⚾️⚾️ The Morning Briefing: The Nationals receive back-payments of $100M in TV rights dispute
Good Morning Washington Nationals Fan,
Here are the latest headlines and analyses around the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball for today, June 22, 2023. My name is Haden Raymer and this is your morning briefing. I would like to apologize for the lack of briefings this week. Life happens but we are back with a lot of news to cover. Today’s top story is MASN making an additional $100M payment to the Nationals in a settlement. Let’s dive into it.
Be sure to follow The Nats Report on Twitter for all the latest headlines and more.
Leading today’s Morning Briefing: Nationals and Orioles settle on broadcast fees dispute
Yesterday the Nationals franchise got a $100M influx of cash thanks to a dispute in broadcast TV fees from the years 2012-2016. This money can go to pretty much anything from salary to front office to the Lerners’ pockets, but it is pretty huge for the future of the Nationals.
One of the big roadblocks in a potential Nationals sale was the broadcast rights. For many, that roadblock was too large and prevented a sale. This moment was the first real step of progress in order to create a better scenario for the Nationals to gain their broadcast writes for the first time. This would immediately boost the value of the team, especially for someone like Ted Leonsis who already owns the Capitols and the Wizards, and just announced a new channel called the Monumental Sports Network.
You can read more in the original report in the Washington Post.
Nationals go on a losing streak
While I am sad I haven’t been able to write about the team, the timing of the stretch was convenient as the Nationals had lost eight of their last 10 games prior to yesterday’s victory. Victor Robles went off and then back onto the injured list, but not before he and Mackenzie Gore had to be separated by teammate Ildemaro Vargas and manager Davey Martinez.
Swept by the Marlins and almost being swept by the Cardinals left them here. The roster is struggling. It is a harsh reminder that despite the progress the team has made in the past year, this is still likely an 80-90 loss team.
Now I wasn’t watching the game, and like many assumed it was much worse.
I’m late
But here’s the “exchange” between MacKenzie Gore and Victor Robles yesterday
— Kev (@OnePursuitTakes)
Jun 21, 2023
After this game, Robles went back on the IL. He did not look like himself out on the field on Sunday, which led to this moment. It’s a shame as he is currently producing his best season since 2019. Derek Hill was called up to replace him. Hill is a former first-round pick who has been raking in Rochester.
Nats avoid sweep against the St. Louis Cardinals
CJ Abrams homered. Trevor Williams threw six innings with four strikeouts. And of course, Jeimer Candelario doubled. The team won 3-0 and Hunter Harvey earned the save. Abrams is your Nationals Report Player of the Game thanks to his three-for-three performance.
Tomorrow there will be a makeup game at Nationals Park against the Arizona Diamondbacks. They will then begin a road trip, starting with the San Diego Padres.
Down on the Farm
The Rochester Red Wings fell 7-3 to the Omaha Storm Chasers. Jordan Barley homered in what is likely a cup of coffee in Triple-A. Paolo Espino had a solid start. Doolittle still has not looked great in Triple-A.
The Harrisburg Senators had their game postponed because of the weather.
The Wilmington Blue Rocks had their game canceled because of rain.
The FredNats also had their game canceled because of rain.
Links around the league
Chelsea Janes on Pride nights in MLB
Michael Baumann on Manfred’s press conference last week
TalkNats on the MASN debacle
TalkNats on potentially drafting Dylan Crews
TalkNats on the play in Houston
