Ripken, Angelos Work Out Riff

Cal Ripken Jr. met with Baltimore Oriole owner Peter Angelos over the weekend to discuss Angelos’ comments that Ripken needs to take more of a leadership role on the team.

Angelos responded Friday to Ripken’s comments that the Orioles’ early-season struggles were due to the players’ unfamiliarity with their teammates and coaching staff.

“The problem here is one of aggressive, inspired leadership on the field and in the clubhouse. And there’s no one more qualified than Cal Ripken to provide that,” Angelos said Friday. “Only with that kind of leadership provided by Cal will this team reach its potential as a major league baseball club. . . . To suggest otherwise is a poor excuse for the failure of this group of exceptionally qualified athletes.”

Said Ripken on Saturday: “To me, there’s no problem whatsoever with Mr. Angelos.”