The Houston Astros: The Unlikely Move to the American League
The Houston Astros' move to the American League (AL) in 2012 was a significant event in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. Understanding the reasoning behind this move requires delving into the competitive balance and the complex negotiations that shaped the league structure.
Why the Move Was Necessary
Initially, MLB wondered whether to completely reorganize the league divisions or find a suitable team to move from the National League (NL) Central to the AL to even out the number of teams in each league. With 16 NL teams and 14 AL teams, the AL West had a significant advantage. Thus, it was deemed necessary to balance the league by moving a team.
Key Teams Under Consideration
The team ultimately chosen to move was the Houston Astros. Among the NL Central teams, the closest option to the AL West was the Houston Astros. At the time, the other options were the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. The distance and fanbase preferences heavily influenced this decision. Notably, the matter was simplified to four main options: the Pirates, Reds, Brewers, and the Astros, because the Cardinals, Cubs, and Pirates were considered too far east.
Financial and Strategic Implications
The decision to move the Astros to the AL was not just a strategic one but also a financial one. The Astros' new owners were required to pay $70 million as a condition for the move. This cost reflects the high stakes involved in league realignment and shows that such changes can be financially significant to the teams and their stakeholders.
The Involvement of Jerry Colangelo
The team's move to the AL was also influenced by the actions of Jerry Colangelo, the owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks. When MLB decided to add the Tampa Bay Rays and Arizona Diamondbacks, the decision was made to place them in the AL. However, Colangelo wanted his team to be placed in the NL. MLB's decision to cave to Colangelo's demands created an imbalance in the league, leading to a restructuring that included moving the Brewers to the NL.
Achieving Competitive Balance
The move of the Astros to the AL was a step towards achieving a more competitive balance among the divisions in both leagues. The concept of having three balanced divisions in each league, with each division having approximately six teams, was a key goal. However, the underlying story reveals a lot about MLB's willingness to compromise on league structure for commercial reasons.
MLB's Priorities and the Final Decision
Ultimately, MLB made the decision to move the Astros to the AL because it was believed to be the best option at the time. The drive to maintain a balanced league structure was overshadowed by the need to address the imbalance created by the addition of the Rays and Diamondbacks. This move could have been avoided if MLB had been more persistent with their original plan to keep the Brewers in the AL.
Conclusion
The Houston Astros' relocation to the AL in 2012 is a testament to the complex negotiations that shape the structure of Major League Baseball. It highlights the balance between strategic decisions and financial considerations. Understanding the factors that led to this move can provide insights into the inner workings of MLB and the challenges of maintaining a competitive and stable league.