Brewers’ Sale Wins Approval

Major league owners unanimously approved the $223-million sale of the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday from the family of Commissioner Bud Selig to a group headed by Los Angeles investor Mark Attanasio.

Attanasio, 47, is committed to keeping the team in Milwaukee, thanks to a 30-year lease to play in Miller Park.

Selig’s daughter, Wendy Selig-Prieb, has been in charge of the franchise since her father became commissioner in 1998. The team has struggled to be competitive in recent years.

“We must field a competitive team,” Attanasio said. “Frankly, I think we’ve taken a big step this year developing young players, who we need to continue to develop. We need to continue to put money into the farm system. And then frankly we need to figure out a way to get another $10 million into the payroll over the next couple of years.”

The club has a payroll of slightly more than $40 million.

Meanwhile, right-hander Rick Helling agreed to a minor league contract with the team.

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Raul Mondesi said he has agreed to terms with the Atlanta Braves on a one-year, $1-million contract that could become $1.7 million with performance bonuses.

According to Brave spokesman Brad Hainje, assistant general manager Frank Wren said the team could not confirm an agreement with Mondesi has been reached.

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Pittsburgh Pirate right-hander Kip Wells agreed to a one-year, $3.1-million contract, then threw 30 pitches for the first time since he was sidelined Sept. 5 by an elbow injury.

“I’m pain-free when I’m throwing and that’s the ultimate test,” Wells said at a minicamp.

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Right-hander Dave Burba agreed to a minor league contract with the Houston Astros.... Free-agent outfielder Danny Bautista agreed to a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays