ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Over the years, I have wondered out loud why the Washington Nationals marketing has been so bad. They have done a poor job putting their brand out there, I’m not saying the Nats need have co-branded sponsorships for EVERYTHING or that they need “The Toyota Scoreboard brought to you by Honda” like the Washington Redskins do, but you get the idea.

One of my specific observations was that every time I went to Harris Teeter, I was greeted by a sign that said it was the official grocery store of the Washington Redskins. I knew, mostly from going to the games, that Harris Teeter was the official grocery store of the Nats too and wondered why their wasn’t a sign out front like the Redskins one. This week, for the first time, I started seeing the familiar curly W whenever I have entered a Harris Teeter (Tysons Corner, Ballston, Alexandria). I don’t know why it wasn’t there before, whether it was Harris Teeter or the Nats that kept it from happening. Regardless of why, it apparently isn’t a reason any more. Progress!

PREVIOUSLY A minor marketing success: Nats pocket schedules at Harris Teeter – April 12, 2011

IN ROSTER NEWS

P Gio Gonzalez had his press conference yesterday and came off well, despite taking Matt Chico’s number #47.

Recaps

Nationals introduce Gio Gonzalez to Washington – The Post
Gio Gonzalez makes himself at home with D.C. blitz – The Wash. Times
Gonzalez understands his role in Nationals’ rotation – The Wash. Examiner

Brad Lidge is now a Nats setup man (Nationals Journal, The Post). Seems like a great low-risk/high reward signing. There is this:

“Brad is one of the more interesting teammates I’ve had,” said Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth, who played with Lidge in Philadelphia. “Not your average athlete. Very intelligent on and off the field. He will bring culture to our clubhouse, along with his nasty slider. Good guy, glad we got him. He will be a perfect fit for our young talented bullpen.”

Hey, why not?