We’ve all heard the news — the negotiations between MLB and the District over the new stadium aren’t going particularly well. The City Council is increasingly annoyed with a stadium that is fast exceeding expected costs, while MLB continues being its own worst enemy by refusing to consider even the most basic financial concessions to the city. In a private meeting with the council yesterday, MLB chief negotiator Jerry Reinsdorf both surprised and angered the council — many of which are skeptical of a publicly-financed stadium to begin with and face elections next year — by implying that a new stadium on the current RFK site might be acceptable while stating that ticket sales had by-and-large been a disappointment.

We know that the big sticking point right now is the $24 million line of credit the city wants to cover the financial impact of a terrorist attack or players strike that would shutter the stadium and $20 million to help defray some of the construction costs. All told, $44 million from MLB is a drop in the bucket, considering the District is picking up the lions share of the tab for the stadium’s construction.

But how much would $44 million be to MLB? All told, not much. The league purchased the Montreal Expos — which became the Washington Nationals last year — for a measly $120 million in 2002. They are now looking to sell the team for $450 million, a cool $330 million in profit for the league’s 29 team owners. More interestingly, six team owners made it onto Forbes’ 2004 list of the 400 richest people in America. Carl Pohlad, owner of the Minnesota Twins, ranked 92, worth an estimated $2.3 billion. Carl Henry Lindner of the Cincinnati Reds was 124 with $1.8 billion, while Robert Drayton McLane of the Houston Astros stood at 215 with $1.3 billion. Arturo Moreno of the Anaheim Angels, Michael Ilitch of the Detroit Tigers, and John Jay Moore of the San Diego Padres rounded out the group, worth $850 million (352), $750 million (389), and $750 million (389), respectively.

These guys aren’t exactly strapped for cash. So, MLB, how about it? Want to pony up that $44 million? C’mon. It’s not like you’ll notice.