The Nationals have a slogan for the three-game series against the Cubs this weekend: "Painting the Town Red." It's the Nationals' way of showing the new changes at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, which includes improvements to the stadium's exterior landscaping, enhancing the cleanliness of the building and better food service.

One thing that hasn't changed is the play of the Nationals on the field. The are 40-56 and in fifth place in the National League East.

MLB.com caught up with incoming team president Stan Kasten recently to talk about the special weekend and how the fans should react to the team's play on the field.

MLB.com: You always wanted to give the fans more than just a baseball game. What brought this on?

Stan Kasten: When I worked at an old stadium before -- Fulton County Stadium -- there was nothing to do if you got to the game beforehand. People would just go to the game and go to their seats. They didn't have any reason to come early -- they would just be milling around. In our business, milling is bad and buying is good, because what we have learned in this business is that people don't mind spending money if you give them a good reason to. That's our job: to give them good things to be entertained by, give them good food alternatives, give them good merchandise alternatives. If you satisfy them that way, two things happen: No. 1, they are more satisfied; and you make more money. It's a win-win.

MLB.com: Before the 1990s, going to a baseball game was good enough. What changed?

Kasten: The economics of the sport changed and the need to drive greater and greater revenue. In the 1950s, you could get by on a million tickets a year. Nowadays, you can't pay the bills on a million tickets a year. You need 2 million or 2 1/2 million or 3 million. You need to bring in money from ancillary sources like food, merchandise and sponsorship -- all of the that.

MLB.com: Starting Friday, the Nationals will give the fans more than just a baseball game. What do you think they will like the most?

Kasten: I have to tell you, I just had lunch at our new food court, which was not good, not great, it was spectacular. Someone had a brisket sandwich from the Capital Q and immediately declared that you couldn't get a better brisket sandwich anywhere in the city. I don't know what was my favorite. The chili, which was outstanding, the fish and chips, the chicken wings, french fries. It was sensational, and everyone is going to love it.

MLB.com: Are we expecting to see any more surprises at RFK?

Kasten: We are still at RFK. We understand that we do have the physical limitations. I think you will see some things change. You will see that we have spent a lot of time and money on the food court. Clearly, that will be a new constructed element. Everything else just fits into the space that we have. The most important thing from this weekend is, this ownership really cares about [the fans'] experience. We really thought about making it better for them. I think if they come out with that message, they will start to adopt all of our programs, which includes the patience that you need for player development, getting on board early so you can get your seats at the new stadium. They should be convinced that when we get to a new ballpark, where we will really have room, it should be even better.

MLB.com: Although you are giving the fans something new, the team is struggling. Do you think the fans will understand what you are doing?

Kasten: I think some fans don't want to wait. I think some fans will. All we can do is continue to push our message -- always deliver what you say, what you are going to do. The day we took over this team, we have made a commitment about player development, fan experience and community relations. We have made real progress in all of these fronts -- and that's before we have taken over the team. That's what I hope the fans will come to appreciate about this ownership group. We will make lofty promises, and we'll deliver what we say we will deliver.

MLB.com: From 1987 to 1990, how did the Braves make the fans understand to be patient?

Kasten: The Braves were so bad for so long that it was much harder. We were stuck in an older stadium without the prospects of a new ballpark. So we didn't have the advantages that we have in Washington. So for the first three or four years, we struggled. It wasn't until we delivered [on the field that] the fans came.

I think it's a little different in Washington because we do have a new ballpark around the corner. We have been so upfront with our plan -- player development, fan experience, community relations. I think they will understand better than maybe the Braves fans in the middle '80s. The Braves fans were beaten up years because of substandard performances. I think we have a little bit more of a chance here to make a go of it right away.

MLB.com: There are some positives. You have Ryan Zimmerman and Nick Johnson. How much can those players bring in the fans?

Kasten: Even though it's a team sport, everyone likes to gravitate to those players who are likeable and they can adopt as their own. Those are some great names that you mentioned. Clearly, we love to have all of them here and they may be part of the future and they may all be here when our team is a winner, which I hope isn't too far off.

MLB.com: Alfonso Soriano has become a popular person in Washington. If he is traded, how can you convince the fans you are doing the best for the future?

Kasten: I'm going to have to pass on anything that has the word "if" in it, because if that ever happens, I'll have an answer for you then.

MLB.com: What do you like about the team right now?

Kasten: I like all the potential for the future. I really like that we do have a foundation that we can build both in terms of the team and in terms of the fan base that has already adopted this team. We love the turnout that we had last year, so we know that the interest in this club is here. We just have to take it and build on it.

MLB.com: What don't you like about the team?

Kasten: It's not a world champion yet, and that's my only goal. Until we get there, I will not be satisfied.