This group is intended as a backchannel for regular readers of "Nationals Journal", a baseball blog hosted by The Washington Post, and written by Chico Harlan, The Post's beat reporter for the Washington Nationals.

(By the way, Barry, we miss you... you should come visit sometime...)

The group allows members to post comments that might not be relevant to the entire blog readership, but important to those members who subscribe to this group.

Some basic information about the group: Membership is open to anyone (especially Nationals Journal readers), but to read or post to this group, you must be a member first. The reason for this is that groups such as these are often subject to spam and other unwanted items, such as computer viruses, inappropriate photos, etc. By limiting membership and access, this allows the moderators to easily manage the group and keep it safe and enjoyable for everyone.

To become a member, follow the directions listed below (click the 'Join' button, or email the 'join' address) and one of the moderators will add you.

While we are all about free speech, we ask that people respect that this group is open to people of all ages, including children. Please use language that is appropriate for the group as a whole. Also, we ask that people go above and beyond when it comes to respecting others opinions, and be especially tolerant of views different from your own. If you have an opposing view, please feel free to comment here. Commenting about individuals is not acceptable, however. If you must flame, type your flame out in a word processor, edit it to say exactly what you want it to say, and then delete it... but don't post it here!

The moderators reserve the right to refuse membership to anyone, at their sole discretion... Though they are unlikely to do so, as long as things remain civil.

Photo at right: First pitch, Opening day, 2005