FRANCHISE NOTES

          In Houston, columnist John McClain, notes Oilers Owner
     Bud Adams has still not officially told his players and
     coaches where the Oilers will be playing next season. 
     McClain: "The Oilers are shrouded by a dark cloud created by
     the Tennessee situation, and the uncertainty that permeates
     the training facility and the Astrodome is a monumental
     distraction" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 12/13)....In Montreal,
     columnist Jeff Blair, on former Expo Moises Alou signing a
     five-year, $25M deal with the Marlins: "The Expos talk about
     being a small-market team but they haven't been able to
     promote any of their players enough to develop the personal
     ties that can make a small market a success. ... Alou knew
     the name of every doorman on Cresent St. and every maitre d'
     on St. Denis.  He signed autographs endlessly and smiled at
     people ... Somehow it all looked right -- Alou in an Expos
     uniform, a nice fit" (Montreal GAZETTE, 12/13).