It's going to be a long (couple of) year(s) for Nats fans!

Via mlb.com

"Nationals manager Manny Acta had a closed-door meeting with general manager Jim Bowden on Wednesday afternoon. Neither talked about what was said, but both made it clear that they are going to remain patient even though the team was 1-7 entering Wednesday's action. They are both willing to take their lumps, because they are building for the future."

Well, they are definitely going to need their patience. With exception of single A team Potomac Nats, the farm ain't doing so well either. Here are the records of the Nationals Minor League Affiliates:

(AAA)
Columbus Clippers: 2 - 4

(AA)
Harrisburg Senators: 0 - 6

(A)
Potomac Nationals: 4 - 1

(A)
Hagerstown Suns: 2 - 5

Combine those records with the scorching 1 - 8 start by the Major League club and that's a grand total of 9 - 24. Not a bad start for Manny Acta... as mentioned, he is going to need a lot of patience. Oh, and the Nats face John Smoltz tonight.