Report: Houston Astros join Angels in AL West if sale approved

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Major League Baseball told Jim Crane it would not approve his purchase of the Houston Astros unless he agreed to move the team to the American League in 2013. Approval of the sale could be announced as early as Thursday at a meeting of baseball executives in Milwaukee. And if they do move, the Astros would move to the AL West, joining the Angels, Texas, Oakland and Seattle.

According to the Associated Press, Crane will receive a $70-million discount off the $680-million purchase price in exchange for moving the Astros to the AL in 2013.

The move would create two 15-team leagues, which would create a more proportionate schedule.

Commissioner Bud Selig addressed a possible Astros move during a Twitter chat on Monday.

‘For 15/15 realignment, Houston would be the team moving to AL West. Would create more fairness in baseball,’ Selig said. He also added that ’15 teams in each league would necessitate interleague play every day but it will be better schedule overall.’

The Astros currently play in the six-team NL Central. The AL West is the only division in the majors with only four teams.

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-- Houston Mitchell

The Associated Press contributed to this report.