Few NBA Foes Able to Step on His Cues

According to the 1991 Q-ratings, which measure the popularity and appeal of pro sports athletes, Marketing Evaluations, Inc., rated Michael Jordan No. 1. Four other past and present NBA players were in the top 10.

The complete Q-rating list: 1. Jordan. 2. Magic Johnson. 3. Nolan Ryan. 4. Joe Montana. 5. David Robinson. 6. Scottie Pippen. 7. Walter Payton. 8. Bo Jackson. 9. Julius Erving. 10. Ryne Sandberg.

Closed-door policy: As reported here last weekend. the New York Giants, who normally practice on the grass field adjacent to Giants Stadium, moved their workouts inside the stadium before playing the Redskins.

Coach Ray Handley said it was a precaution against possible snooping by pigskin spies. Handley was concerned because the Giants’ practice field can be seen from the upper floors of the 21-story Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel across from the stadium.

However, the Giants lost to the Redskins, 17-13. Perhaps Robert Ludlum, John le Carre and Tom Clancy should join Handley’s coaching staff.

Book review: There’s a new paperback book out that Tom Lasorda ought to love, “Bleeding Dodger Blue.” It’s a murder mystery by Crabbe Evers, also the author of “Murder in Wrigley Field,” which apparently has nothing to do with how George Bell plays the outfield.

Microwaveable: The New York Knicks like backup guard John Starks so much, they don’t care about signing Vinnie Johnson. Yeah, sure. John Starks over Vinnie Johnson? It has absolutely nothing to do with money, right?

Table for one?The center spread of the New York Rangers’ media guide, showing fans exulting over a playoff victory, reveals a fan making an obscene gesture at a referee.

Trivia time: The Sacramento Kings were 1-40 on the road last season. What team did they beat away from home?

Gold mine: Who’s the richest of them all? Well, as far as baseball goes, pretty soon it’s going to be Bobby Bonilla. The former Pirate, who turned down a reported $16.8-million, four-year offer by Pittsburgh, is destined to find the free-agent market something he can really treasure.

Best estimates of what kind of money Bonilla can expect to get range from $18 million for four years to as much as $23 million for five years.

In that case, expect Bonilla to sign with either the Angels or the New York Yankees, since both are managed by guys named Buck.

Add funny money: Still-unsigned Kenny Anderson is asking the New Jersey Nets for a five-year deal worth $3 million per year, and the Nets are countering with a five-year deal averaging $2.25 million.

Tunnel vision: From Steve Jacobson of Newsday, commenting on how the Yankees handled the hiring of Buck Showalter as manager after they had fired him as third base coach: “The light at the end of the tunnel is a dim bulb.”

Slow starter: Bob Cousy made his pro debut with the Boston Celtics in Ft. Wayne, Ind., 41 years ago Friday, but did not have an assist. Of course, Cousy went on to lead the league in assists for eight consecutive seasons.

Trivia answer: The Washington Bullets, 87-82, on Nov. 20.

Quotebook: Former Olympic decathlon champion Bruce Jenner, when asked to compare himself to former NFL quarterback Joe Namath: “I spent 12 years training for a career that was over in a week. Joe spent one week training for a career that lasted 12 years.”