NOTES: Tom Clancy disputed a report that he will sell
his minority interest in the Orioles in acquiring the
Vikings: "I plan to follow all league rules, but nobody has
asked me to sell my interest in the Orioles." Clancy's
partner Marc Ganis admitted that his comments saying Clancy
would sell his stake was a "misunderstanding" (Baltimore
SUN, 3/25)....The Islanders hired NY-based Diamond Promotion
Group to market the team and handle promotional programs,
fan forums and other events (NEWSDAY, 3/25)....The ECHL's
first franchise in GA will be called the Augusta Lynx
(HOCKEY NEWS, 3/27 issue)....The Anaheim Bullfrogs, formerly
of RHI, have joined Major League Roller Hockey (MLRH).
MLB: Cablevision CEO James Dolan said that Yankees
Owner George Steinbrenner told him the "ballclub is not for
sale." But Dolan said that "his company will continue have
a close relationship with Steinbrenner" (CNBC, 3/24)....Pro
Player Stadium is expected to be sold out for the Marlins'
season-opener on Tuesday (SUN-SENTINEL, 3/25)....In
Cincinnati, Managing CEO John Allen is profiled by Bill
Koch. Asked about his relationship with Marge Schott, Allen
said, "Marginal at best." But Koch wrote that under Allen,
the Reds "finally have a plan. If all goes well this year,
if the Reds can draw about 1.8 million fans, they might
actually make a little money" (CINCINNATI POST, 3/24)....The
Orioles will have the largest player payroll in MLB history
this season at $74.3M. The Braves will open the season with
a payroll of $71.6M, followed by the Red Sox at $71.3M and
the Yankees at just under $68.3M (WASHINGTON POST, 3/25).
