Good Morning Washington Nationals Fan,

Here are the latest headlines and analyses around the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball for today, August 22nd. My name is Haden Raymer. The Nationals extended Davey Martinez. Let’s talk about it.

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Leading today’s Morning Briefing: Nationals extend Davey Martinez; working to extend Mike Rizzo

The Nationals reportedly are signing Davey Martinez to a two-year extension, with an option for a third year. This would keep Martinez at the helm through the 2025 season. In Ken Rosenthal and Britt Ghiroli’s report, they also reported that the Nationals are working towards an extension with General Manager Mike Rizzo. These deals would have the architect and manager of this rebuild to see the project through, with James Wood, Dylan Crews, Cade Cavalli, and Jackson Rutledge all set to play a meaningful role next year.

Why it matters: First and foremost, it allows the organization to evaluate the changes made in the front office and across the organization in the past few years. The Nationals have expanded their player development program significantly, and those changes won’t see a return for a few more years. While Rizzo is not perfect, if these changes modernize the organization and get them caught up with the rest of the league, it makes sense to let him continue to adapt.

As for Martinez, I think the move makes sense. Around the league, we continue to see dysfunction in clubhouses, with the Mets, White Sox, and Padres continuing to underperform their on-paper talent. This quote from earlier in the month from Juan Soto really sticks out to me.

"Days like this series, we just give up. Like literally, we just give up instead of keep grinding, keep pushing. We’ve got to forget about yesterday and keep moving."

Mariners score five runs in 8th to complete sweep of Padres, who go down feebly again

— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee)
Aug 10, 2023

For all the managerial mistakes that Martinez does make, one thing you can consistently give him credit for is having his teams never give up. Martinez is a big believer in that. After Cory Abbott’s blow-up eighth inning against the Phillies, Martinez commented on Abbott’s demeanor on the mound. The culture that Martinez has built here is impressive and is a big part of why the Nationals have gone on this run. Again, he’s not perfect, and I am sure if you ask him he will admit that. The real improvement lies in the staff surrounding him. Keibert Ruiz does not magically become one of the worst defensive catchers in baseball overnight. The starting pitching should not have one of the highest walk rates year after year. But for what Martinez has, he does a pretty good job.

Nationals begin a series against the New York Yankees

The Nats hit the road, starting the road trip against the New York Yankees. The Yankees are on an eight-game losing streak and have lost nine of their last ten. Tonight at 7:05 p.m., Josiah Gray will take on LHP Carlos Rodón (1-4, 7.33 ERA) on MASN.

After the game, you can listen to our thoughts on the past week of Nationals baseball, the Martinez and Rizzo extensions, and more live on In the Clubhouse.

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Down on the Farm

The Rochester Red Wings begin a series at home against the Worcester Red Sox.

The Harrisburg Senators begin a series at home against the Reading Fightin Phils with their new addition Dylan Crews.

Dylan Crews with the FredNats

The Wilmington Blue Rocks begin a series at home against the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

The FredNats begin a series on the road against the Salem Red Sox.

Featured Tweet of the Day

#TwitterPoll:

Do you agree with the #Nationals' decision to re-sign Davey Martinez to another contract?

#Nats#Natitude

— TheNatsReport ⚾ 🇺🇸 (@TheNatsReport)
Aug 21, 2023