Aww Cute, The Nationals are Trying to Keep Us Out of Citizens Bank Park South

I received no less than seven emails either informing me about what you are about to read or forwarding the email the Washington Nationals sent to fans today. Here, take a look:

Huh. How about that– a PR move to show fans that the Nationals really do care, unlike previous seasons when they actually appealed to Phillies fans to make the 90-minute trip south.

Here's what Nats COO Andy Feffer told Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post:

“Frankly, I was tired of seeing it,” Nats COO Andy Feffer told me this week. “Forget you, Philly. This is our park, this is our town, these are our fans, and it’s our time right now.”

“We’ve heard it enough, we’ve seen it enough, and I don’t like it any more than anyone else,” Feffer said. “We’re trying to build a team here, and nothing irks me personally or the people here more than to see another team’s fans — particularly Philly fans — in our ballpark, holding up signs. That’s not the way it should be. And I think we’ve got an opportunity here to do something different.”

“Look, this is what a rivalry’s about,” Feffer said. “The Phillies and Nationals should be that rivalry that people get fired up about, and that’s ok. I want Phillies fans to acknowledge that we’re a legitimate contender and that we’re for real. And you know what? If Phillies fans are a little bit irked, that means they’re paying attention.”

No, no– we're laughing.

This isn't even their first attempt this offseason to TAKE BACK THEIR PARK.

Back in November, we told you about their ticket plans, which included games against the Yankees and Phillies, that would be made available before single-game seats went on-sale. This all meant that Phillies fans wanting to invade D.C. would be stuck with tickets for games against the Reds, Rays and Orioles, too. Good luck with that, Nationals. Assuming they don’t sell out any of those games with just their own fans, tickets will eventually go on-sale for all of us to buy. And, if not, then you can probably get them below face value on StubHub or Crossing Broad Tickets. Remember, folks, this was the team that ran a BOGO on 2012 season tickets. And sold $1 tickets. And used Groupon.

Either way, one thing we can certainly be sure to take over is that #OurPark hashtag. Go!