WILL MLB MAKE A MOVE INTO THE LAND OF MICKEY AND SHAQ?

     The group representing Orlando's bid for an expansion
franchise made their presentation to MLB's Expansion Committee
yesterday.  Prospective Owner Norton Herrick said "everything
went perfect," adding he believed Orlando had a better chance to
land a team than St. Petersburg because "We've got a stronger
market, a better stadium, a better leadership group."  The first
part of the presentation by Orlando officials focused "on
community, business and government support as well as the growth
potential for the area."  Later, Herrick and his investors
discussed finances with the group.  Stanton Cook, the Cubs' Chair
and a member of the committee, said the group did a "good job and
made an excellent presentation."  The league still has not made
an official announcement that it will expand, but Phillies Owner
Bill Giles said a vote by the owners "will probably be taken in
January" (Bill Chastain, TAMPA TRIBUNE, 12/15).