In the typical rookie hazing, the Nationals went above and beyond again this year. Last year it was the Smurfs. This year, being an Olympic year, the rookies dressed as gymnasts for their train ride to New York. They were clad in leotards and all.

“The 2012 Olympians that didnt make the cut this year.” Via ‏@GioGonzalez47
Left to right: Tyler Moore, Corey Brown, Eury Perez, Sandy Leon, Christian Garcia, Steve Lombardozzi, and the flag bearer Bryce Harper

“Wore our colors proudly.” Via @GioGonzalez47

“My boy is all grown up so proud.” Via @GioGonzalez47

Props to the veterans for another ingenious idea that’s just embarrassing enough, and to the rookies for being good sports. And our sympathies to Steve Lombardozzi who had to dress up  again this year after being a Smurf last year. (At least not many people can say they’ve been a Smurf and Olympic gymnast, right?)

Now they need to bring home the gold. Or at least a handful of wins from the New York Mets. The series starts Monday in New York at 7:10 PM.

Other good stuff (in case you missed it):

• Newsflash: the Nationals are human. Plus, it always seems that the Marlins always seem to have their number. The Nats were shut out 8-0 yesterday and dropped the series. Silver lining: the homestand still went well and they had a winning record.
• The highly debated shutdown is here. Strasburg is done for the season. Spoiler alert: he wasn’t too happy about it.
• Mark DeRosa, in his veteran mentor role had a talk with Strasburg.
• Sean Burnett’s beginning to feel a little bit better.