SIDELINES : Quebec Gov’t. May Play Ball

The Quebec government is considering an investment of up to $50 million in the Montreal Expos in an attempt to keep the National League baseball team in the city, a published report says.

The Montreal newspaper La Presse reported today that the government hopes the investment, likely through the provincial agency that operates Olympic Stadium, would generate enough interest among local businessmen to cover the $100 million that owner Charles Bronfman wants for the team.

Team President Claude Brochu met with Premier Robert Bourassa on Monday and apparently suggested that the government consider the investment, the newspaper reported, adding that the Cabinet will discuss the possibility this week.