MCLANE WILL TAKE A WAIT-AND-SEE ATTITUDE ON ASTROS' FUTURE

          A day after discussing cost overruns for a new ballpark
     with Harris County Judge Robert Eckels and Houston Mayor Bob
     Lanier, Astros Owner Drayton McLane Jr. "said he does not
     anticipate the public pitching in more money," according to
     John Williams of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE.  McLane said
     yesterday that he will wait until "more realistic costs are
     known" for the retractable-roof stadium "before deciding
     whether to keep the Astros in Houston."  McLane said that if
     the cost comes in much higher than the early estimate of
     $250M, "he may be forced to resume shopping the Astros
     around the country."  But Lanier, Eckels and McLane "all
     expressed optimism" that a deal can be done once the final
     cost is known (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 7/10).