Mark & Al are back for the first edition of Nats Chat since the calendar flipped to 2022. Make sure to tune into the final portion of the podcast as we congratulate Tim Kurkjian for winning the BBWAA Career Excellence Award, which means he is headed to Cooperstown. We begin by checking in on where the MLB Lockout stands as it seems the two sides will finally sit down for the first time in over a month. Will Spring Training begin on time? (13:23) Juan Soto's sixteen year old brother, Elian, signed with the Nats recently. What to make of it? (17:24) Washington last month signed minor league deals with veteran infielders Dee Strange-Gordon & Maikel Franco. Plus, Sean Nolin will take his talents to South Korea.  (32:52) Mark gives his expert insight into this year's Hall of Fame ballot that will be announced later this month. It is the final year of eligibility for Barry Bonds and the first for David Ortiz. The hosts have an updated discussion regarding the Steroid Era stars. (42:42) Jon Lester is retiring after earning exactly 200 career wins after spending part of his final season with the Nationals. Will he be a future Hall of Famer? (47:33) ESPN's Tim Kurkjian, who grew up in Bethesda rooting for the Senators, joins the podcast to chat about receiving the highest honor for a member of the Baseball media. Tim also gives his insights on Washington baseball history and how the Nats should proceed with Juan Soto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices