HOUSTON – Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane Jr. told 11 Sports today that Houston business man Jim Crane leads one of several groups interested in buying the team.
"We are talking to three or four groups," said McLane. "Jim is one of those that have expressed interest in buying the Astros."
However, with Opening Day around the corner, McLane was quick to point out that an official announcement of a sale is not close to happening anytime soon.
"Nothing is imminent," said McLane. "The groups are still working up their proposals and this whole process could take a couple of more months."
The Astros have officially been on the market since late last year.
Forbes recently placed the team’s value at $474 million, a steep increase from what it was back in 1992 when McLane bought the team for $117 million.
Crane is no stranger to the business of baseball. Back in 2008, he was in serious talks with McLane to buy the team. But after talks broke down, the two sides went their own way, which makes this attempt by Crain even more surprising.
"We’ve been at this process for 5 months," said Allen and Company Managing Director Steve Greenberg. "I thought it would take 6 to 9 months at the start and we’re getting very close to the end."
Greenberg and his company are handling the sale of the team for McLane and add that Crane fits the qualifications that Drayton is looking for.
"I’m not ready to confirm that Crane is going to buy the team," said Greenberg. "Jim would be a great owner, he has a great passion for the game and a great love for the game."
Those sentiments were echoed by a close of friend of Crane to 11 Sports.
"Jim and I are friends and he does have a tremendous passion for the sport," said Tony Chase. "I think it’s great (he’s interested) and if true, Houston gets a great owner taking the place of a another great owner."
The Astros break camp next week and open the season at Philadelphia on April 1st.
Follow 11 Sports reporter Daniel Gotera on Twitter @DanielGotera9.
