Incoming Nationals President Stan Kasten has made it abundantly clear that his strategy for winning in Washington begins with rebuilding the team’s farm system, which is barely left intact after years of MLB ownership. On Monday night, the Nats laid a stone in the foundation, by signing 17-year-old slugger Chris Marrero of Miami. He played 3rd base in high school, but with Ryan Zimmerman projected there long-term in the big leagues, the team anticipates a move to the outfield for Marrero.

Together with last Friday’s signing of right handed pitcher Colton Williams, the team has locked up both of it’s first round picks in the 2006 Draft. Chris over at Capitol Punishment compiled a handy synopsis of Marrero, Williams, and the rest of the Nats’ draftees, including highlight videos. Beware, however, as checking out high schoolers on the internet sounds like something pretty tough to explain to your boss. Just sayin’.

The Nats of the present traveled to Toronto to begin an interleague tilt with the Jays last night. A few years ago, when the Nats were Expos, this series was billed as the Battle of Canada (do you suppose Frank Robinson gets nostalgic?) Perhaps distracted by maple leaf memories, the offense fell flat in a 6-0 loss to A.J. Burnett in the opener. The team’s fourth shutout of the season squandered a solid performance by Ramon Ortiz, who gave up only four hits and three runs in his 6+ innings. Tonight Canuck Shawn Hill returns to his hometown looking to rebound from a bad outing in Boston. He faces Ted Lilly, looking for his third straight win.

Photo by Flickr user Ben in DC.