These are dark times for Nats fans, and we could all use a little cheer, so here's your feelgood story of the day -- Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young took the late Steve McNair's sons to "Dear Dads Breakfast" at their school. That was very cool of you, Vince.

Nationals News

  The Nats acquired catcher Jamie Burke from the Mariners after Wil Nieves was injured running to first.

  Tyler Clippard, despite his bad inning last night, has been solid all season, and is one of the few relievers I feel confident saying will return next year.

  Jim Riggleman answers some fan questions, and, unlike the questions on... other sites... they're actually pretty good.

  John Sickels goes in depth on Ian Desmond.

  Adam Dunn is consistently good.

  If you're in town on September 24, you should go to the Nats' Oktoberfest celebration!

  Though he didn't get the curly W, Ross Detwiler pitched a decent game last night.

  The Nationals are now six games up on the Pirates in the 2010 Harpoff.

  Livan Hernandez is sad that he won't be able to play against the Mets, his former team.

Non-Nationals News

  Ernie Harwell, longtime voice of the Detroit Tigers, returned to the park after announcing that he had inoperable cancer. He was given a standing ovation, and we all wish him the best of luck.

  You asked for it, and you got it: more coverage of the little girl throwing that ball back!

  Federal prosecutors have asked to reverse a ruling that prevents them from entering evidence that they say proves that Barry Bonds knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs.

  Umpires working in Fenway for the Angels-Red Sox series have complained of verbal abuse by the Angels. I understand nobody wants to be verbally abused, but Nick Green was given four strikes before he walked in the tying run.

  Aaron Crow, a former Nats pick, has signed with the Royals for $3 million guaranteed.

  Reds pitcher Aaron Harang bought a six-seat golf cart to thank the clubhouse staff in Cincinnati.