Major League Baseball

Source: Ex-USOC honcho still in talks to buy Astros

Published Feb. 1, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

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Sale discussions between Astros owner Drayton McLane and a group including former USOC executive Dr. Harvey Schiller remained active Monday, despite the closing of an exclusive 30-day window, according to a source familiar with the talks.

McLane issued a statement through the team on Monday, saying that Schiller’s group didn’t make a formal offer during the exclusive window. But the source hinted that such an offer could be forthcoming.

In his statement, McLane didn’t rule out selling the Astros. Perhaps that is an indication of his willingness to part with a team that he has owned since 1993.

“As I’ve said all along, my family and I are not actively attempting to sell the Astros,” he said. “Over the years, I have been approached many times by groups interested in discussing the possible purchase of the team, and I’ve always been open to listening.

“This group was granted an exclusive negotiating window … however, nothing materialized.”

McLane added that his family remains “as committed as ever to putting a competitive and winning team on the field and making a positive difference in our community.”

The Astros are coming off a disappointing 2009 season in which they finished 74-88. New manager Brad Mills is Houston’s fifth skipper since 2004, an indication of the franchise’s rocky fortunes since reaching the 2005 World Series.

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