Minor-league franchise may be purchased without announcement

The local ownership group that plans to buy a minor-league baseball franchise and move it to Richmond is expected to make the purchase before opening day early next month. But the transaction may not be acknowledged or announced until later in the season.

The delay would be linked to "business considerations," according to Pete Boisseau of Boisseau Partners, the public relations firm involved with the baseball group.

Several sources have identified the Class AA Connecticut Defenders of the Eastern League as the franchise targeted by Richmond Baseball Club LC. The group apparently intends to operate the Defenders in Norwich, Conn., this season, then relocate the franchise to Richmond and play at The Diamond in 2010 and 2011, while a new ballpark is built.

Boisseau would not detail the "business considerations" involved in a delayed announcement of the purchase. Connecticut Defenders ownership/management may want the season to begin without the distractions and possible business issues that would accompany a public announcement of the sale.

The current owner of the franchise, Lou DiBella, has not returned several calls seeking comment. Bryan Bostic, the leader of the potential local ownership group, yesterday chose not to comment when asked about the timetable for the purchase, but last month he said, "We have always said that Minor League Baseball does not do transactions during the season. So that means for us to move forward with a team, based on the opportunity, we would need to do that prior to opening day."

Neither Minor League Baseball nor the Eastern League would announce a sale. "In technical reality, baseball authorities will not be aware of the closing until we are told by the parties involved," said Joe McEacharn, president of the Eastern League.

Bostic continues to strongly advocate the proposed Shockoe Center development, which would include a new ballpark. The city is studying the proposal and is expected to make a determination by August.

"I feel like we're on the right course," Bostic said.

Contact John O'Connor at (804) 649-6233 or .