Ryan Zimmerman not given at least one at bat in this game? (12:42) Victor Robles was caught stealing again and the Nats difficulties on the bases continue. Does the team simply need to stop attempted steals unless it's Trea Turner? (
Apr 29, 2021 · 36 min
Game 21: Fedde & the Offense Cruise to a Comfy Win
The Nationals beat up on the Blue Jays 8-2 in Dunedin, FL to split the short series. Mark & Al marvel at another strong outing by Erick Fedde, who has an ERA of 2.61 over his last four starts. Has he staked a claim to stay in the rotation long-term this season? (13:46) The offense gave Nats fans a lot to enjoy between Trea Turner's four hits, Ryan Zimmerman's continued production when given the chance, and Josh Bell's much needed homer. How should Davey Martinez balance Zim & Bell for the upcom
Apr 28, 2021 · 34 min
Game 20: Scherzer Off-Night as Vlad Jr. Goes Deep 3 Times
The Nats lost 9-5 to the Blue Jays in Dunedin, FL despite hitting four home runs. Al & Mark discuss Max Scherzer's worst start of the season as he allowed 5 earned runs, including a grand slam crushed by Vlad Guerrero Jr. Why did it seem like Max was uncomfortable all evening? They also dive into Josh Harrison's rough game, between committing a pivotal error and being thrown out on a steal attempt. (15:53) Josh Bell was 0 for 4 Tuesday with two strikeouts and his current average is .109. Will h
Apr 26, 2021 · 31 min
Game 19: Bats Quiet Again & Turner Exits After HBP
The Nats were shutout 4-0 at the Mets, the 5th time they have been held scoreless this season. Al & Mark run through all the reasons the offense couldn't plate a run; ranging from bad luck, no production, poor base running, and Trea Turner missing a crucial at bat due to a forearm contusion. (13:17) Mark gives all the latest that we know regarding Juan Soto returning to the roster. (16:43) Patrick Corbin regressed and had a bad outing despite pitching well earlier in the week. The hosts react
Apr 25, 2021 · 40 min
Game 18: Shuffled Lineup & Ross Bounce Back in Queens
The Nats beat the Mets 7-1 as a new look lineup card scored in each of the first five innings. Mark & Al praise Davey Martinez for pushing the right buttons as Josh Harrison and Yadiel Hernandez provided a much needed spark to the offense at the top of the lineup. (14:20) Joe Ross was impressive in victory, vastly improving upon his last outing. What are realistic expectations this season for him in the rotation, can he go past six innings? (26:35) Time for an evaluation of #thelittlethings. N
Apr 24, 2021 · 32 min
Game 17: deGrom Untouchable in Complete Game Shutout
The Nats were held scoreless 6-0 Friday night in New York as Jacob deGrom stole the show. Al & Mark tip their caps to the best pitcher in the game after he struck out 15 and only allowed two hits. (13:02) Free agent additions Josh Bell & Kyle Schwarber are both hitting below. 200. How soon before this changes from early season slump to long-term concern? The hosts then analyze Erick Fedde's outing as he was unscathed through four innings before it fell off the rails in the fifth. (24:08) They
Apr 22, 2021 · 33 min
Game 16: Scherzer & the "A" Bullpen Blank St. Louis
The Nats shutout the Cardinals 1-0 behind Max Scherzer & their main trio of relievers. Al & Mark put in perspective the team's record thus far, considering all the obstacles the team has dealt with. They then evaluate Scherzer's performance thus far this season as his ERA is 1.80 through four starts, including back to back scoreless outings. (13:08) Tanner Rainey, Daniel Hudson, and Brad Hand for the 2nd straight game got the final nine outs in a victory. The guys run through their efforts, esp
Apr 21, 2021 · 32 min
Game 15: Soto's Shoulder to the IL Before Nats Rally in the 8th
The Nationals edged St. Louis 3-2 after an eventful day at the ballpark. Al & Mark set the scene as less than a hour before the game Juan Soto was scratched from the lineup and placed on the 10 day IL due to a left shoulder strain. Once the game began, the Nats fortunes changed as Patrick Corbin bounced back in a big way with 6 shutout innings. Why didn't Corbin stay in the game though to pitch the 7th as he was under 80 pitches? (20:33) Josh Bell hit a solo HR, his first with the franchise. Co
Apr 20, 2021 · 21 min
Game 14: Cards Score 10 on Ross in an Ugly Defeat
The Nats were routed 12-5 in a series opener at home against St. Louis as Joe Ross allowed ten runs and four homers in less than five innings. Al & Mark recap yet another poor outing by a Nationals starting pitcher and how the bullpen has been continually been put in bad situations as a result. (11:52) The hosts discuss Josh Bell's slumping start to his Washington career as he is hitting well below the "Mendoza Line". Will he be moved down in the order or will the team be patient with him sinc
Apr 19, 2021 · 39 min
Game 13: Strasburg Placed on the IL Before a Loss to Arizona
Sunday was not a good day for the Nationals as it began with news that Stephen Strasburg has been placed on the 10 day IL due to right shoulder inflammation. Veteran Paolo Espino then started in Strasburg's place and Washington lost 5-2 to Arizona for a series split. Mark & Al update everything we know so far about Strasburg's injury. (12:27) The circumstances behind Espino's start reminds Mark of the "Miss Iowa" moment from years back at Nationals Park and explains the reference. The guys then
Apr 18, 2021 · 37 min
Game 12: Fedde Impresses & McGowin Overcomes Shaky Defense Behind Him
The Nationals have won two straight for the first time this season as they defeated Arizona 6-2. Al & Tim Shovers analyze Erick Fedde's impressive start, that saw him strikeout 9 Diamondbacks, tying a career high. (9:32) The offense was impressive as it tallied 15 hits, including a trio of Nats who had 3 hits apiece. However, Victor Robles did not start as Andrew Stevenson got the nod in CF. Anything to make of that, or just off for a day game? Plus, has the organization fully moved on from him
Apr 17, 2021 · 25 min
Game 11: Schwarber Blast Ends It After Scherzer Dominates
The Nationals had their 2nd walk-off win of the season as Kyle Schwarber slugged a mammoth solo homer for 1-0 win over Arizona. This came on the heels of Max Scherzer striking out 10 in 7 innings. Al & Mark focus on the importance of the Nats taking advantage of a fantastic start from Scherzer, the ace passing a historic name on the all-time strikeout list, and the impressive roar from the reduced crowd all night; especially after Schwarber's HR. (19:55) Mark updates Jon Lester's status and ti
Apr 16, 2021 · 23 min
Game 10: Corbin Gets Shelled Early & Often
The Nationals lost the opener of their home stand 11-6 to Arizona, as Patrick Corbin allowed 10 runs in just 2 innings. Al & Mark try and figure out what has been plaguing Corbin in his first two starts to the season, as his ERA is currently above 21. How concerned should fans be about the lefty? (14:00) Victor Robles was replaced mid-game by Andrew Stevenson in CF in the top of the 5th. Was it a benching or just an early use of the double switch? (18:21) The Nats bullpen had a strong evening
Apr 15, 2021 · 36 min
Game 9: Ross Shines in the Shutout Win
The Nats blanked St. Louis 6-0 on Wednesday afternoon to win their first series of the season. Mark & Al react to Joe Ross' second straight scoreless outing. What are realistic expectations for Ross in 2021? What do we need to see to no longer think of him as the 5th starter? (12:55) Josh Harrison had 6 hits in St. Louis after missing the first 6 games of the season due to COVID protocol. The guys look at how the organization has a crafty knack for finding veterans that have been passed on els