THOUGH SEASON IS FOR THE BIRDS, O'S EXPECT TO BREAK EVEN

          Orioles officials say they're projecting a break-even
     year financially, "a notable achievement considering that
     the most expensive team in baseball history also was the
     sport's most disappointing club in the first half of the
     season," according to Mark Maske of the WASHINGTON POST. 
     Orioles Vice Chair/Business & Finance Joe Foss said that the
     team's $10M operating profit last year was attributable to
     revenue generated during the playoffs.  If the team doesn't
     reach the playoffs this year, Foss said, "We could lose a
     little bit, or we could break even."  Foss said the Orioles
     will generate about $140M in revenue this year and that team
     has sold only 15,000 fewer tickets than they had sold at a
     similar point last season (WASHINGTON POST, 7/19).