BASEBALL MISCELLANY : NAMES AND NUMBERS

EXTENUATING: Richard Moss, the agent for Nolan Ryan, discussed a possible contract extension with the Texas Rangers the other day. Ryan, 43, previously indicated that the 1990 season would probably be his last. He is still concerned, he said, about his ability to maintain a high performance standard through the life of an extension, but he added: “I’d be lying if I told you those $3-million contracts didn’t get my attention. I’d be lying if I told you that (the possible offering of an extension by the Rangers) wouldn’t affect my decision.”

TURNOVER: The Baltimore Orioles have continued the process that began last year. Their 39-man roster averages 26 years 9 months, second-youngest in the American League to the Toronto Blue Jays’ average of 25 years 9 months. Of the 39 players, 28 have fewer than three years’ major league service, and only Cal Ripken Jr. remains from the 1986 team.

TIGHTENING HIS BELT: The Kansas City Royals’ George Brett has lost 30 pounds since Dec. 1. Brett said he became obsessed with a conditioning program after hitting what he considered an embarrassing .280 last season. “I used to be able to get two hours’ sleep, come to the park with a headache and still get three hits,” he said. “I can’t do that anymore. I’ve tried, but I can’t.”

BUTLER DID IT: The crackdown on oversized gloves was certain to snare San Francisco Giants center fielder Brett Butler, who told Bay Area reporters: “The way it is now, my gamer is illegal and it’s one I’ve used for six years. I guess I better call Mizuno and have them make me a Little League model.”

WOUNDED: The Milwaukee Brewers, besieged by injuries last season, are back at it. Shortstop Bill Speiers, coming off shoulder surgery, sprained an ankle in the first exhibition game, and third baseman Paul Molitor received an injection for shoulder soreness. Second baseman Jim Gantner, who had major knee surgery, will not be ready for opening day, but first baseman Greg Brock will, despite recent shoulder surgery. General Manager Harry Dalton calls it his All-Scar infield and said he was hoping the 27-man roster went through, because “we were thinking about using those spots to carry three doctors.”

ADD BREWERS: There’s one plus, at least. Infielder Dale Sveum, who broke a leg on Sept. 3, 1988, and did not play last season, has made an unexpectedly strong comeback this spring and may open at second base.

TORTURE: Reflecting on the Angels’ four-game exhibition series against San Diego in Yuma, Ariz., Giant coach Dusty Baker said: “That’s brutal. I wouldn’t even send Noreiga to Yuma for four days.”