Astros move to the American League

The Houston Astros were purchased by Jim Crane, but Major League Baseball was not going to approve the sale unless the Astros were willing to move to the American League. Which is exactly what happened. The Astros will now be part of the AL West along with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers. This move gives the American League 15 teams and the National League 15 teams. Based on records from last year, the Astros would have finished last in the division and 40 games behind the division leader.

The move will not be immediate, though. It will occur as soon as 2013, but things are always subject to change. That is just the original plan for the Houston Astros.

Jim Crane (On right) is announced as the new owner of the Astros.