Prospective Astros Owner Wants $50M Cut From Purchase Price To Move Team To AL

Prospective Astros Owner Jim Crane is "looking to cut $50 million from the purchase price of the team in exchange for the Astros switching leagues," according to sources cited by Josh Kosman of the N.Y. POST. Crane "has been talking to Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig about moving the team to the American League from the National League" if he is approved as the franchise’s new owner. Sources said that Crane -- who reached a deal in May to buy the Astros from Drayton McLane for $680M -- is "asking for a price reduction in the $50 million range to make the move." Sources added that the two sides are "in the 'ballpark' on the price, although a deal is far from certain." Crane "argues the move to the AL would hurt the value of the franchise because the Astros would be playing more late-night games against West Coast teams." A source said that there is "a '65 to 70 percent chance' that Selig and Crane will reach a deal." If not, Crane "will likely walk away from buying the Astros" (N.Y. POST, 10/20).