Owners approve sale of Nationals
Theodore Lerner got a standing ovation from his soon-to-be colleagues and competitors. All that remains to complete his purchase of the Washington Nationals is the paperwork.
The $450 million sale from Major League Baseball to the group headed by Lerner and Stan Kasten was unanimously approved Thursday by owners. Sometime between mid-June and mid-July, Lerner will become the team’s first real owner in 4 1/2 seasons.
“As a kid who grew up as a huge Senators fan, today’s vote represents a dream come true,” said Lerner, who exchanged greetings with Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos, his future Washington-area rival.
Washington is 14-27, 10 1/2 games back in the National League East, and attendance has dropped in the team’s second season in the capital. Kasten, who will become team president, gave no timetable for deciding the futures of general manager Jim Bowden, manager Frank Robinson and other personnel.
Baseball’s other 29 teams purchased the poor-drawing Montreal Expos for $120 million in 2002, and the commissioner’s office has operated the team since then. The franchise was moved to Washington for the 2005 season and renamed the Nationals.
Bucs put Duffy on restricted list
Chris Duffy, unhappy that Pittsburgh tried to alter his hitting approach after a solid rookie season, was placed on the minor league restricted list after not reporting to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Duffy, who hit .341 in 39 games as a rookie last season, began the season as the Pirates’ starting center fielder but lost his job to Nate McLouth after hitting .194 in 32 games. McLouth is hitting .230, but has multiple hits in four of his last nine games.
Pavano leaves outing early
New York Yankees right-hander Carl Pavano still couldn’t straighten his right arm a day after leaving a rehab start in which he threw just nine pitches.
Pavano retired the side in order in the first inning of Double-A Trenton’s game against Portland on Wednesday before leaving because of arm soreness. His 2005 season was cut short by rotator cuff tendinitis.
The frustrated starter said he didn’t know what was next.
“No idea. But as far as pitching, I don’t think that’s the next step at all,” Pavano said.
Tigers’ Young charged
Detroit Tigers designated hitter Dmitri Young was charged with domestic violence after his former girlfriend accused him of choking her, the Detroit Free Press reported.
Young, 32, and the 21-year-old woman were staying at the Townsend Hotel in suburban Detroit when she said he attacked her on April 14.
Young was charged Tuesday and is expected to surrender to authorities next Monday, the newspaper said. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Clearing the bases
Right-hander Danny Graves cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to the Cleveland Indians’ Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo. … New York Mets rookie pitcher Brian Bannister abandoned a rehab start for Triple-A Norfolk after only five pitches because of tightness in his right hamstring, altering the team’s plans for him to return to the rotation.