The Baseball Show: Nats fighting for life

On last night's Baseball Show, Mark and the crew discussed what is likely on every Nationals' fans mind: whether they still have a chance to make the playoffs. In order to climb back into the race, the Nats will have to get better against teams with winning records. Mark and Jim Duquette discuss how the Nats can start reversing that fortune this week in Atlanta.

VIDEOS: The Baseball Show

The Nationals evened up their record at 36-36 with last night's win, reaching the .500 mark once again this season. With a Braves loss they moved within six games of the division with 90 left to play. On last night's Baseball Show, Mark, Rob Carlin, and Jim Duquette discussed why there is plenty of time left for the Nats to make a run.

VIDEOS: The Baseball Show this week

On last night's The Baseball Show, Mark and Rob Carlin talked about Bryce Harper's upcoming visit with Dr. James Andrews. The star outfielder is getting a second opinion on his swollen left knee on Monday and his status moving forward is in question.

In addition to experiencing a setback with his knee, Harper also lost power at his home last night. The rain sweeping through the region that postponed Thursday night's game against the Mets, also shut the electricity off in Harper's building. It was an all around tough day for the 20-year-old.

Power is out in my building! This is just great! #NoAir
— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) June 7, 2013

Mark and Rob also discussed the return of Jayson Werth and how he can provide a spark for the Nationals' struggling offense.

VIDEOS: This week's Baseball Show

With the Nationals returning from a lengthy west coast trip ready to take on the Phillies, there are plenty of storylines to discuss involving the team. Mark, Rob Carlin, and Jim Duquette covered all things Nats on last night's Baseball Show, including what the team should do at second base and whether the comments of Rafael Soriano are a concern long term. We also have a clip from Ryan Zimmerman's 'A Night At The Park' which was another huge success.

VIDEO: Baseball Show regional roundup

On last night's Baseball Show, Rob Carlin caught up with CSN Insiders from around the country to discuss topics concerning the entire league. Included towards the end is a look ahead at the Nationals and Cubs series that starts tonight, focusing on pitcher Jeff Samardzija who is slated to pitch in the first game.

VIDEO: Is Zimmermann MLB's best pitcher?

Jordan Zimmermann has been the Nats most consistent pitcher dating back to last season, but this year he looks even better, especially considering the inconsistent starts of Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez. His numbers are up at the top of the league in almost every category, so is it time to start considering Zimmermann as one of the game's best? Mark, Jim Duquette, and Rob Carlin debated this topic on last night's Baseball Show.

Also, yesterday I caught up with pitcher Ross Detwiler to talk about the Capitals and the NHL playoffs:

Ross Detwiler talks Caps vs. Rangers

VIDEO: Who is the Nats' best starter?

On this week's episode of The Baseball Show, Mark, Rob, and Jim Duquette debated who the Nationals' best starting pitcher is so far this season. It seems like a timely topic after Stephen Strasburg's rocky outing last night in New York.

Most agree Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez are among the best in the majors, but what about Jordan Zimmermann and Ross Detwiler? Through two weeks the case could be made for any of the four as the best on the staff. Detwiler is the hot pitcher at the moment and Zimmermann is off to another good start after three consistent outings (3-0, 2.45 ERA).

VIDEO: Nats await red-hot Braves

You can never make too much of an early April series between any two teams, but for the first matchup of the year between the Nationals and Braves, baseball fans sure are excited. Both teams made the playoffs with 90+ wins last season and both look improved on paper after changes to their roster. They also happen to hold the two best records in the National League entering tonight.

The players have to act like it doesn't mean much at all, just take this quote from Ryan Zimmerman:

"We get excited for every series. I think we have to play the same way as we do against the Marlins, as we do against the Phillies, as we do against the Mets. As soon as you take other teams for granted or only get up when you play the Braves, or the Dodgers or teams like that, that's when you get in trouble. This team does such a good job of treating every team the same."

VIDEO: Predicting the NL and AL East

On Thursday night's The Baseball Show Mark, Rob Carlin, and Jim Duquette made their predictions for how the N.L. East will shake out. And because the show also covers the Orioles, they took a stab at the A.L. East as well. Check it out and let us know if you agree.