Columnist Says Astros, Rockets Putting FS Southwest In Bad Spot

Astros Reportedly Are Close To TV Rights Deal With Comcast

The Rockets and Astros "are again trying to put the screws" to FS Southwest with reports the teams are close to signing a TV rights deal with Comcast, according to Richard Justice of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. The teams are in essence saying, “Look, we want more money. We want to reopen the deal. We're worth more than we're getting paid, and if you don't do it, we're going to start our own regional sports network.” Justice: “I mean, can you imagine what must be going through Drayton McLane's mind. This guy has done as bad a job as any owner in professional sports and he's now going back to his TV network, the network that does a great job, and saying, 'By the way, we want more money.'” McLane indicated that the Red Sox and Yankees are “rolling in money” with NESN and YES Network, respectively. But Justice said, “Guess what? The Red Sox and Yankees are great franchises and they're winning." He added, "I know that we're supposed to understand that increasing revenues is what Drayton McLane is about as an owner, but to go and ask for more money when you're surrounded by empty seats, when every night people are telling you 'You stink,' takes a lot of nerve" (CHRON.com, 5/27).