A storm yesterday prevented the ballpark from officially being topped off (The Post), but the ceremony went on (under cover). More from The Wash. Times:

The construction team began installing seats at the stadium Friday and is expected to begin construction of the parking garage outside the ballpark’s left-field wall later this month. The team will erect portions of the main scoreboard starting Aug. 15 and is on schedule to start laying down the grass field Oct. 31

In the meantime, hundreds of workers are active in the stadium’s underbelly, working on tasks like plumbing and electrical systems and building the ballpark’s concession stands and locker rooms. Gradually, workers are moving from the right field to left field in installing speakers, railing, lighting and fireproofing.

No word on if David Cantania jumped up and down and screamed that he knew there would be a delay.

The praise for Manny Acta (The Post) and his “preach and teach” managing philosophy continues.

While the Nats have a better record than many expected (not me) (The Wash. Times), many of them are disappointed because there is nothing good about being 16 games under .500. The cause for concern I have is much of the success is coming from players who really aren’t here for the long-term like Dimitri Young and Cristian Guzman. Pitching is also a concern, because other than Matt Chico, none of the starters have been healthy enough over the course of the season to be fairly evaluated.

Thomas Boswell sees the glass as half full (The Post) for D.C.’s team and the one up I-95 too.