(23:45) Robert Hassell III homered this week and has stood out so far in Grapefruit League play. Hassell was one of the highly touted prospects that was part of the Juan Soto trade, but has dealt with injuries and has yet to make it the Majors. Where does he fit into the crowded outfield?

(33:30) Mark's shares his observations from the team first four Spring Training games that included Jake Irvin tossing a scoreless inning in his first outing of 2025. This also includes a handicap of who will earn the 5th Starter's role for the beginning of the season.

(40:00) The Nats & Orioles announced they will conclude Spring Training against each other at Nationals Park on Monday March 24th at 1PM. This seems like a sign we are headed to an "Era of Good Feelings" between the two teams.

Grapefruit League play has yet to start, but the Nats have been down in West Palm Beach for over a week. Mark (Live from Florida) & Al begin with the recent signing of veteran infielder Paul DeJong, who might end up being the team's Opening Day 3B. DeJong hit 24 homers last season while playing for both the White Sox & Royals.

(14:00) Washington added right-handed relief pitcher Lucas Sims, who is coming off a down season. Sims did however have a solid 2023 season for the Reds that saw his ERA finish at 3.10. Will he part of the "A Bullpen"?

(19:40) Kyle Finnegan surprisingly remains a Free Agent after being non-tended from the Nationals at the end of last season. If he stays unsigned this Spring, might he return to old his team?

****(23:20) Reaction to Mark Lerner's comments to the Washington Post, that includes explanation on the team's recent spending approach and the family's long-term plans with the franchise.

(42:00) Speculating on who might be the Opening Day Starting Pitcher. MacKenzie Gore or Jake Irvin?

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The Nationals opened up camp this week in Florida as Davey Martinez begins his 8th season at the helm. Mark (Live from West Palm) & Al open with how 2025 might have elevated pressure for Martinez compared to recent seasons.

(05:40) CJ Abrams reported early to camp after his 2024 ended on a very sour note. Abrams was demoted to AAA the final week of the season after being out late at a Chicago casino just a few hours before an afternoon game. Abrams made the All-Star Game last summer and led the team in WAR (3.4).

(13:15) Travis Sykora is out until May due to recent hip surgery. He is the organization's top ranked pitcher and last season pitched in Low-A Fredericksburg.

(16:00) An update on Cade Cavalli who only made three minor league appearances last season as he aims to return from "Tommy John" surgery. Cavalli last pitched in Washington in August 2022.

(18:30) GM Mike Rizzo spoke with reporters and addressed the limited spending this past off-season. We run through all the transactions made the past few months and what they will mean for this season. Will the team add a bullpen arm or two this Spring Training?

(34:40) More than five guys have been slated as "Starters" and the hosts sort through the current hierarchy within the rotation.

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Al & Mark convene during the early January snow storm to discuss the roster moves that were made in late December. The Nationals recently acquired 1B Nathaniel Lowe from Texas in exchange for Robert Garcia and also signed Josh Bell. Will there be more moves to address offense for the 2025 season? Bell was previously with Washington and was part of the Juan Soto trade to San Diego in 2022.

(14:50) The Nats inked a pair of pitchers in Trevor Williams & Mike Soroka. Williams returns for his 3rd season with the team and Soroka is a veteran who has battled many injuries over his career. What does it mean for DJ Herz's spot in the starting rotation?

(22:00) Where does Cade Cavalli fit into this season's plans?

(23:30) An update on the bullpen as there are still roster spots to be filled.

(31:00) Corbin Burnes recently signed a $210M six-year deal with Arizona and many expected the total to be higher. Burnes pitched last season in Baltimore and was considered the top available free agent starting pitcher. What does it say about the starting pitching market compared to previous years?

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The MLB Winter Meetings just wrapped up in Texas and the Nationals have not yet made an offseason splash. Mark & Al begin with the pleasant surprise that Washington won the lottery and will have the top pick in next summer's Draft.

(05:30) Mike Rizzo said on TV that it is time "hit the gas" despite the team not signing anyone thus far. Is it too early to panic and think it will be another quiet winter?

(09:00) Juan Soto signed a massive contract with the Mets, but it seems like the Nationals were nowhere in the hunt. The Winter Meetings began on Sunday night with the shock that Soto and the Mets reportedly agreed to a 15 year/ $765 Million contract.

(26:10) Given how Soto's value ballooned on the Free Agent market, should the Nats consider signing James Wood to a long term extension now?

(31:45) Max Fried and the Yankees agreed to an 8 year deal this week and other pitcher's deals have exceeded initial expectations of what the market was expected to be. How does this affect Rizzo's approach?

(37:20) Kyle Finnegan will not return to the team in 2025 and it was a very curious move. Why did they not tender Finnegan considering they didn't trade him before the summer's deadline?

(44:00) Washington acquired Evan Reifert in the Rule 5 Draft. Reifert is a RHP that comes from the Tampa Bay organization and now will likely be on the team's Opening Day roster.

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