The Washington Nationals need an “O.”

In more ways than one.

The offense on the field stinks. We knew that. But the uniforms several players wore Sunday proved it.

The jerseys read, “Natinals.”

If they were a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune,” they’d be asking Pat Sajak to buy a vowel.

They certainly can’t solve any puzzle this season.

Off to a 1-10 start, with an anemic offense and a pitching staff made up of prospects, players off the scrap heap, and waiters from the Olive Garden, the Natinals, er, Nationals have become the laughing stock of the major leagues.

When Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader called the Washington Post to complain about the paper’s lack of coverage of his campaign, the Post reportedly told Nader they weren’t covering him because he had no chance to win.

Nader’s pithy reply: “Then why are you covering the Nationals?”

The general manager Jim Bowden resigned in March after allegations surfaced of skimming of signing bonuses given to Latin American players.

The Nats were also caught off guard when one of the prospects the club signed lied about his name and age.

Pitcher Julian Tavarez signed with the Nats in March, then compared the team to a 4 a.m. drunken hook-up at a bar.

Nice.

I never thought I’d say this, but at least we have the Pirates, who seem to be headed in the right direction. Read: not in the Nationals' direction. If the Nationals were in the 'Burg, the uniforms probably would have read, “N’ats.”