MLB players might be locked out, but the podcast doors are still wide open for Mark & Al in our third off-season edition of Nats Chat. They begin by setting the scene as to why the sport is going through its first work stoppage in almost thirty years. Will Opening Day start on time? (15:51) Free Agency was abnormally active in the final days leading up to the CBA"s expiration. How could Baseball replicate that for other Novembers moving forward? The hosts then examine Max Scherzer's mammoth deal with the Mets, which will pay him well over $40 Million a year.  (31:52) The Nationals were very quiet last month while many other teams were spending tons of money in Free Agency. There was one signing however, Cesar Hernandez, who won a Gold Glove at 2B in 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices