While Disney technically has until today to finalize a deal
to purchase 25% of the Angels, "there is a feeling," according to
Tracy Ringolsby, that the company "is pulling a power play to get
concessions from Anaheim." Negotiations broke off last week over
the city's desire for a "Sportstown" complex (ROCKY MOUNTAIN
NEWS, 3/17).
POWER PLAY? Angels Owner Jackie Autry and Disney CEO
Michael Eisner were seen sitting together during last night's
Blues-Mighty Ducks game in Anaheim (ESPN, 3/17).
READY AND WAITING: Former MLB Commissioner Peter Ueberroth
has been mentioned by several sources as the prime candidate to
buy the club should Disney pull out. In L.A., Ross Newhan
reports a potential sale to Ueberroth would "apparently have no
problems gaining ownership approval," even though he "was
considered architect of the collusion era while commissioner."
Dodgers Owner Peter O'Malley, on potential problems: "Absolutely
not" (L.A. TIMES, 3/17). Meanwhile, Autry said if the team is
not sold, it could be moved when their lease expires in 2001.
Possibilities include Hollywood Park (L.A. TIMES, 3/16).
