I’ve got a few free minutes before boarding, so let’s just start answering a few questions now …
Honestly, not that much has changed as far what my typical day covering the team looks like. I have the same credentials, sit in the same press box seat, conduct the same interviews. The biggest difference, I would say, is that I have the freedom to cover each game however I think makes sense. Some days, there’s a pregame story worth writing, some days there isn’t. (I used to have to write one regardless.) Sometimes, the game itself doesn’t have any especially compelling storyline, so I can just decide not to write a full article afterward (like I did yesterday). I’d say that freedom to decide on my own what coverage on any particular day looks like has been the biggest difference (and an enjoyable one from my perspective).
Butera’s bullpen decisions usually come down to two factors: 1) Who is available/mapped out to pitch that day, and 2) What part of the opposing lineup is due up. If they used a righty starter and need a multi-inning reliever, they’re usually going to go with a lefty like Parker (especially against a left-handed portion of the lineup). If they used a lefty starter, then they’re more likely to go with a righty like Lord in relief. You could argue they’re a little too rigid with sticking to their pregame plan instead of adapting to the game situation, but that has been their general philosophy so far.
There have been a number of articles about how/why the Nats hitters are doing better this year - info from coaches, lineup changes, hitting machines, etc - and everyone seems to avoid asking the obvious question so I'll ask it here: were the Nats coaches just doing a bad job the last couple of years?
I'll jump in here as this has been talked about a lot around here. The basic gist is its all of the above including the consensus that Coles main focus just didn't mix well with the talent on the Roster. He also didn't have a lot of tools that the current staff has. Coles is currently the assistant hitting coach on the third highest run scoring team the Braves, so he is not a bad coach, per se. He just wasn't the right coach for the Nats where they were with their roster construction.
And again, that’s all subjective as well. Personally though, I’m happy he’s gone and I’m all giddy over the new coach we have. He oversaw the O’s significant improvement, which I think has regressed since his departure, and now we are seeing it with the Nats. There’s also the fact though that regardless who was coaching, these young hitters would have likely improved naturally just on experience alone.
I don’t think it’s as simple as that. Certainly this coaching staff does different things than the previous one did, but the personnel they have to work with is also different. Curtis Mead and Jorbit Vivas are very different hitters than Joey Gallo and Josh Bell. This staff has really prioritized favorable matchups over just playing the more-talented player. And their general hitting philosophies are different as well. Did Darnell Coles do a good job the last couple years? Probably not. But he did oversee James Wood and Daylen Lile, who were really good. And he has been an MLB hitting coach for decades and was hired by the Braves as their assistant this year. So he obviously has some ability to do the job well.
With the talk on the podcast the other day of potentially extending one or multiple of the pitchers on a one year deal (Littel, Griffen, Mikolas). How do the currently injured pitchers fit into the future plans? Particularly Josiah Gray who has mostly been forgotten about but was an all star (albeit kinda by default)
Unfortunately, until any of these guys makes it back to the big leagues, and then has some success while staying healthy, it’s just hard to consider any of them part of the long-term plan. They’d love for Gray or Herz to be part of the plan, but those guys have to prove it first before the club can just proceed assuming they’ll be both healthy and good.
Both guys are obviously crushing it at Rochester, but it sure feels like the organization isn’t going to call someone up just based on their numbers at AAA. They need to believe that player is truly ready for the majors, and they need to have the right playing opportunity for them. I don’t think they’d call up either guy to only play a couple times a week, which would be the case at the moment. If something happened to Luis García Jr. and there was a sudden opening at first base, I could see them promoting one of those guys to take over that spot.
I love your Nats articles, and your writing in general, Mark. Just excellent.
I used to feel that Davey Martinez, after the 5th inning, would keep swapping out pitchers until he found one to lose him the game. Now I’ve got that same feeling about Butera.
If a guy shuts them down 1-2-3 in the 6th, why not bring him out again for the 7th?
A lot of Butera’s bullpen management is pre-planned. They know who they want to use if certain situations arise in the game, and they tend to stick to that plan, even if someone has a quick inning on the mound. There are also considerations about making sure that guy is available to come back and pitch the next day.
I haven’t brought the subject up yet, but I’m going to predict that Wood does NOT participate in the derby this year. Not saying he won’t do it again someday down the road, but I think he’ll be fine just being a plain old All-Star this year.
I don’t feel like Wood (or any of the Nats players, for that matter) truly hit the type of homers that get fans going, anyway. Most of them are line-drive bullets. Not towering shots.
Better for Wood to not tamper with his swing for the sake of a fan competition.
In last night’s podcast, you mentioned Hassell in an offhand comment. Is he kind of buried in AAA at this point? A quick check of Baseball Reference tells me his current OPS is .631, so I suppose he’s not helping his case. Any inside info here?
At this point, Hassell seems to be out of the immediate picture. They’ve got four starting outfielders in the majors. Something would need to happen to one of them for there to be an opening. And Hassell would need to establish himself as the first choice for a call-up in that event. Right now, I would think that would go to Joey Wiemer (or maybe even Christian Franklin) first.
It’s weird, for sure. Only theory I have is that they don’t have as much time to gameplan for the opposing starter, which they do extensively prior to night games. But I’d be surprised if that explains everything. It’s probably just a fluke and will even out over time.
You got me to thinking about subscribing to Baseball America. You clearly think it's worth it. When you have a chance, tell me why. I can't subscribe to everything. So (after a fashion of speaking), sell me on it. Thanx.
It costs a lot, but I'm really interested in college baseball, prospects, and the draft. Anything more than just lists is behind the paywall. So to subscribe, one would probably have to be into all of that, since no other sites (except for Keith Law at The Athletic) come anywhere close.
They also do a great podcast that doesn't cost anything.
When we get close to the draft, hope you share your opinion about what they should do and after the pick(s) what you think about them for the Nats organization as currently constructed. Personally, I hope more pitching is incoming- we don’t have enough, especially with the constant injuries to the top prospects…
I don’t think enough time has passed for them to decide Mead is the long-term answer. Don’t get me wrong, he’s been great. And he has certainly earned the playing time he’s now getting. But he would have to do it for a lot more than two months to establish himself as The Guy. I do think he looks at worst like a nice complimentary piece in the long run, given his power bat and positional versatility. But I would imagine they prefer to develop a true everyday third baseman, and they’re still hoping House develops into that over time.
Every time I’ve thought it was the end of the road for one of the struggling bench players, I’ve been proven wrong. So I’m not making any more predictions like that! 😂
It’s a fascinating dilemma, for sure. If they truly think they have a chance to make the playoffs, no. But do they truly think they have a chance? They’re being careful not to commit one way or the other. But I think if they’re in this same position come August 1 (right around .500 with several teams ahead of them in the standings), they are more likely to be sellers.
I think the right answer is to carefully look at what you might get for them. They're having a good year, and being in the wild-card race till the last weekend would be a big deal, not just for the fans, but for the organization - those guys are going to need that kind of experience. So a trade would have to mean more to the organization's future than finishing the season with 83 wins would. If Herz is back and healthy, maybe you can trade Littell rather than release Mikolas? Maybe you can trade Mikolas for a low-level prospect? But I really hope the days of unloading everything you can in July are over.
We haven’t really gotten into any draft prep discussions with Toboni and Co. yet, but I would think they’ll act like most teams do and draft whoever they think the best players are regardless of position. I’m also going to guess (purely a guess here) that they prefer college players over high school players.
While that may be what they do, I don't think that's the best idea right now. Unless you have a sure-fire future all-star, there's no sense in drafting a shortstop. I'd really want them to get a guy with a good chance of being in the rotation soon; that's where the biggest long-term need is.
How about a quick non-Nats question: As a reporter in the clubhouse, have you ever found yourself "in awe" of a current player who was there -- perhaps a Barry Bonds or even a Shohei Ohtani?
Similarly, has being a reporter ever allowed you to find yourself face-to-face with a baseball legend who inspires awe? For example, did you ever share an elevator with someone like a Hank Aaron or Stan Musial?
Through marriage I once got introduced to a guy refered to as Uncle Henry. I only found out after we had left the family event, that I just shook hands with Hank Aaron. He was a real nice guy and never put on any airs that he was a baseball legend.
Love the question! And yes, I have found myself in several of those situations. Saw Hank Aaron up close once. Was in a small group surrounding Willie Mays once. And walked past Sandy Koufax at Dodger Stadium, which was really cool.
My favorite, though, was walking past Ray Charles before he sang America the Beautiful at the 2001 World Series! He had two lovely young ladies escorting him down the corridor.
In 2019, I had coffee with Juan Marichal, Hall of Famer Juan Marichal, one of my heroes on the San Francisco Giants of the 1960’s. He looked amazing at age 80 and was totally charismatic. Now that was a thrill!
Speaking of Dodgers, my tale is this: about a decade ago I get in an elevator in Las Vegas with an older gentleman and (I later find out) his son. I think I recognize him but not sure until I see his World Series ring. I then can’t help myself (my wife will tell you I seldom can) and say to him as the elevator doors open for their floor “If you’re not Tommy Lasorda you oughta be.” As they go down the hall I hear Tommy chuckle and say to his son “if you’re not Tommy Lasorda you ought be. That’s pretty good.” Turns out he was in town for some sort of signing event…
Noting that Sevier King seems to be playing some 2B at Rochester, as well as SS, what do you think arethe chances he willl be brought up to replace either Nunez or Tena?
Seems to me like it would be more likely for Tena. I've always had the sense King's ticket to the majors would be as a utility guy, so it would make more sense if he joined the team as someone who can play second base, shortstop, third base and even the outfield. Now having said that, I don't think they'd call him up to sit on the bench. So it would have to involve at somewhat regular playing time, though potentially at multiple positions.
Hey Mark have a safe flight! What are some of your favorite visiting stadiums to watch the Nats at? And do you have any favorite cities to watch the Nats on the road where you aren't particularly found of the stadium but still love going? Thanks!
I'm heading to one of my favorites right now! Oracle Park in San Francisco and PNC Park in Pittsburgh are my two favorites. Petco Park in San Diego is always great, both because of the ballpark and the city. I personally love Wrigley Field, but it is a hassle working there because, you know, it was built in 1914 and can only be fixed up so much. And while Chase Field in Phoenix is not in any way a great ballpark, I always enjoy going there because I grew up there and have friends who cover the D-backs.
I agree with your comments about those stadiums, although I haven't been to a game at Wrigley yet, just an offseason tour of the stadium. I think my least favorite has been Tampa, I just did not care for the sightlines, the seating felt too low, not enough of a grade to the stands.
Safe travels, Mark!
What have been the biggest differences for you covering the team this year as an independent journalist?
I’ve got a few free minutes before boarding, so let’s just start answering a few questions now …
Honestly, not that much has changed as far what my typical day covering the team looks like. I have the same credentials, sit in the same press box seat, conduct the same interviews. The biggest difference, I would say, is that I have the freedom to cover each game however I think makes sense. Some days, there’s a pregame story worth writing, some days there isn’t. (I used to have to write one regardless.) Sometimes, the game itself doesn’t have any especially compelling storyline, so I can just decide not to write a full article afterward (like I did yesterday). I’d say that freedom to decide on my own what coverage on any particular day looks like has been the biggest difference (and an enjoyable one from my perspective).
Mark: how did you become credentialed without an organization like MASN behind you? And why doesn't Al Galdi do so?
Reading this thread on a train in Japan. 'Round the clock Nats!
Have a good flight, Mark! Why does Butera keep going to Parker before Lord in high leverage, length spots?
Butera’s bullpen decisions usually come down to two factors: 1) Who is available/mapped out to pitch that day, and 2) What part of the opposing lineup is due up. If they used a righty starter and need a multi-inning reliever, they’re usually going to go with a lefty like Parker (especially against a left-handed portion of the lineup). If they used a lefty starter, then they’re more likely to go with a righty like Lord in relief. You could argue they’re a little too rigid with sticking to their pregame plan instead of adapting to the game situation, but that has been their general philosophy so far.
There have been a number of articles about how/why the Nats hitters are doing better this year - info from coaches, lineup changes, hitting machines, etc - and everyone seems to avoid asking the obvious question so I'll ask it here: were the Nats coaches just doing a bad job the last couple of years?
I'll jump in here as this has been talked about a lot around here. The basic gist is its all of the above including the consensus that Coles main focus just didn't mix well with the talent on the Roster. He also didn't have a lot of tools that the current staff has. Coles is currently the assistant hitting coach on the third highest run scoring team the Braves, so he is not a bad coach, per se. He just wasn't the right coach for the Nats where they were with their roster construction.
And again, that’s all subjective as well. Personally though, I’m happy he’s gone and I’m all giddy over the new coach we have. He oversaw the O’s significant improvement, which I think has regressed since his departure, and now we are seeing it with the Nats. There’s also the fact though that regardless who was coaching, these young hitters would have likely improved naturally just on experience alone.
I don’t think it’s as simple as that. Certainly this coaching staff does different things than the previous one did, but the personnel they have to work with is also different. Curtis Mead and Jorbit Vivas are very different hitters than Joey Gallo and Josh Bell. This staff has really prioritized favorable matchups over just playing the more-talented player. And their general hitting philosophies are different as well. Did Darnell Coles do a good job the last couple years? Probably not. But he did oversee James Wood and Daylen Lile, who were really good. And he has been an MLB hitting coach for decades and was hired by the Braves as their assistant this year. So he obviously has some ability to do the job well.
With the talk on the podcast the other day of potentially extending one or multiple of the pitchers on a one year deal (Littel, Griffen, Mikolas). How do the currently injured pitchers fit into the future plans? Particularly Josiah Gray who has mostly been forgotten about but was an all star (albeit kinda by default)
Unfortunately, until any of these guys makes it back to the big leagues, and then has some success while staying healthy, it’s just hard to consider any of them part of the long-term plan. They’d love for Gray or Herz to be part of the plan, but those guys have to prove it first before the club can just proceed assuming they’ll be both healthy and good.
Safe travels! Any hope we see Morales or Ortiz in the big leagues soon?
Both guys are obviously crushing it at Rochester, but it sure feels like the organization isn’t going to call someone up just based on their numbers at AAA. They need to believe that player is truly ready for the majors, and they need to have the right playing opportunity for them. I don’t think they’d call up either guy to only play a couple times a week, which would be the case at the moment. If something happened to Luis García Jr. and there was a sudden opening at first base, I could see them promoting one of those guys to take over that spot.
I love your Nats articles, and your writing in general, Mark. Just excellent.
I used to feel that Davey Martinez, after the 5th inning, would keep swapping out pitchers until he found one to lose him the game. Now I’ve got that same feeling about Butera.
If a guy shuts them down 1-2-3 in the 6th, why not bring him out again for the 7th?
A lot of Butera’s bullpen management is pre-planned. They know who they want to use if certain situations arise in the game, and they tend to stick to that plan, even if someone has a quick inning on the mound. There are also considerations about making sure that guy is available to come back and pitch the next day.
Is it too soon to worry about James entering the HR Derby again?
I haven’t brought the subject up yet, but I’m going to predict that Wood does NOT participate in the derby this year. Not saying he won’t do it again someday down the road, but I think he’ll be fine just being a plain old All-Star this year.
I don’t feel like Wood (or any of the Nats players, for that matter) truly hit the type of homers that get fans going, anyway. Most of them are line-drive bullets. Not towering shots.
Better for Wood to not tamper with his swing for the sake of a fan competition.
Exactly. He was never the same after the ASG last season.
Hi Mark, safe flight!
In last night’s podcast, you mentioned Hassell in an offhand comment. Is he kind of buried in AAA at this point? A quick check of Baseball Reference tells me his current OPS is .631, so I suppose he’s not helping his case. Any inside info here?
At this point, Hassell seems to be out of the immediate picture. They’ve got four starting outfielders in the majors. Something would need to happen to one of them for there to be an opening. And Hassell would need to establish himself as the first choice for a call-up in that event. Right now, I would think that would go to Joey Wiemer (or maybe even Christian Franklin) first.
Not Wiemer please:))
Do you have any thoughts about the home day game jinx?
It’s weird, for sure. Only theory I have is that they don’t have as much time to gameplan for the opposing starter, which they do extensively prior to night games. But I’d be surprised if that explains everything. It’s probably just a fluke and will even out over time.
Is Curtis Mead now seen in the organization as the starter at third going forward and if so, is Brady House moving to first an option?
Interesting question. Baseball America, in their projected 2029 lineup for the Nats, has House at 1B.
Really, fascinating.
You got me to thinking about subscribing to Baseball America. You clearly think it's worth it. When you have a chance, tell me why. I can't subscribe to everything. So (after a fashion of speaking), sell me on it. Thanx.
It costs a lot, but I'm really interested in college baseball, prospects, and the draft. Anything more than just lists is behind the paywall. So to subscribe, one would probably have to be into all of that, since no other sites (except for Keith Law at The Athletic) come anywhere close.
They also do a great podcast that doesn't cost anything.
Thanx!
I can second their podcasts. Really great stuff.
When we get close to the draft, hope you share your opinion about what they should do and after the pick(s) what you think about them for the Nats organization as currently constructed. Personally, I hope more pitching is incoming- we don’t have enough, especially with the constant injuries to the top prospects…
I'd like them to take Ryder Helfrick, catcher from U of Arkansas. BA predicts they'll take a HS lefty pitcher, which I don't agree with.
A college catcher. That we could use. Luckily KB is playing well but whether injury or concussion- we need a real backup who can be a starter. Thanks.
I don’t think enough time has passed for them to decide Mead is the long-term answer. Don’t get me wrong, he’s been great. And he has certainly earned the playing time he’s now getting. But he would have to do it for a lot more than two months to establish himself as The Guy. I do think he looks at worst like a nice complimentary piece in the long run, given his power bat and positional versatility. But I would imagine they prefer to develop a true everyday third baseman, and they’re still hoping House develops into that over time.
MLB Network Radio had a nice interview with Curtis this afternoon. It's great to see and hear the Nats getting some more attention!
Do you happen to know who conducted the interview?
It was Jenny Cavnar and CJ Nitkowski, in the 3 PM (EDT) hour.
Thank you.
Good to know! I'll find it later.
Good morning. How much longer do the Nats stick with Vivas and Chapparo?
Every time I’ve thought it was the end of the road for one of the struggling bench players, I’ve been proven wrong. So I’m not making any more predictions like that! 😂
Will the nats trade Littell or Foster even of they are still in the wild card hunt?
It’s a fascinating dilemma, for sure. If they truly think they have a chance to make the playoffs, no. But do they truly think they have a chance? They’re being careful not to commit one way or the other. But I think if they’re in this same position come August 1 (right around .500 with several teams ahead of them in the standings), they are more likely to be sellers.
I think the right answer is to carefully look at what you might get for them. They're having a good year, and being in the wild-card race till the last weekend would be a big deal, not just for the fans, but for the organization - those guys are going to need that kind of experience. So a trade would have to mean more to the organization's future than finishing the season with 83 wins would. If Herz is back and healthy, maybe you can trade Littell rather than release Mikolas? Maybe you can trade Mikolas for a low-level prospect? But I really hope the days of unloading everything you can in July are over.
I agree. I think they need a pitcher for a pitcher and they need to see something from Herz.
What are your thoughts on how the organization will go about the draft this year?
We haven’t really gotten into any draft prep discussions with Toboni and Co. yet, but I would think they’ll act like most teams do and draft whoever they think the best players are regardless of position. I’m also going to guess (purely a guess here) that they prefer college players over high school players.
While that may be what they do, I don't think that's the best idea right now. Unless you have a sure-fire future all-star, there's no sense in drafting a shortstop. I'd really want them to get a guy with a good chance of being in the rotation soon; that's where the biggest long-term need is.
How about a quick non-Nats question: As a reporter in the clubhouse, have you ever found yourself "in awe" of a current player who was there -- perhaps a Barry Bonds or even a Shohei Ohtani?
Similarly, has being a reporter ever allowed you to find yourself face-to-face with a baseball legend who inspires awe? For example, did you ever share an elevator with someone like a Hank Aaron or Stan Musial?
Through marriage I once got introduced to a guy refered to as Uncle Henry. I only found out after we had left the family event, that I just shook hands with Hank Aaron. He was a real nice guy and never put on any airs that he was a baseball legend.
In my mind, he's not a baseball legend. He is THE baseball legend.
The Braves have a great statue of him inside Truist Park
Love the question! And yes, I have found myself in several of those situations. Saw Hank Aaron up close once. Was in a small group surrounding Willie Mays once. And walked past Sandy Koufax at Dodger Stadium, which was really cool.
My favorite, though, was walking past Ray Charles before he sang America the Beautiful at the 2001 World Series! He had two lovely young ladies escorting him down the corridor.
In 2019, I had coffee with Juan Marichal, Hall of Famer Juan Marichal, one of my heroes on the San Francisco Giants of the 1960’s. He looked amazing at age 80 and was totally charismatic. Now that was a thrill!
Speaking of Dodgers, my tale is this: about a decade ago I get in an elevator in Las Vegas with an older gentleman and (I later find out) his son. I think I recognize him but not sure until I see his World Series ring. I then can’t help myself (my wife will tell you I seldom can) and say to him as the elevator doors open for their floor “If you’re not Tommy Lasorda you oughta be.” As they go down the hall I hear Tommy chuckle and say to his son “if you’re not Tommy Lasorda you ought be. That’s pretty good.” Turns out he was in town for some sort of signing event…
Carl Leubsdorf
Noting that Sevier King seems to be playing some 2B at Rochester, as well as SS, what do you think arethe chances he willl be brought up to replace either Nunez or Tena?
Seems to me like it would be more likely for Tena. I've always had the sense King's ticket to the majors would be as a utility guy, so it would make more sense if he joined the team as someone who can play second base, shortstop, third base and even the outfield. Now having said that, I don't think they'd call him up to sit on the bench. So it would have to involve at somewhat regular playing time, though potentially at multiple positions.
Hey Mark have a safe flight! What are some of your favorite visiting stadiums to watch the Nats at? And do you have any favorite cities to watch the Nats on the road where you aren't particularly found of the stadium but still love going? Thanks!
I'm heading to one of my favorites right now! Oracle Park in San Francisco and PNC Park in Pittsburgh are my two favorites. Petco Park in San Diego is always great, both because of the ballpark and the city. I personally love Wrigley Field, but it is a hassle working there because, you know, it was built in 1914 and can only be fixed up so much. And while Chase Field in Phoenix is not in any way a great ballpark, I always enjoy going there because I grew up there and have friends who cover the D-backs.
I agree with your comments about those stadiums, although I haven't been to a game at Wrigley yet, just an offseason tour of the stadium. I think my least favorite has been Tampa, I just did not care for the sightlines, the seating felt too low, not enough of a grade to the stands.