[EmpireWF]

From FoxSports and Ken Rosenthal, sources are saying Orioles Owner Peter Angelos is having talks with Cal Ripken about transferring ownership of the Baltimore Orioles. A financial group led by Ripken seem to be interested in becoming the new owners of the ballclub.

However, nothing seems to be happening anytime soon as KR lists a few reasons why...

An agreement between the two would face numerous obstacles.

Ripken, 46, would need significant financial backing; the combined price for the Orioles and their new regional television network could exceed $800 million, according to one industry analyst.

Possible lead investors include Chip Mason, chief executive officer of Legg Mason, a global asset management firm based in Baltimore; and Bill Miller, Legg Mason's renowned fund manager.

Angelos, 77, has not announced his intention to sell. He might not be willing to yield control. And his demanding negotiating style might make it difficult for a prospective buyer to close a deal.

The owner is speaking with other potential buyers, a source with knowledge of his discussions said, and in the end might prefer to leave the team to his sons, John and Lou.

So in other words...don't get your hopes up Oriole fans. But it's a shame how the team is run right now. They have the money to compete but they don't know where to spend it. A shame...

[Lefty Noob]

I - and I think a lot of Orioles fans would agree with me - would LOVE to see Ripken take over as the owner of the Baltimore franchise. Those fans deserve a team run the right way, with winning as one of their primary goals, not just fiscal stability. Yes, it's important to make money, but an owner needs to take pride in their product and make at least some effort to make it competitive on the field.

[MJHMarc]

Ripken will focus on winning rather than financials, I hope.

[LSC9901]

800 million is a real significant number dollar wise so even though many would like to think he'll concentrate on winning .... there is more to it than winning. He'll be a great reason for a wider fan base but the mortgage company/bankers will want to see some financial gains along with whatever it is that baseball teams do.

[MJHMarc]

But then again, isn't the CFO of the organization in charge of the financials?

As the CEO, or owner, he is the head honcho of the team which means that he manages and decides yearly decisions. He will probably turn out to take a hands-off approach, as does Warren Buffett.

[mervinout]

umm this resembles the situation in memphis with the ex duke players. I dont see how he can be anymore of an owner then nelly is with the bobcats. 800 million is alot and at most its just owners bringing a name with them to keep people happy. I see him as a figure head i dont really see him pulling the strings or worried about the organzation making money because these other guys you speak of are not going to lose money just to win there are very few owners like steinbrenner and cuban who are intent on putting the best product out there. You see it with the jackass's in TB and KC there annual team salaary is a joke compared to the money they get with revenue sharing. Its a great idea i think but its just that