DuPuy Expresses Disappointment In Delay Of MLB Rangers Sale

MLB is "disappointed" that the proposed sale of the MLB Rangers from Tom Hicks to Chuck Greenberg's group has been "stalled by a dispute involving the lenders to the team's owner," according to the AP. The two sides "announced an agreement on Jan. 23, but creditors of the Hicks Sports Group ... have not approved it." MLB President & COO Bob DuPuy said, "We hoped to have it closed on or about opening day, and we're disappointed it's not closed yet." However, DuPuy said Hicks and Greenberg's group are "trying to get the transaction completed." DuPuy: "The commissioner has had considerable contact with the parties, and we're working closely. We understood that because of the Hicks Sports Group debt ... that there were issues with regard to the parent company lenders. We've met with them, as well, and we're trying to work through that." Meanwhile, DuPuy said that MLB "doesn't have any second thoughts about approving" Frank and Jamie McCourt to buy the Dodgers in '04, despite their ongoing divorce proceedings. DuPuy said the McCourts "have done a fine job operating the Dodgers." DuPuy: "Their personal situation is sad for them, but no one has any regrets about the McCourts' ownership of the Dodgers. They have said they have no intention to sell the team, and I take them at their word" (AP, 4/20).