There Is Hope for Angels, but Not Much for Dodgers

The Dodgers and the Angels, both coming off mediocre campaigns in ‘87, have in the off-season undergone an intersting role reversal.

The Dodgers, in contrast to their tradition of developing talent on their own, have chosen to shower money on the likes of Kirk Gibson, Jesse Orosco and Alfredo Griffin--players who, in all likelihood, have already given their most productive seasons to other clubs.

The Angels, in the person of Mike Port, seem determined to withhold from Wally Joyner, a young player of proven yet unfulfilled quality, the benevolent hand they have extended in the past to such players as Ellis Valentine and George Hendrick.

The little hope for optimism I can derive from this state of affairs, I reserve for the Angels. The Dodgers have clearly consigned themselves to the philosophy of the quick fix. Mike Port, on the other hand, has shown flexibility and foresight in his handling of the Mike Witt situation. He can take an enormous step in solidifying the Angels future by giving Wally Joyner the contract he deserves.

GEOFFREY GRUNDY

Diamond Bar