The Nationals' Mascot Has A New Look! (Oh, Heavens)

This photo was taken a couple of hours ago at ESPN Zone in D.C., and should have been immediately destroyed. Presenting the new look for Screech the Eagle ... it's The Island of Dr. Moreau!

D.C. Sports Bog was on the scene for the great unveiling. Reaction was mixed.

• Oh Jesus! — Posted by: fushezzi | March 2, 2009 1:04 PM

• So they went from a short fat mascot to a tall skinny mascot. (Walks away shaking his head) — Posted by: Hannibal06 | March 2, 2009 1:01 PM

• Kill it with fire. Posted by: wahoo2x | March 2, 2009 1:22 PM

Deadspin reader Dee Ryan also attended the event, and heroically had her picture taken with the beast. Her report:

Not sure if this gives me "hero" but perhaps rather "dork" status. My best friend and I stopped into ESPN Zone this afternoon on our way to lunch to catch a glimpse of the newer, slender Screech (sans goofy ass hula hoop waist). Now that he resembles the Caps mascot, Slapshot, DC can perhaps send Dan Snyder a request for a feathered friend for the Skins since money is not an object in this city.

More photos here, thanks to Deadspin reader Cheryl Nichols.

UPDATE: Now with video .

The Nats' New Mascot [D.C. Sports Bog] Screech Is All Grown Up [Nationals News Network]