BOBBY V. VS. BILL Z.?

SPORTS BILL ZEIGLER, the only trainer the Texas Rangers have ever had. has been rubbing down the sore arms and delicate egos of players since the old Washington Senators became the Rangers in 1971. He’s survived 13 managers, including the legendary Ted Williams, the momentary Eddie Stanky (skipper for one day), and dugout tyrants like Billy Martin and Doug Rader. Now, however, rumors floating around the Rangers organization say that the trainer has trouble on his hands.

It seems that manager BOBBY VALENTINE blames Zeigler for the disappointing lack of progress by pitcher BOBBY WITT, who has been Next Year’s Star for too many years now. Witt has compiled a resoundingly mediocre 39-42 record with the Rangers over four seasons; with him, “high fives” usually refer to his ERA. Valentine is privately convinced that Zeigler, a leathery veteran of the old school, has poisoned Witt’s mind against the unconventional teachings of pitching coach TOM HOUSE. Zeigler is said to view some of House’s avant-garde techniques- especially those involving weight training-as akin to witchcraft.

The incident has created a rare fissure between Valentine and his old buddy TOM GRIEVE the team’s general manager. Grieve, who, like Zeigler, was with the Senators before they moved to Texas, refuses to let Valentine ditch the trainer.

None of the parties will comment on the record about the rift, though insiders predict the matter will be amicably resolved before the Rangers head for spring training. That means Zeigler will still rule the training room and House will still encourage his pitchers to warm up by tossing footballs. As for Witt, he may be running out of Next Years.