BASEBALL MISCELLANY

SUPER TALK

Eric Davis, the Cincinnati Reds’ center fielder, is soaring. Bo Jackson, the Kansas City Royals’ left fielder, is struggling. Davis, in his eighth pro season, leads the National League in virtually every offensive category. Jackson may be paying a price for having played only 78 professional games before this season.

Jackson was 2 for 22 with 9 strikeouts in his last 7 games going into a weekend series at Cleveland and 10 for 58 with 25 strikeouts over 17 games. Manager Billy Gardner said he has decided to “rest” Jackson against certain right-handed pitchers.

Maybe the Raiders are still alive.

Of Davis, Manager Pete Rose said:

“Mike Schmidt was the best player I ever played with. Johnny Bench was the best catcher. Joe Morgan was the most intelligent. Dave Parker plays the hardest. Tony Perez was the most consistent RBI man. But Eric Davis has more raw talent than anybody I’ve ever seen.

“It’s scary. I wouldn’t be surprised at anything he did--except I would be surprised if he hit .400. There are too many good pitchers in the National League.”