NEW YORK -- Donald Watkins met with baseball officials
Thursday and was given the go-ahead to contact the Minnesota Twins
about making an offer to buy the team.
Atlanta Braves chairman Bill Bartholomay, the chairman of
baseball's ownership committee, and Tom Ostertag, baseball's chief
legal counsel, met with Watkins and one of his lawyers for four
hours over lunch.
"It was a great day, a very positive and productive meeting,"
Watkins said. "I finally found the welcome mat in major league
baseball. I couldn't have scripted a meeting any better if I had
tried to write it as a screenplay."
Twins owner Carl Pohlad, frustrated that Minnesota's government
hasn't approved a plan for funding a new ballpark, told baseball
commissioner Bud Selig he is willing to have his franchise folded
as part of Selig's contraction plan.
Watkins would like to save the Twins by purchasing the team. He
would be the first black controlling owner in major league history.
"It was a chance for me to go over in great detail matters that
were covered in my application form," Watkins said, "particularly
personal background matters and financial portfolio matters, and to
explain to them the financing model and rationale for wanting to
build a privately financed stadium.
"I was curious as to whether I would receive fair treatment in
the process. I got my answer to that today. My anxiety has been
laid to rest. The answer is I will receive fair treatment, and that
is a load off my mind."
Watkins, an Alabama businessman who had previously discussed
buying the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, said he was convinced baseball
thought he had enough money to purchase a team.
"I am satisfied that they are satisfied that that is no even a
question," he said.
Ironically, the Devil Rays would likely become a candidate for contraction if Watkins was able to purchase the Twins.
Bartholomay was not available for comment.
"We had a very friendly, productive and informative
introductory meeting," Ostertag said. "We covered a wide range of
topics in a comprehensive manner and will continue to have
discussions in the future."
Watkins intends to speak with Twins president Jerry Bell about
getting permission to review the team's financial records. Watkins
said Bartholomay and Ostertag encouraged him to contact the Twins.
"They suggested that I contact Carl Pohlad directly now and
have my first meeting with him," Watkins said. "I will do that
when I get back to Birmingham next week."
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