RAWLINGS NOT EXPECTED TO BE SOLD, BUT CUTS BACK STAFF

          MO-based Rawlings Sporting Goods "apparently won't be
     sold, at least not anytime soon," according to Al Stamborski
     of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, who noted that a possible
     sale has been "under study" since May.  Stamborski wrote
     that Rawlings execs "couldn't be reached to find out" if any
     buyers had "expressed interest."  Rawlings' Finance
     Committee instead backed a three-year "turnaround plan,"
     which includes the company cutting its staff by 15% and
     closing some of its plants.  Rawlings added that it "would
     sell under-performing assets" (POST-DISPATCH, 12/16). 
     Management's three-year turnaround plan includes shifting
     marketing resources away from minor sponsorships to promote
     major programs like Rawlings' relationship with MLB and the
     NCAA.  Rawlings also intends to increase its focus in the
     premium and apparel markets (Rawlings).  Yesterday, Rawlings
     dropped 1 1/4, 18%, to close at 5 3/4, marking a 52-week
     low.  Today, Rawlings shares are up 1/4 to 6 (THE DAILY).