Washington Nationals - Relocated Expos team gets new name

WASHINGTON -- The Montreal Expos would be renamed the Washington Nationals if the proposed move of the franchise is approved by baseball owners.

The team's new colors would be red, white and blue, club president Tony Tavares said Monday during a news conference at Union Station to announce the name change. Caps will have a script "W" and the team's secondary logo will feature an interlocking "DC."

"This is a thrilling and important step in returning the national pastime to the nation's capital," Tavares said. "The team name and colors not only represent our new home, but symbolize the joining together of Washington's baseball past and its future."

Just before the news conference began, a member of the D.C. Statehood Green Party went on the stage with a sign reading "Stop the $614 million giveaway." The protester, Adam Eidinger, opposes the plan by District of Columbia Mayor Anthony A. Williams' to finance a ballpark for the team, saying it will cost far more than the estimated $435 million.

Several men, including former Washington Senators announcer Charlie Brotman, jumped Eidinger. A tussle ensued, and the podium nearly fell over before security managed to drag the protester off stage. It was not immediately clear if Eidinger was arrested.

The move of the team is subject to the approval of baseball owners, which is expected, and the District of Columbia Council enacting by Dec. 31 financing for a new ballpark. Baseball owners and the council have both delayed their votes, but the Council is expected to vote by Nov. 30 and owners by Dec. 6.

The Expos are owned by the other 29 teams, who plan to sell the franchise in 2005. The new owners may choose to rename the team again.