I was about to write that it looked like the rain has passed through and we won't have any more problems today, but then it just started pouring and the tarp is back on the field. The good news: It's supposed to clear up soon, and we should be able to get things started on time under relatively sunny skies.

Now, if only things could turn a little sunnier for the Nationals, who carry an eight-game losing streak into today's game against the Braves. One night after losing 3-0 to Tim Hudson (who was once again absolutely dominant) they now must face John Smoltz today (and Tom Glavine tomorrow, but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves).

To put it bluntly, the Nats need to win a ballgame, and soon. Things are starting to turn a little testy in the clubhouse, understandably so. You wouldn't expect any team in an eight-game losing streak to be all smiles. But the: "It's still early. There's no need to panic" philosophy isn't going to work much longer. And indeed, there are already signs of players pressing and trying to make things happen. Ryan Zimmerman, if you didn't know, is 0-for-16 on this homestand and has seen his batting average drop to .191. He needs to snap out of this funk soon, because the Nats' lineup simply isn't deep enough to overcome their No. 3 hitter in a prolonged slump (particularly with Wily Mo Pena and Elijah Dukes on the DL).

OK, let's get to some actual good news ... Chad Cordero looked good in his one-inning rehab appearance last night for Potomac and is expected to be activated off the DL before tomorrow's game. Shawn Hill flies to Charlotte tonight and will pitch for Columbus tomorrow afternoon. Assuming that goes well, Hill should be back in the Nats rotation by next week. Pena plays for Columbus today and we may see him by mid-week as well.

But man, could this team use a win today. Here's the lineup that will try to end the streak...

NATS
SS Cristian Guzman
CF Lastings Milledge
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Nick Johnson
RF Austin Kearns
C Paul Lo Duca
2B Felipe Lopez
LF Willie Harris
P John Lannan

BRAVES
2B Kelly Johnson
SS Yunel Escobar
3B Chipper Jones
1B Mark Teixeira
RF Jeff Francoeur
C Brian McCann
LF Matt Diaz
CF Mark Kotsay
P John Smoltz