A group headed by K.C. businessman Frank Oddo "was
identified Friday as the fourth group interested in bidding
for the Royals," according to Crumpley & Whitlock of the
K.C. STAR. Oddo said late Friday that he has assembled
"eight wealthy investors -- all local" -- who are interested
in buying the team. Oddo, who would not identify the would-
be investors: "I've been trying to buy them for six months.
... I don't think they're interested in selling." Local
businessperson Jerry Green expressed his desire to buy the
team on Thursday, but "complained about the reluctance of
the Royals' board of directors to sell" (K.C. STAR, 9/20).
UPON FURTHER REVIEW: Royals Chair & CEO David Glass
said it was "great that we now have a level of interest" in
team. But the K.C. STAR's Crumpley wrote "whether that
level of interest can last is a question. As the two new
possible owners stepped forward, the two old possible owners
seemed less confident about continuing." Glass, "long
considered the front-runner ... may be out if prospective
bidders for the team prove to be solid." Bobby Brett, on an
ownership group headed by him, his brother, George, and
business exec Bill Pereira: "This year, our interest has
really waned" (K.C. STAR, 9/21). Columnist Jason Whitlock,
on the Royals' Glass, President Mike Herman and GM Herk
Robinson: "Now, for the good of [K.C.], it's time they step
aside, put the franchise up for auction and accept our warm
thanks for watching over the baseball club. ... [T]hey have
outstayed their usefulness and are on the verge of
destroying the franchise" (K.C. STAR, 9/21).
