Debate begins on new nickname for Expos

INSTANT POLL What should the Expos' new nickname be? Senators Grays Monuments Nationals Federals Keep the Expos View Results

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The wait for a baseball team is over. The debate over the name begins.

With the Montreal Expos headed to the nation's capital, ideas for a suitable nickname for a baseball team at the seat of government are already a hot topic, ranging from the majestic -- Washington Monuments -- to the silly -- Washington Leakers.

Of course, Washington Senators will be the sentimental favorite. The original Senators played in Washington from 1901-60 before moving to Minnesota to become the Twins, and the expansion Senators were in town from 1961-71 before moving to Texas to become the Rangers.

The Rangers, however, retained the rights to the "Washington Senators" name, so a deal would have to be struck to buy the moniker back.

Mayor Anthony Williams offered his own solution Wednesday, suggesting the team be called the Washington Grays -- a tribute to the Homestead Grays, a Negro League team that won nine championships playing in Washington in the 1930s and 1940s.