Between The Lines

THE FIRING SQUAD

One advance scout's list of the American League's hardest throwers after clocking every pitcher for half a season:

Roger Clemens, Boston, 98 mph; Timothy Leary, Milwaukee, 95; Bobby Witt and Edwin Correa, Texas, 94; Don Aase, Baltimore, 93-94; Bob James, Chicago, Jose Rijo, Oakland, Matt Young, Seattle, Dan Plesac, Milwaukee and Dave Stewart, Oakland, 93.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

?"I'd rather ride the buses managing in Triple A than be a lawyer."—Attorney-manager Tony La Russa.

?"I've been doing my best not to think about it, but by trying so hard not to think about it, I can't stop thinking about it."—Yankee shortstop Paul Zuvella during an 0-for-28 start. A high school valedictorian, he graduated from Stanford as a communications major.

THE FUTURE AMBASSADOR TO CANADA

Upon leaving Toronto for Atlanta, Doyle Alexander, who had been critical of the Jays management in his campaign to be traded, handed a handwritten statement to a writer for the Toronto Sun to augment the quotes he had earlier given reporters. The statement read in part:

"Reasons for leaving Toronto:

"The ball club made no changes to improve the team over the winter of 1985-1986. Other Eastern Division clubs made changes to improve their club. In my mind, it is doubtful the Toronto Blue Jays can repeat as Eastern Division champions.