Notes on a Scorecard - Aug. 7, 1991

George Steinbrenner knows of what he speaks when he complains about the quality of athlete representing the United States in the Pan American Games. It is roughly the same quality of athlete who represented Steinbrenner’s New York Yankees in the American League the last few years of his reign. . . .

If you were building a major league franchise and had your choice of any player, who would you select? Cincinnati Reds’ shortstop Barry Larkin, says Dodger broadcaster Don Drysdale. . . .

A changing of the guard in the American League West can’t be too far away when the Minnesota Twins’ Scott Erickson beats the Oakland Athletics’ Dave Stewart in an important game. . . .

If Bobby Bonilla doesn’t re-sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he could be the object of a dandy free-agent bidding war in New York between the Yankees and Mets. . . .

I’ll give the San Francisco Giants’ No. 2 through 5 lineup--Willie McGee, Will Clark, Kevin Mitchell and Matt Williams--a slight edge over the Texas Rangers’ fearsome foursome of Rafael Palmeiro, Julio Franco, Ruben Sierra and Juan Gonzalez. . . .

Seeing double: Identical twins Mark and Mike Mimbs are 22-year-old left-handed pitchers who are having successful seasons in the Dodger organization. At last report, Mark was 10-4 at Bakersfield and Mike was 9-2 at Vero Beach, Fla. Both are 6-feet-2, 180 pounds and attended Mercer University. Mike was drafted in the 24th round and Mark in the 25th round in 1990. . . .

Extend Robin Ventura’s July over a full season and the Chicago White Sox third baseman would have 72 home runs and 198 runs batted in. . . .

Hank Aaron is the first name in the player register of the Baseball Encyclopedia. The last? Dutch Zwilling. . . .

The trading deadline is long gone, but the Montreal Expos might try to deal first baseman Andres Galarraga via the waiver route. . . .

Todd Benzinger, the former Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati first baseman, has found a home in Kansas City and is among the reasons for the Royals’ surge. . . .

From National League All-Star game starter in July 1990 to minor league pitcher in August 1991. Such is the sad story of Jack Armstrong, who used to leave the name of his agent on the front of his Red locker. That was so reporters who wanted to have an audience with Armstrong could make arrangements through the agent. . . .

The NHL may delay the debut of instant replay reviews of goal-line decisions a year because not all the technology is in place. . . .

Troy Dorsey, who defends his International Boxing Federation featherweight title against Manuel Medina Monday night at the Forum, is the first U.S.-born kick boxer to win a world boxing championship. . . .

Milton McCrory, the former World Boxing Council welterweight champion, who was supposed to appear on the card Monday, has settled back into retirement after being knocked down in the gym. . . .

Manager Harry Kabakoff’s latest discovery is middleweight Kermit (Big Daddy) Cain, who will be the headliner when promoter Harold Cox brings boxing back to Strongbow Stadium in Bakersfield on Sept. 4. Kabakoff fought at the same little place in 1946 .. . .

Razor Ruddock is the seventh-highest-paid athlete in America. Just imagine how much he would get if he ever won a big fight. . . .

Kenny Walker, the rookie from Nebraska who is deaf, may earn a starting spot in the Denver Broncos’ defensive line. . . .

Rookie wide receiver Scott Miller’s three catches for the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter against the Raiders in Tokyo didn’t surprise those who saw him at UCLA. However, he didn’t fit the NFL stereotypes and wasn’t drafted until the ninth round. . . . The New England Patriots are happy with offensive tackle Pat Harlow, the 11th pick in the first round. . . .

Stifling heat and the PGA Championship always seem to go together. The tournament will be held near Indianapolis this week. However, you’ve got to love the name of the course--Crooked Stick. . . .

Why is USC opening the football season against Memphis State on Labor Day afternoon, Sept. 2, at the Coliseum? The Trojans had an opening on their schedule and didn’t have to agree to a home-and-home series with the Tigers. Besides, Memphis State Coach Chuck Stobart used to be Larry Smith’s offensive coordinator. . . .

The Knicks aren’t the only NBA team in the New York metropolitan area with salary cap problems. The New Jersey Nets have exceeded the cap already and still must sign Kenny Anderson, who warrants about $2 million a year as the second player selected in the draft. . . .

First, Pele. Then Oscar. Now the toast of Brazil is Hortencia. . . .