MLB Owners Today Expected To Approve Sale Of Padres

The pending sale of the Padres from John Moores to a group including former Dodgers Owner Peter O'Malley, O'Malley family members, Padres minority owner Ron Fowler and golfer Phil Mickelson, as expected, yesterday cleared through the MLB Ownership Committee and Exec Council with no significant problems. The initial approval sets up a full vote this morning in Denver by MLB team owners, where at least 75% approval is required and firmly expected. The estimated $800M deal, including a minority stake in FS San Diego, is heading toward a much more placid and customary conclusion following the fractious collapse early this year of a proposed purchase of the club by Vice Chair Jeff Moorad. "They're doing very well," MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said late yesterday of the O'Malley-Fowler group.