ATHLETICS AND ORIOLES SQUABBLE OVER SITE OF RIPKEN RECORD

     In what could be a case of "much ado about nothing," A's GM
Sandy Alderson and Orioles Owner Peter Angelos are engaged in a
verbal war over the site of Cal Ripken's record-breaking
consecutive-games-played streak.  The A's have "been blessed with
the home date" on August 18 and the Orioles want it.  But
Alderson, apparently "perturbed about reports" the Orioles had
attempted to lure A's manager Tony LaRussa for their vacant
managerial position and in disagreement over Angelos' position
not to use replacement players, has "all but said the Orioles are
not going to get" the game.  Alderson: "You can be assured we're
not doing a hell of a lot to cooperate with Angelos and the
Orioles. I'd like nothing more than to see Ripken break the
record at Oakland Coliseum. ... I'd expect Mr. Angelos to see the
game personally. ... He'll enjoy the game from the third deck."
Angelos: "I have no idea what (Alderson) is talking about and I
have some doubt he knows what he is talking about. ... Maybe
having pickup teams as major league baseball has him in an
unhappy state."  Alderson: "Cal Ripken means more to Baltimore
than he does to us, but that doesn't mean all of baseball should
accommodate Baltimore.  Maybe the game should be played in the
Sistine Chapel or something" (Robert Kuwanda, SAN JOSE MERCURY
NEWS, 2/9).