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Will Astros relent on affiliated team in Sugar Land?

Two reliable sources tell us Houston Astros ownership is debating whether to drop their territorial objections to an affiliated team in suburban Sugar Land.

Two reliable sources tell us Houston Astros ownership is debating whether to drop their territorial objections to an affiliated team in suburban Sugar Land.

As you'll recall, Sugar Land officials passed a referendum last fall to fund a new entertainment in the city, featuring a minor-league ballpark. After discussions with several affiliated AAA and AA teams, the efforts to bring in an affiliated team failed when the Astros informed the city it would not allow an affiliated team in the area. Fine, said Sugar Land; we'll chat with the independent leagues, and the city ended up signing a MOU with Peter Kirk, owner and operator of several independent Atlantic League teams.

But with Montgomery County also seeking a ballpark — and being appraised of the Astros' opposition to an affiliated team in the market, leading the county to sign an MOU with Ventura Sports, the owners and operators of two American Association teams in Texas — the Astros are rethinking the opposition to affiliated ball in Sugar Land. It's no secret Drayton McLane has been shopping the Astros, and he reportedly did not want saddle a future owner with a team in the same market.

There are several scenarios that could play out here. Sugar Land could continue to talk with Kirk and proceed with an indy team, a move that would embolden Montgomery County's hand to put city resources into an indy ballpark as well. Sugar Land could decide to pursue an affiliated team, something that doesn't necessarily preclude Kirk from building a ballpark — but given MiLB's ownership rules regarding indy/affiliated, it's hard to see him getting permission to buy an affiliated team. (He begs to differ; this may the opportunity to prove his beliefs.) If Sugar Land goes affiliated, we're told there's a decent chance Montgomery County may rethink its commitment to indy ball.

Other MLB teams — the Phillies, Rangers, Mets and Yankees — have done well as owners or minority investors in teams in their markets. You'd think McLane and the Astros front office would want to do the same, if only to totally control what happens in the Houston market.

RELATED STORIES: It's official: Montgomery County, Ventura Sports release details on new ballpark/retail complex; Ventura Sports, Montgomery County sign MOU for new ballpark; Sugar Land approves MOU with Opening Day Partners; Sugar Land, Opening Day Partners negotiating new-ballpark deal; Sugar Land seeks proposals for ballpark; The latest from Omaha: Stein to rethink Sarpy move; Wolff loves a 24,000-seat ballpark; Today's big ballot issue: new ballpark in Sugar Land

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