HOW TO PLAY 'ROTISSERIE'

Briefly, here's how 'Rotisserie' ball, the leading statistics-based game for fans, works:Participants form leagues using major league players, selected in a preseason "draft auction." Some leagues limit themselves to National League players, others to American League players, and some mix the two. Rosters consist of 23 players: nine pitchers, two catchers, five outfielders, six infielders, one utility (all-purpose) player. The original Rotisserians established a $260-per-team bidding budget, but the amount and unit of control varies widely. Standings (and distribution of prize money) are based on the statistical performances of players in actual major-league games. Results are tabulated for four offensive categories - total home runs, runs batted in, stolen bases, and batting average - and four pitching categories - total earned-run average, wins, saves, and ratio (hits plus walks per inning pitched). "Rotisserie League Baseball" (Bantam, $12.95) carries the complete rules.