NEW YORK - The sale of the Angels from The Walt Disney Co. to Arturo Moreno was approved Thursday, making him the first minority with a controlling stake in a major-league team.
Moreno, a Hispanic businessman from Tucson, Ariz., hopes to complete the $184-million purchase of the World Series champions by the middle of next week and take over operation immediately.
"Every guy's dream is to own a baseball team," he said. "It's an opportunity I've always dreamed about."
He doesn't plan any immediate changes for the Angels, coming off the first title for a franchise that started play in 1961.
"I think they have good people," he said. "For me, it's a learning process. I'll sit back and listen."
Moreno doesn't want to be thought of as a minority owner. Even when he was asked a question in Spanish, the fourth-generation American answered in English.
"The first thing is, I'm an American," he said. "I'm proud to be a Mexican-American, but as far as being the first minority, I think most of us are immigrants from some place, and I think we always try to do our best to be Americans."
CARDINALS: Rick Ankiel lasted less than two innings in his second start for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. The 23-year-old left-hander allowed four runs, four hits and three walks in 12/3 innings, striking out two as Chattanooga won 8-7.
INDIANS: Outfielder Milton Bradley, yanked from Wednesday night's game after the sixth inning by manager Eric Wedge, was benched for the series finale against Seattle.
MARINERS: Outfielder Cristian Guerrero was claimed off waivers from the Brewers and optioned to Class-A Inland Empire. To make room on their 40-man roster, the Mariners designated former Rays outfielder Kenny Kelly for assignment.
PIRATES: Infielder Jeff Reboulet's contract was purchased from Triple-A Nashville.
METS: Reliever John Franco pitched one inning in his second rehabilitation appearance, exactly one year after surgery on his left elbow. Franco, 42, allowed one hit - a bunt single - and struck out one for Class-A St. Lucie against Fort Myers.
RANGERS: Catcher Todd Greene was activated from the disabled list and started against the Sox.
REDS: Outfielder Ruben Mateo cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Louisville two days after he was designated for assignment.
TIGERS: Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell will be a guest television analyst on June 1 when Detroit plays the Yankees at Comerica Park, Fox Sports Net announced. Harwell, 85, who retired last year after his 55th season of broadcasting major league games, will replace Rod Allen and join play-by-play announcer Mario Impemba on the cable broadcast in Michigan and parts of Ohio and Indiana. ... Former pitcher Denny McLain is serving the remainder of his eight-year federal prison sentence for embezzlement behind the counter of a convenience store, the Detroit News reported. The 59-year-old McLain, who won 30 games in 1968 and is the only pitcher to reach that total since Dizzy Dean in 1934, could be released from the program in mid October.
TWINS: Designated hitter Matthew LeCroy, whose nose was broken Wednesday night on a fastball from Runelvys Hernandez, said he felt fine. LeCroy hopes to play Sunday.
YANKEES: First baseman Nick Johnson was scratched from the starting lineup shortly before Thursday against Anaheim because of a sore right hand. Johnson said he hurt himself on a swing in the ninth inning Wednesday night.
