Jim Crane trying to buy Astros again

[Reuben]

according to Fox 26.

"It's no surprise that Jim Crane is trying to put together a deal to buy the Astros," McLane said. "He is one of three people who are trying real hard to buy the team and there are another four or five waiting in the wings."

[Ebby Calvin]

From Pinwheel:

“They're close,“ a high-ranking Major League Baseball official said.
Another former major league official, who'd hoped to put together his own group, characterized the transaction another way.
“I'm hearing it's a done deal,“ he said.

[Ron Brand]

Ok, so anybody know anything about Jim Crane and what kind of owner he might be?

[EasTexAstro]

Ok, so anybody know anything about Jim Crane and what kind of owner he might be?

Rich?

[Ron Brand]

With a complimentary subscription to Monocle?

[Limey]

He will be great as he sweeps in and buys the team from the old, tightwad owner.  He will say all the right things about building a winning franchise.  Then he will refuse to pay four squillion dollars to sign Albert Pooholes, and everyone will hate him.

[Ron Brand]

He was Mark Cuban's partner in their bid to buy the Rangers, and he tried to buy the Cubs before that.

[chuck]

With a complimentary subscription to Monocle?

Hell no. They don't give them away to anyone. We're not talking about Maxim here.

[chuck]

He was Mark Cuban's partner in their bid to buy the Rangers, and he tried to buy the Cubs before that.

So he's a failure. Great.

[MusicMan]

So he's a failure. Great.

Think of him as a great 0-2 hitter.

[chuck]

Think of him as a great 0-2 hitter.

Let's see what he does with one high and away.

[moriartp]

I can't think of any way to sum up my emotions right how that doesn't involve this video.

[Duder]

Drayton claims they aren't close to a deal. Chron

“There's not a deal,“ he said. “We're not farther along with Jim than with anyone else. Whoever the person ends up being has to be qualified by MLB. No price has been agreed on, and we've got to make sure they've got the money.“

[jbm]

How does one verify that they have the money if they haven't agreed to a price?

[Reuben]

Ok, so anybody know anything about Jim Crane and what kind of owner he might be?

Or what his opinion is of Pam Gardner retaining her job in the FO?

[hostros7]

How does one verify that they have the money if they haven't agreed to a price?

He's not just writing a check to buy the team in one fell swoop.  Generally, you'd want to make sure potential buyers have some equity partners (maybe not if really deep pocketed) but would definitely have some debt financing in place.

If I had to guess, crane has submitted a non-binding letter of intent and indicative terms along with a preliminary bid, which will go up or down through diligence and/or negotiations.  However, he hasn't secured a committed bank group to provide the remainder of the financing.

[OregonStrosFan]

Think of him as a great 0-2 hitter.

Make that 0-3 (tried to buy the Astros in '06 or '07, the Cubs in '08, and the Rangers in '10).

It appears that there are at least 2 different Texans looking seriously(?) at buying the Astros - Crane and John Moores. I'm not sure that is such a bad thing (and think I'd much prefer it over an out-of-town conglomerate).

[cougar]

Didn't he back out of buying the Astros when a deal had basically been agreed on long long ago?  '07 or '08?

[Ron Brand]

Yes, according to the story in the Chron.  Pissed the grocer off, which makes this a little weird.

[pots]

Chip delivers a decent post.

Especially with this one:

3. Upgrade the media team. Honor Milo Hamilton for the Hall of Famer that he is and let him retire. Then, take advantage of the PR vehicle that Milo can become for the organization. He can make cameo appearances on radio and TV, but put him out front with the public in the community. Bring Alan Ashby and Larry Dierker back for radio. With the new TV network coming, sign Brownie and JD to a 10-year deal.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

He was Mark Cuban's partner in their bid to buy the Rangers, and he tried to buy the Cubs before that.

As it so happens, I was at a SXSW show in The Phoenix last Saturday night sponsored by HDNet, and as I was enjoying the funky R&B of Eli "Paper Boy" Reed, I noticed none other than Marc Cuban standing next to me. I figured he might be in attendance, because, as we discovered upon the first trip to the bar, all the drinks for everyone in the bar were on the house courtesy of Marc Cuban. Anyway, I leaned over and said to him "I wish you'd buy the Astros." (Allow me to explain what I said was meant to see how he would respond and not a wish.) And his response, as he began to turn away to fist-bump some sycophants, "I'm not here to talk about that stuff." He's taller than I had figured. He didn't actually deny any interest.

[Ron Brand]

I am going to throw up a lot right now. And I'm going to throw up some more after that.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I am going to throw up a lot right now. And I'm going to throw up some more after that.

Sometimes the band is hardly worth the price of admission even when it's free. And I kind of like Mr Reed and company.

[BudGirl]

As it so happens, I was at a SXSW show in The Phoenix last Saturday night sponsored by HDNet, and as I was enjoying the funky R&B of Eli "Paper Boy" Reed, I noticed none other than Marc Cuban standing next to me. I figured he might be in attendance, because, as we discovered upon the first trip to the bar, all the drinks for everyone in the bar were on the house courtesy of Marc Cuban. Anyway, I leaned over and said to him "I wish you'd buy the Astros." (Allow me to explain what I said was meant to see how he would respond and not a wish.) And his response, as he began to turn away to fist-bump some sycophants, "I'm not here to talk about that stuff." He's taller than I had figured. He didn't actually deny any interest.

Never tempt the Gods to let something like that happen.  I've had many friends pose the question to me how I would handle him being the owner.  I don't even like to think of it.  It seriously makes me ill.

[chuck]

I'm obviously in the minority here but I would gladly exchange a fraud for a jackass.

[Ron Brand]

I'm obviously in the minority here but I would gladly exchange a fraud for a jackass.

Except he isn't a jackass, he's a complete and total asshole.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

If he could guarantee a World Series contender every year, I'd settle for a complete and total asshole, or an insufferable prick, or a douche bag, or a low life grease-ball. However, no fucking dickwads need to apply. I've got standards.

[Ron Brand]

If he could guarantee a World Series contender every year, I'd settle for a complete and total asshole, or an insufferable prick, or a douche bag, or a low life grease-ball. However, no fucking dickwads need to apply. I've got standards.

Steinbrenner's dead.

[drew corleone]

I'd take Cuban over another McMullen.

[Ron Brand]

I'd take Cuban over another McMullen.

Yeah, but it would be nice to do better than either of them.

[Reuben]

I'm obviously in the minority here but I would gladly exchange a fraud for a jackass.

Who's the fraud in this exchange? Drayton? I feel like I'm missing something.

[chuck]

Who's the fraud in this exchange? Drayton? I feel like I'm missing something.

Ehh, you're red hot, Doc!

[OregonStrosFan]

I know Jack and Shit... but... seems to me like Drayton has is getting a bad case of short-timer's diseaese...

[drew corleone]

Yeah, but it would be nice to do better than either of them.

Oh, for sure.

[Reuben]

Ehh, you're red hot, Doc!

I still don't follow you. How is Drayton a fraud, or, how is he any more of a fraud than your average MLB owner?

[Texifornia]

I still don't follow you. How is Drayton a fraud, or, how is he any more of a fraud than your average MLB owner?

Exactly. How is Drayton a fraud?

I, for one, will look at almost any new owner with trepidation after the most successful owner in franchise history.

[Curly]

Ok, so anybody know anything about Jim Crane and what kind of owner he might be?

I always liked him as Col Hogan.  Great show.

[astrosfan76]

Biz of Baseball raises the question of whether Crane's past handling of minorities and women has been an issue, along with backing out of the deal in '08, with his potential ownership.  I don't know if it has been an issue, but I'd like to see the response of those who have always claimed that Drayton was racist.  Or, maybe I don't.

http://bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5172:is-jim-cranes-past-comments-on-blacks-and-women-blocking-ownership-of-the-astros&catid=26:editorials&Itemid=39

[Phil_in_CS]

Biz of Baseball raises the question of whether Crane's past handling of minorities and women has been an issue, along with backing out of the deal in '08, with his potential ownership.  I don't know if it has been an issue, but I'd like to see the response of those who have always claimed that Drayton was racist.  Or, maybe I don't.

Their just a bunch of Bushneck lackeys

[astrosfan76]

Seems we're getting close to having a new owner

Astros owner Drayton McLane has reportedly entered into an "exclusive negotiating window" to sell the team to Houston businessman Jim Crane, according to a report Friday by Houston television station KILT (610 AM).

Unless you ask Drayton...

We're negotiating with him, but we're negotiating with several other people," he said. "We're trying to do a deal with several people, and certain Jim Crane is one of them.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110429&content_id=18398310&notebook_id=18412212&vkey=notebook_hou&c_id=hou

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Since when is KILT a tv station?

[OregonStrosFan]

Via Berman: Houston attorney J. Kent Friedman confirmed he is the lead investor of a local group attempting to buy the Houston Astros franchise

[Bench]

Via Berman: Houston attorney J. Kent Friedman confirmed he is the lead investor of a local group attempting to buy the Houston Astros franchise

That would certainly lend credence to the Andrew Friedman for GM crowd.

[NeilT]

I could see him as the face of the investment group, but not the lead investor.  Haynes & Boone lawyers don't make that kind of money.

[astrosfan76]

First time I've seen McLane acknowledge an exclusive negotiating window with Crane.  It was only few days ago that he denied it.

[hostros7]

Via Berman: Houston attorney J. Kent Friedman confirmed he is the lead investor of a local group attempting to buy the Houston Astros franchise

Not to call a senior partner at Hayboo poor, but how does he have enough swag to be the cornerstone of an investor group?  Is he just putting up a few million and serving as the face of the potential ownership group? 

[OregonStrosFan]

"McLane [is] hopeful he can reach an agreement to sell his franchise to...Jim Crane by the middle of the month." Berman LINK

[jbm]

I wonder how all this might affect the draft.

Not having a sale and being in limbo might make Wade/Heck lean more to signability over talent.  However, a sale could certainly complicate things also.  What if Crane bought the club and was ambivalent about either Wade's or Heck's future.  I wonder how that would affect their drafting?

I hope Wade/Heck gets enough certainty before the draft to do what is best for the club. 

[Ron Brand]

You'd have to expect that there would be a significant amount of conversation and cooperation given the importance of the draft and its effect on the value of the club as well as its expenditures.

[Limey]

You'd have to expect that there would be a significant amount of conversation and cooperation given the importance of the draft and its effect on the value of the club as well as its expenditures.

Fire Pam.  Rehire Gerry.  All would be good.

[OregonStrosFan]

From Randy McIlvoy (via Twitter feed):

Drayton McLane tells me talks w/ Jim Crane focused now on upkeep costs of MMP. I'm told by source, done by late next wk. I'm told by source close to discussions, that Crane is excited. Getting fans back to the park will be a priority.  Crane has been successful in every business venture. had a friend that worked for him in Logistics was the first one in /last to leave.... Drayton told me he can't get too confident because he also thought he had the deal done for #astros in 2008 with Crane...

To the best of my recollection I've not done a ton of bitching about McLane, but at this point I don't think a sale can happen soon enough...

[Ebby Calvin]

From Randy McIlvoy (via Twitter feed):

Drayton McLane tells me talks w/ Jim Crane focused now on upkeep costs of MMP. I'm told by source, done by late next wk. I'm told by source close to discussions, that Crane is excited. Getting fans back to the park will be a priority.  Crane has been successful in every business venture. had a friend that worked for him in Logistics was the first one in /last to leave.... Drayton told me he can't get too confident because he also thought he had the deal done for #astros in 2008 with Crane...

To the best of my recollection I've not done a ton of bitching about McLane, but at this point I don't think a sale can happen soon enough...

Thanks OSF.  Great info.

[Ron Brand]

To the best of my recollection I've not done a ton of bitching about McLane, but at this point I don't think a sale can happen soon enough...

I agree. Drayton's already left the building.

[Russe]

I'm just hoping that the deal being done at this point in the season doesn't affect the draft in a negative way. The last few have been good, but a bad one now could set the system back in a big way.

[Ron Brand]

Surely if they're dicking around about stadium upkeep they've been talking about the draft.

[roadrunner]

If the sale goes down next week...what does that mean?  Is it effective immediately?  When do they take the cows off the foul poles?

[S.P. Rodriguez]

If the sale goes down next week...what does that mean?  Is it effective immediately?  When do they take the cows off the foul poles?

How many times do you have to be told?  It's FOWL pole.

[roadrunner]

Bob Allen reporting it's all but done for $680 million.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/sports/pro/baseball&id=8121827

[austro]

Bob Allen reporting it's all but done for $680 million.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/sports/pro/baseball&id=8121827

Wow. If the Astros go for $680 million, can you imagine what price tag for the Yankees or RedSox is now? Or even the Dodgers, for that matter.

[Ebby Calvin]

Wow. If the Astros go for $680 million, can you imagine what price tag for the Yankees or RedSox is now? Or even the Dodgers, for that matter.

Or the Mets.  Wait....

[Limey]

Or the Mets.  Wait....

- $1bn.

[OregonStrosFan]

Wow. If the Astros go for $680 million, can you imagine what price tag for the Yankees or RedSox is now? Or even the Dodgers, for that matter.

Not nearly as much as I wonder how much more money it cost him to purchase the team now, as opposed to when he walked at the 11th hour in 2008(?).

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Not nearly as much as I wonder how much more money it cost him to purchase the team now, as opposed to when he walked at the 11th hour in 2008(?).

I realize I'm probably being an asshole about this, but I'm suspicious of anyone who would go into a business deal with Cuban.  As I recall, Crane partnered up with Cuban in their attempt to buy the Rangers...

[chuck]

Not nearly as much as I wonder how much more money it cost him to purchase the team now, as opposed to when he walked at the 11th hour in 2008(?).

For some reason I have in my head a figure of about $100MM more in 2008 than the figure mentioned now, $750MM, $760MM, somewhere in that area. Does anyone else remember anything along those lines or am I simply inventing things with no basis whatsoever?

[subnuclear]

For some reason I have in my head a figure of about $100MM more in 2008 than the figure mentioned now, $750MM, $760MM, somewhere in that area. Does anyone else remember anything along those lines or am I simply inventing things with no basis whatsoever?

There seemed to be very little disclosure about that non-deal. I don't remember ever hearing a figure and can't find one on this site.

[Lurch]

For some reason I have in my head a figure of about $100MM more in 2008 than the figure mentioned now, $750MM, $760MM, somewhere in that area. Does anyone else remember anything along those lines or am I simply inventing things with no basis whatsoever?

Probably less than he's paying now.  

Recall, we didn't learn of the 2008 offer until Dec 2009.  In that article, JdJO pointed out that Forbes had estimated the value in April 2009 at $445MM

btw, love how that article ends:

“But,” he said, “nothing lasts forever.”
 
[email protected]
 
[email protected]

One can hope

[jbm]

I have always been curious about the valuation of MLB franchises.  Those Forbes numbers have either always been way off or the new Comcast TV network (IIRC) added tremendous value (200 mil) to the club. 

I just read a hardball times article on the subject, which implied that the Forbes valuations were too simplistic, and didn't account for TV revenues, which were (at least in the Yankees case) seperate from the operating income of the club.

[Navin R Johnson]

From Randy McIlvoy (via Twitter feed):

I'm told by source close to discussions, that Crane is excited. Getting fans back to the park will be a priority.

That is great and all but I hope he doesn't go after Swindell/Drabek kinda guys to try and make a splash next year.  The team finally seems back on the right path and building through the draft I sure hope a change in ownership doesn't change that.

[roadrunner]

I realize I'm probably being an asshole about this, but I'm suspicious of anyone who would go into a business deal with Cuban.  As I recall, Crane partnered up with Cuban in their attempt to buy the Rangers...

Other than being an annoying asshole, Cuban has created a very successful franchise in a football dominant market.  There are worse owners out there....

[MusicMan]

Other than being an annoying asshole, Cuban has created a very successful franchise in a football dominant market.  There are worse owners out there....

Indeed... keep in mind, the Mavericks were a complete joke before Cuban showed up.  I mean a Timberwolves-level joke.

[Lurch]

I have always been curious about the valuation of MLB franchises.  Those Forbes numbers have either always been way off or the new Comcast TV network (IIRC) added tremendous value (200 mil) to the club. 

I just read a hardball times article on the subject, which implied that the Forbes valuations were too simplistic, and didn't account for TV revenues, which were (at least in the Yankees case) seperate from the operating income of the club.

As a reference point, in early 2010 they had the Rangers at $451.  They later accepted a bid of ~$500MM before the Cuban circus drove the price up to $593MM.

[roadrunner]

As a reference point, in early 2010 they had the Rangers at $451.  They later accepted a bid of ~$500MM before the Cuban circus drove the price up to $593MM.

These are professional sports franchises.  I don't think Forbes takes into consideration the premium that is a result of competitive negotiations among multiple parties.

[Clark in Denver]

These are professional sports franchises.  I don't think Forbes takes into consideration the premium that is a result of competitive negotiations among multiple parties.

These are also private companies, so Forbes doesn't get to look at the books when they make their valuations. They are making their best guess based on published reports. In some cases, the numbers that Forbes comes up with can be way off.

[roadrunner]

These are also private companies, so Forbes doesn't get to look at the books when they make their valuations. They are making their best guess based on published reports. In some cases, the numbers that Forbes comes up with can be way off.

Right.  Unless they read deadspin, of course.

[OregonStrosFan]

Right.  Unless they read deadspin, of course.

Didn't the Deadspin docs come out after the Forbes valuations?  Can't remember exactly (though I'm 100% positive the Deadspin docs came out after the Marlins stadium financing vote...).

[astrosfan76]

That is great and all but I hope he doesn't go after Swindell/Drabek kinda guys to try and make a splash next year.  The team finally seems back on the right path and building through the draft I sure hope a change in ownership doesn't change that.

It will be tempting.  There will be plenty of "names" out there to tempt him.  But, there are more names than upgrades.  
Guys available (per Cot's):
1B-Fielder, Gload, Pujols
2B-Barmes, Cano*, Carroll, Castillo, Hill, Kelly Johnson, Phillips*, Sanchez
Shortstops-Betancourt*, Furcal, Hardy, McDonald, Ojeda, Reyes, Santiago, Scutaro*, Wilson
3B-Blake*, DeRosa, Dobbs, Ramirez
Catchers-Kendall, Yadier*, Navarro, Posada, Pudge, Schneider, Shoppach, Synder
OF-Abreu*, Beltran, Bradley, Cameron, Cedeno, Cuddyer, Cust, DeJesus, Drew, Francoeur*, Gomes, Gross, Guillen, Ibanez, Conor Jackson, Kubel, Ludwick, McLouth*, Pierre, Juan Rivera, Ross, Sizemore*, Swisher*, Willingham
SP-Buerhle, Carpenter*, Cook*, Davies, Duke, Edwin Jackson, Kazmir*, Maholm, Marquis, Olsen*, Oswalt*, Oliver Perez, Pineiro, Talbot, Wakefield, C.J. Wilson
RP-Baez, Belisle, Bell, Betancourt, Broxton, Byrdak, Camp, Capps, Coffey, Condrey, Francisco Cordero*, Cormier, Franklin, Mike Gonzalez, Grabow, Hawkins, Lidge*, Linebrink, Javier Lopez, Madson, Marte*, Mitre, Nathan*, Papelbon, Ray, K-Rod*, Sherrill, Silva*, Valverde, Walker, Weurtz, Zumaya

There are obviously guys that would improve the club.  You could probably put together a 85-90 win team from those guys (not even counting the players with options), but the guys really worth getting are going to cost a lot in years and dollars.  How big of a splash will he be willing to make?
 

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Other than being an annoying asshole, Cuban has created a very successful franchise in a football dominant market.  There are worse owners out there....

If he's anything like Cuban I'm done as an Astros fan.  I sincerely do not care if he turns them into a great franchise. 

Besides, I hear they have an Indy League team in Sugarland..

[Mr. Happy]

If he's anything like Cuban I'm done as an Astros fan.  I sincerely do not care if he turns them into a great franchise. 

Besides, I hear they have an Indy League team in Sugarland..

Dude. Dude. Dude!!! Done? You don't remember McMullen or the Judge, do you? We've had some much sorrier owners before and perservered through them.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Dude. Dude. Dude!!! Done? You don't remember McMullen or the Judge, do you? We've had some much sorrier owners before and perservered through them.

Did either of them have their own local public-access cable show to support their team?  What about their own reality show?  I am dead serious about this.  I just had this conversation with some co-workers.  I do not care how much Mark Cuban, Al Davis, or Jerry Jones want to win.  I will not support their teams, ever, nor anyone else who put themselves out front, instead of the game itself.

[Bench]

Did either of them have their own local public-access cable show to support their team?  What about their own reality show?  I am dead serious about this.  I just had this conversation with some co-workers.  I do not care how much Mark Cuban, Al Davis, or Jerry Jones want to win.  I will not support their teams, ever, nor anyone else who put themselves out front, instead of the game itself.

Relax, fella.  Mark Cuban, Al Davis or Jerry Jones aren't buying the Astros.  And there are no monsters under your bed.  Stick with reality.

[Limey]

And there are no monsters under your bed.  Stick with reality.

Are you sure about that?

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Relax, fella.  Mark Cuban, Al Davis or Jerry Jones aren't buying the Astros.  And there are no monsters under your bed.  Stick with reality.

Yeah, I realize I sound like some angry person, sitting in their underwear, in their mother's house.  All I'm saying, if Crane turns out to be a media whore like Jones or Cuban, I'm done.  No hostility, no anger.  I just have no interest in following a team owned by that type of owner.  That is the one thing that might push me to be a Ranger fan.

[VirtualBob]

Did either of them have their own local public-access cable show to support their team?  What about their own reality show?  I am dead serious about this.  I just had this conversation with some co-workers.  I do not care how much Mark Cuban, Al Davis, or Jerry Jones want to win.  I will not support their teams, ever, nor anyone else who put themselves out front, instead of the game itself.

You might wanna consider switching to decaf.  Seriously.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

You might wanna consider switching to decaf.  Seriously.

I'm not sure how many times I can say this differently.  You are welcome to check my blood pressure.  I'm not angry.  I simply have no stomach for that kind of d-bag ownership. 

[Bench]

Yeah, I realize I sound like some angry person, sitting in their underwear, in their mother's house. 

I would imagine in that scenario your mother would be even angrier. 

[OregonStrosFan]

Best confirmation I've seen to date that McLane considers the team sold: Free food at Minute Maid Park today and tomorrow (via Footer blog).

[Reuben]

I'm more concerned about the stuff where Crane encouraged his company (Eagle Airlines?) not to hire minority workers.

But, I am a fan of the Astros. They are a baseball team, and I can't imagine that the personality of the owner could make me decide in advance not to be a fan of the baseball team anymore. I might constantly think "geez, I wish that asshole would shut up" or post "I wish that asshole would do such and such differently" but I mean, come on... it's baseball. It's the Astros. We've followed them through McMullen, Cooper, Gardner, etc. When it comes to those type of leadership figures, I figure, hope for the best, but deal with whatever.

[OregonStrosFan]

Via Levine update: LINK

McLane, speaking from New York where Major League Baseball owners are meeting beginning Wednesday, said the sale of the Astros would not be agreed upon officially this week, but he is still in negotiations with a group led by Jim Crane.

[Lurch]

I'm more concerned about the stuff where Crane encouraged his company (Eagle Airlines?) not to hire minority workers.

Allegedly.

[JimR]

i am a fan of a team regardless of who the owner is.

[Reuben]

Allegedly.

Good point, and thanks for finding that.

[BizidyDizidy]

i am a fan of a team regardless of who the owner is.

I assume that is true of all cowboys' fans

[JimR]

I assume that is true of all cowboys' fans

remember John McMullen?

[BizidyDizidy]

remember John McMullen?

I was 9.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

remember John McMullen?

I remember him vaguely.  Perhaps some reference points would help.  

I'm not intentionally being prickish about this but I lived in Dallas for years.  And Cuban would not shut the fuck up, ever.  He was on the local news, he was in the paper, he was on the radio.  I understand he's trying to market his team by being the BIGGEST FAN EVER.  I understand what he's doing.  And the type of fan this encourages are the type of fans you all loathe.  They are the perpetual concession stand visitors, the wave participants, and the "our players rulez, your players droolz" radio show callers.  I don't attend many games, but I have not had any issues when I have.  The one time I went to a Mavs game, I had some drunk dumbass spill his beer on me and my wife and another yelling at the players from second tier of the AA Arena.  The last Rockets game I went to was at the Summit, but it was still a somewhat family friendly environment.  

Ok, sure, I'll still watch the games on TV.  But I probably won't be sporting my Astros fandom any more.    

ETA: On McMullen, his greatest sin was giving up on Nolan, at least from what I recall.  Other than that, I just remember everyone talking about what a cheap bastard he was at the time.  Having a better understanding of the business aspect, albeit from the outside, I didn't put much value in that now.

[JimR]

note to SPR:

radios and TVs have OFF switches, and reading articles in the paper is not mandatory.

[ValpoCory]

Best confirmation I've seen to date that McLane considers the team sold: Free food at Minute Maid Park today and tomorrow (via Footer blog).

Or maybe this Groupon!

[S.P. Rodriguez]

note to SPR:

radios and TVs have OFF switches, and reading articles in the paper is not mandatory.

True.  But then it's kind of hard to follow the team.

[Ron Brand]

SPR, I am with you on Mark Cuban being the king of all assholes. I hate the guy like I hate cancer. He's garbage. I don't know how I would feel if he were the owner. It would suck in ways I can't begin to imagine.

Yes, I remember McMullen. He did get rid of Nolan Ryan, but as rotten was his constant threat to move the Astros. It was more than an idle threat, there were several in-depth conversations and if he'd gotten his way the team would be somewhere in the Northeast right now. Evil old fuck.

[Bench]

Yes, I remember McMullen. He did get rid of Nolan Ryan, but as rotten was his constant threat to move the Astros. It was more than an idle threat, there were several in-depth conversations and if he'd gotten his way the team would be somewhere in the Northeast right now. Evil old fuck.

Northern Virginia came awfully close.

[austro]

Yes, I remember McMullen. He did get rid of Nolan Ryan, but as rotten was his constant threat to move the Astros.

This is the thing that made me promise to piss on his grave if given the chance. Fucking east coasters.

[JimR]

When Tal Smith put together a championship team, he fired Tal Smith. Fuck him.

[Mr. Happy]

i am a fan of a team regardless of who the owner is.

Agreed. And often despite who the owner is.

[geezerdonk]

McMullen wasn't all bad - he brought Yogi to the Astros for awhile.

[Gizzmonic]

McMullen wasn't all bad - he brought Yogi to the Astros for awhile.

But it was Drayton who made the train run on time.

[Arky Vaughan]

Drayton McLane made more noise about moving the Astros to Northern Virginia in 1995 than McMullen ever did. And remember in 1995 that it was a pretty shaky thing as to whether Craig Biggio was going to be re-signed. Between those items and the strike, McLane beat up Astros fans pretty badly for a few months.

Worrying about whether Crane will be as big a self-promoting ass as Cuban because they have had business dealings together is silly.

[Ron Brand]

Worrying about whether Crane will be as big a self-promoting ass as Cuban because they have had business dealings together is silly.

I think the worry would be that Cuban would become a partner, not that Crane would model himself after Cuban.

[HudsonHawk]

McMullen wasn't all bad - he brought Yogi to the Astros for awhile.

He also brought in Biggio, Bagwell, Caminiti, etc.  And people tend to dwell on him letting Ryan go, but forget that he was the one who ponied up the ridiculous salary of $1MM to sign Ryan in the first place. 

McMullen was no angel, and not a good baseball owner.  But he was also not the demon skinflint he's often made out to be.

[Ron Brand]

Let's not forget that he fired Gene Elston. He also had this to say about Tal Smith getting credit for making the Astros into contenders:

"You'd better start writing the truth. Tal Smith is a despicable human being. It's unfair and wrong for people to keep giving him credit."

[Ron Brand]

Oh, and he also agreed to the 30 day road trip so the Republican National Convention could be held in the Astrodome in 1992.

There are also plenty of stories about how much players loved him, including Bagwell and Biggio.

[Noe]

I'm more concerned about the stuff where Crane encouraged his company (Eagle Airlines?) not to hire minority workers.

"Really?!?!" - Marco Camacho

[Reuben]

"Really?!?!" - Marco Camacho

Who's that?

[Noe]

Who's that?

No idea, who really is Marco Camacho?  In a way, aren't we all Marco to an extent? [/philosophical rhetoric]

[jaklewein]

I'm sure it's been mentioned elsewhere around here so apologize up front for the question.  Works kept me away recently so I'm behind.  Would a change in ownership also bring a change in the club's postion regarding Pence and his future with the team?

[NeilT]

I'm sure it's been mentioned elsewhere around here so apologize up front for the question.  Works kept me away recently so I'm behind.  Would a change in ownership also bring a change in the club's postion regarding Pence and his future with the team?

Not today.  He had a pretty good game.

[moriartp]

I think a new owner would be scared to death of moving Pence. The masses would demand to see his head on a pike for it.

[OregonStrosFan]

Would a change in ownership also bring a change in the club's postion regarding Pence and his future with the team?

Yes. I have it on no authority whatsoever that new ownership will fire Tal Smith and promote Pam Gardner to President of Baseball Operations which will allow her to give Hunter a 30-year, one billion dollar contract. Kinda gets you stoked, eh?!?!?

[Ebby Calvin]

Yes. I have it on no authority whatsoever that new ownership will fire Tal Smith and promote Pam Gardner to President of Baseball Operations which will allow her to give Hunter a 30-year, one billion dollar contract. Kinda gets you stoked, eh?!?!?

You are really pissing me off today, OSF.

[ValpoCory]

I'm just hoping Carlos Lee has a good 45 game stretch between now and July 31st, allowing us to trade him and half the $27M left owed to him to some AL team.  That's probably a pipe dream.

[Limey]

I'm just hoping Carlos Lee has a good 45 game stretch between now and July 31st, allowing us to trade him and half the $27M left owed to him to some AL team.  That's probably a pipe bong dream.

FIFY

[austro]

I'm just hoping Carlos Lee has a good 45 game stretch between now and July 31st, allowing us to trade him and half the $27M left owed to him to some AL team.  That's probably a pipe dream.

Maybe that $680 million includes a "repair allowance" that allows Crane to replace the carpet, repair the A/C, or bribe some other owner to take Lee off his hands.

[astrosfan76]

Postolos to serve as CEO under the new regime:

Former Rockets president George Postolos will serve as chief executive officer of the Astros when Jim Crane completes the purchase of the franchise.

Postolos, 47, will oversee day-to-day operations of the club and also have an ownership stake. He’ll report to Crane, who heads a group of at least eight investors and will have the title of managing partner.

I don't follow the Rockets, so I don't know much about the guy other than that he sounds like a smart guy.  But, one statement at the bottom of the article threw up red flags:

Postolos has had a long friendship with Astros president Pam Gardner and is said to have a high regard for her.

http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2011/05/12/crane-taps-postolos-to-serve-as-ceo-of-astros/

[OregonStrosFan]

Per Pinwheel tweet:

Former Rockets president George Postolos will serve as Astros CEO under new owner Jim Crane.

Pinwheel article here: LINK

[OregonStrosFan]

Postolos to serve as CEO under the new regime:

Admittedly I was almost 2 minutes behind on my post... but... in fairness to me it took that long to talk myself in to posting a link of any sort to Justice...

[astrosfan76]

We should work out some kind of a system.

[OregonStrosFan]

"Postolos has had a long friendship with Astros president Pam Gardner and is said to have a high regard for her."

[sobbing uncontrollably] No. Please. No. [sobbing uncontrollably]

[OregonStrosFan]

We should work out some kind of a system.

I'll just trust you to post Pinwheel next time. My stomach really can't take too much of doing that...

[astrosfan76]

I'll just trust you to post Pinwheel next time. My stomach really can't take too much of doing that...

Sounds good.

[austro]

[sobbing uncontrollably] No. Please. No. [sobbing uncontrollably]

It may be time for a group of concerned fans to pen an open letter to Mr. Crane in the Chron.

[Bench]

It may be time for a group of concerned fans to pen an open letter to Mr. Crane in the Chron.

I have no problem with Pam as long as she isn't making baseball decisions, which I don't think she actually has been as much as we fear.

[NeilT]

I have no problem with Pam as long as she isn't making baseball decisions, which I don't think she actually has been as much as we fear.

I bet you subscribe to the Filioque, too.  Next you'll be saying that Hunter Pence is having a pretty good season.

[VirtualBob]

I bet you subscribe to the Filioque, too.  Next you'll be saying that Hunter Pence is having a pretty good season.

I'll take ancient church history for $200.

[Guinness]

I bet you subscribe to the Filioque, too. 

Nice

[BUWebguy]

I have no problem with Pam as long as she isn't making baseball decisions, which I don't think she actually has been as much as we fear.

Hasn't that generally been attributed to Tal Smith's influence? Is he expected to stick around under a new owner and a new CEO?

[JimR]

I have no problem with Pam as long as she isn't making baseball decisions, which I don't think she actually has been as much as we fear.

and your basis for this statement is?

[jbm]

Hasn't that generally been attributed to Tal Smith's influence? Is he expected to stick around under a new owner and a new CEO?

I didn't realize the Astros currently had someone with a title of CEO, but they do.  It is McClane.  I just assumed that Postolos' position as CEO would be equivalent to Tal Smith's postion as President of Baseball Operations, but I'm not so sure of that now. 

At any rate, Tal Smith has been around many blocks and has to be at least in his mid 70s or older.  I just assume that the naming of Postolos so quickly means that Crane already has a long-term plan and I'd be surprised if Smith is part of it.  I doubt Wade feels too damn secure either.

[Bench]

and your basis for this statement is?

Other than being one of four people sitting in Mills' final interview, I haven't seen any concrete evidence of it.

[Bench]

I just assume that the naming of Postolos so quickly means that Crane already has a long-term plan and I'd be surprised if Smith is part of it.  I doubt Wade feels too damn secure either.

That's my assumption as well.

[subnuclear]

I would like to see what Ed Wade/Heck can do with an owner willing to go back up to an average payroll and when Lee is off the books.

[JimR]

Other than being one of four people sitting in Mills' final interview, I haven't seen any concrete evidence of it.

and how would you be in any position to "see concrete evidence?"

[Bench]

and how would you be in any position to "see concrete evidence?"

I wouldn't.  So how do we all know that Pam is making baseball decisions, which we have evidently accepted as gospel through repetition?  What is that based on?  And if she is, isn't the blame for that on Drayton and Tal and Wade? 

[das]

Northern Virginia came awfully close.

At the time, I was very nearly very happy.

[Waldo]

Other than being one of four people sitting in Mills' final interview, I haven't seen any concrete evidence of it.

Hasn't Pam been a part of the managerial interview process since Jimy Williams was hired?

[OregonStrosFan]

So... was scouring the interwebs for info on Postolos last night, and though there wasn't (what I would consider to be) a lot of info on the man, I came away with a couple of impression: he's a data/stats guy, and he'll put an emphasis on building talent throughout the system.  Y'all Houston folks have been reading about him for years, so I'd be interested to hear your takes.

And on a semi-related note, here are some comments from Calceterra (who links to Pinwheel): LINK

Postolos has a track record of favoring bright young minds and data-driven analysis, the sort of which does not currently reign in the Astros’ front office. The upshot: on both the business and the baseball side, major changes are likely to happen in Houston.

[MusicMan]

And on a semi-related note, here are some comments from Calceterra (who links to Pinwheel): LINK

Postolos has a track record of favoring bright young minds and data-driven analysis, the sort of which does not currently reign in the Astros’ front office. The upshot: on both the business and the baseball side, major changes are likely to happen in Houston.

I'm tempted to send the man a resume.

[Bench]

I'm tempted to send the man a resume.

Are you young enough?

[MusicMan]

Are you young enough?

I still have my hair.  36 is young, right?

[NeilT]

I still have my hair.  36 is young, right?

Very.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I would like to see what Ed Wade/Heck can do with an owner willing to go back up to an average payroll and when Lee is off the books.

This.

A lot the bitching about Wade being responsible for the signings of so-called scrubs like Hall, etc. is a side-effect of the budget he's been given.

[subnuclear]

I'm tempted to send the man a resume.

Would reading SnS be a work-related activity at that point? I'm close to hitting 40. Maybe too late for me.

[OregonStrosFan]

Berman is saying that the deal is done (save final documentation, signing, and MLB approval) and I'll take him at his word. LINK

[Reuben]

Berman is saying that the deal is done (save final documentation, signing, and MLB approval) and I'll take him at his word. LINK

Considering all the quotes he has from Drayton saying it's done, yeah, I believe him too.

Note that Drayton puts in a good word for Pam, Tal, and Ed, but says he doesn't know if Crane will hang onto them or not.

[NeilT]

I am so excited.  Crane and his group look like real baseball men to me.  What's Crane's OPS?  Will Postolos play 2d?  He'd do the least harm there.

[astrosfan76]

I am so excited.  Crane and his group look like real baseball men to me.  What's Crane's OPS?  Will Postolos play 2d?  He'd do the least harm there.

Wasn't Crane a pitcher in college?  I'm interested in his ERA+.

[chuck]

Wasn't Crane a pitcher in college?  I'm interested in his ERA+.

I'm interested in his VOPO.

[Bench]

I am so excited.  Crane and his group look like real baseball men to me.  What's Crane's OPS?  Will Postolos play 2d?  He'd do the least harm there.

I think his offense will make up for his defense at second.

[NeilT]

I think his offense will make up for his defense at second.

That's entirely possible. 

[OregonStrosFan]

McLane's take: $773 million. Berman LINK

Major League Baseball sources confirmed for FOX 26 Sports that McLane will receive $680 million from the group headed by Crane.*** Sources told FOX 26 he received $93 million for his portion of the regional sports network that the Astros formed with the Houston Rockets and Comcast.

[chuck]

McLane's take: $773 million. Berman LINK

Major League Baseball sources confirmed for FOX 26 Sports that McLane will receive $680 million from the group headed by Crane.*** Sources told FOX 26 he received $93 million for his portion of the regional sports network that the Astros formed with the Houston Rockets and Comcast.

That's right at the number I had in my head which I still don't know if I invented, divined or read somewhere along the way.

[JimR]

I wouldn't.  So how do we all know that Pam is making baseball decisions, which we have evidently accepted as gospel through repetition?  What is that based on?  And if she is, isn't the blame for that on Drayton and Tal and Wade? 

my opinion is based on what i was told by someone who does know.