By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tampa Bay Rays Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said his father's involvement in a group seeking to buy the Astros has no impact on his job with the Rays.
"This has no bearing on me professionally, and I'm very happy in my job,'' Friedman said. "And it would not be proper for me to comment on the business of another team.''
Friedman's father, Kenny, is heading a group of Houston investors seeking to buy the team, but admittedly playing from behind. Another Houston businessman, Jim Crane, has an exclusive negotiating window with team owner Drayton McLane. Kenny Friedman, a lawyer who also heads the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, told Houston media he has the financial backing and has been approved by MLB.
There had already been speculation that Crane might try to hire Friedman, who like other top execs under Stuart Sternberg doesn't have a contract.