OAKLAND EXECS QUESTION A'S $48M CLAIM OVER LOSSES

          East Bay officials hinted that a $48M claim filed by
     the A's, who are seeking compensation for losses during the
     renovation of the Oakland Coliseum, is "inflated," according
     to the S.F. EXAMINER.  Alameda County Supervisor Gail
     Steele: "I think there may possibly be a certain amount of
     money they have coming, but it isn't $48 million for past
     and future playing."   The A's were paid $11M for losses
     they sustained while the Coliseum was prepared for football
     (S.F. EXAMINER, 1/23).  In Oakland, Dave Newhouse: "The A's
     want payback from the city and county, blaming both entities
     for lost ticket and club-seat revenue because of the
     Coliseum's face-lift.  Naturally, the A's avoided mentioning
     how their having the worst record in baseball might have
     impacted 1997 ticket sales" (OAKLAND TRIBUNE, 1/24).