A new era begins this weekend at RFK, as the Lerner family ceremonially takes the reins of the team, the front office, stadium operations, and all things Natty. While visions of future pennants and new stadiums dance in our heads, we fans confront the current reality of a team that’s 17 games out in July and mired in last place. We know that things are likely to get much worse before they get better, as several key players may be swapped for prospects in the next two weeks. And while RFK is getting a good scrubbing for this weekend’s events, we’re stuck with the dingy old concrete sweetheart for the next year and a half, at least.

The Nats are getting a good look at what might be their future down in Miami this week. The Marlins (not to be confused with the Marlons), are a team in the throes of rebuilding a long-term winner. They are led by a young and talented third baseman in Miguel Cabrera. They play in front of dwindling crowds in a decrepit stadium while the politicians fight over a new downtown park. The lineup is talented, but a year or two away from really competing.

Next year, the Nats may look much the same. Young prospects will get extended playing time, led by their leather-flashing third baseman in Ryan Zimmerman. D.C. City Council, a new mayor, the Lerners, and competing developers will be fighting out the terms of the new ballpark – though we’re miles ahead of Miami on that front. As the losses mount, crowds at RFK may reach levels far below this year’s average of 26,500 (or last year’s 33,600). Next year may not be very sunny, but there’s definitely a silver lining.