Not Much Good to Say for the Dodger Condition

After watching Al Oliver play left field during the Dodgers’ first home stand, I think it’s about time your correspondents get off Reggie Jackson’s back about his defensive play. While Reggie may not be the greatest of natural fielders, I would certainly prefer to have him playing defense for my team than Oliver. At least with Reggie, you know that you are going to get a full effort and that he is going to do the best he can.

It didn’t take more than a few innings in the Dodger home opener for the fans in left field to develop a consensus about the Dodgers’ new left fielder. After watching Oliver jog in for a line drive that most fielders would have caught and field it on one bounce, it was apparent that he isn’t about to break his neck or soil his double-knits in the outfield. Having a bad or weak arm is one thing, but failing to hustle is a matter that will not endear Mr. Oliver to the masses, not to mention the Dodger pitching staff.

LARRY DILL

Van Nuys