Houston Astros Officially Headed to the American League

Major League Baseball's ownership today unanimously approved the sale of the Houston Astros from Drayton McLane to Jim Crane.

As part of the sale, the Astros will switch leagues in 2013.  The Astros will move from the National League Central to the American League West.  With the move, Major League Baseball will have two 15-team leagues and Interleague play will now occur on every day of the MLB schedule.

Commissioner Bud Selig also announced the addition of another Wild Card playoff team in each league, possibly as soon as next season.

"I welcome Jim Crane and his group as they prepare to become the new stewards of the Astros," Selig told MLB.com.

"I thank them for their patience and determination throughout a long but necessary process, which allowed us to accomplish our due diligence. The enthusiasm of Jim and his group will serve the Astros and their fans very well in the years ahead.

"I congratulate Drayton McLane on his 19 years of leadership of the Houston Astros, a franchise in which he has rightfully taken great pride. Drayton's ownership produced six postseason berths, the club's first National League pennant, a ballpark that is among the finest in the sport, and many contributions that have impacted the communities of Houston and throughout his home state of Texas. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I thank Drayton for his service to our game and I wish him and his family all the best."

The new-look American League West will be Houston, Texas, Los Angeles, Seattle and Oakland.