Did Port Deserve to Be the Scapegoat?

Mike Port fired? Dan O’Brien hired? Richard Brown in charge? There’s something wrong at the Big A, and it sure wasn’t Port.

What we have unfortunately is a troubled organization destined for nowhere but the cellar with the departure of Mr. Port. Who does Richard Brown, a relative newcomer to baseball, think he is firing the man who has finally set the Angels on the right track. While the doubters doubted, Port orchestrated trades in which the dividends have been astronomical. Claudell Washington for Luis Polonia, Mike Witt for Dave Winfield are a couple of transactions consummated by Port. He drastically shored up the infield’s defense (Gaetti and Sojo) while at the same time bolstering the offense (Parker).

Who we really should and must blame are the lackadaisical players, plus Doug Rader and Gene Mauch and the rest of the gang who failed to motivate.

To Mr. Port, may your best days as general manager await you with a deserving and fortunate organization. To Richard Brown, may you achieve what you deserve--not much.

DARREN LOE

Placentia