Citing high start-up costs, owner Martin Stone...

Citing high start-up costs, owner Martin Stone of baseball’s triple-A Phoenix Firebirds says he probably will withdraw his bid for a major league franchise, seriously setting back an effort to bring such a franchise to Arizona.

Stone said he is “90% certain” he will withdraw his bid if he cannot persuade National League owners to reduce the $95-million franchise fee.

The National League will award two franchises next year, with the expansion teams to begin play in 1993.

Stone said he would have to pay at least an additional $40 million in start-up costs.