[WMH]

Crane had zero leverage in this deal. Zero.

I can imagine the conversation went like this:
You want to buy a team, sure, we'll "let" you. But, in order for us to approve this deal, you have to agree to move to the AL.
Just to account for some of the issues you will face, we'll give you a $70MM "discount" for agreeing to this. MLB will kick in $35MM, and we'll make Uncle Drayton knock off $35MM.

How's that sound to you? Well, we really don't care. It is what it is, take it or leave it.

At first I was happy it was finally done, but then I heard Crane's presser. Budget, budget, budget. Payroll will go backwards before going forward.
Huh? WTH? You have a $60MM payroll, and your telling your fans, who you just pissed off by moving the team to the AL, that your going to spend less?

WOW. The Houston Astros have officially become the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Gee, great.