MLB To Add Two More Wild Cards; Astros To AL In 2013
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — Mets fans: Have you been dreaming of an NLCS rematch between New York and Houston?
If so, it'll have to happen in 2012. As of 2013, the Astros, who fell to the 1986 Mets in a classic six-game series, will be members of the American League.
Baseball owners unanimously approved the sale of the Astros from Drayton McLane to Jim Crane on Thursday. As part of the deal, Houston will move from the NL Central to the AL West after next season, giving each league 15 teams.
"It's a historical day," said MLB commissioner Bud Selig, according to USA Today.
The sale price was cut from $680 million to $615 million, a person at Thursday's meeting told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because details weren't announced.
Major League Baseball will make up part of the $65 million difference, paying McLane $35 million over three years, the person said.
Selig said owners also approved two additional wild-card teams for the postseason, meaning 10 of the 30 teams make the playoffs. Selig added the specifics are being worked out. The players' association favors the move.
"People can be critical, I understand that," Selig said. "But this is fair."
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