MLB approves Braves sale
Hank Aaron will take on an increased role with the Atlanta Braves following the team’s sale Wednesday from Time Warner Inc. to Liberty Media Corp.
The deal, which Braves chairman Terry McGuirk said values the franchise at $450 million, was unanimously approved by baseball owners at a special meeting called to beat a midnight change in tax laws. The companies were set to transfer the team later in the evening.
Aaron became a senior vice president for the Braves in December 1989 and also is on the club’s board of directors.
Time Warner and Liberty agreed to the sale in February.
Starting today, the Braves will be a self-governed subsidiary of Liberty Media, with McGuirk reporting to the team’s board in his capacity as chairman and president. John Schuerholz remains as general manager and Bobby Cox as manager.
Delegation to China
Baseball will send a high-level delegation to China this month to inspect stadiums ahead of a possible trip there for exhibition games next year.
Baseball has discussed the possibility of playing exhibition games in China next March.
Mets maladies
New York Mets pitcher Lino Urdaneta will miss 50 games for violating the minor league drug policy after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
“Mets prospect Lastings Milledge is in trouble with the team once again, this time for making a rap CD that uses foul and offensive language.
New York general manager Omar Minaya said no disciplinary action had been taken, but added that could change.
Clearing the bases
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, on the 15-day disabled list with a left quadriceps strain, started running and could begin a rehab assignment next week. … Rookie Jesse Litsch has earned a spot on Toronto’s rotation. … Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones was back in the starting lineup after missing four games. … Placed on the 15-day disabled list: Texas Rangers outfielder Brad Wilkerson, Oakland Athletics outfielder Chris Snelling, Atlanta Braves left-hander Mike Gonzalez, and Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Chad Tracy.