Notes on a Scorecard - Aug. 22, 1991

This is what the Dodgers had in mind when they agreed to pay Darryl Strawberry $20.25 million--a slugger who can carry a team during the stretch of a title race. . . .

“The difference now is that when he gets his pitch, he isn’t missing,” said Dodger coach Joe Ferguson, who observes Strawberry every game from above home plate in the press box. “Sometimes it takes guys with big swings a while to get their timing down. It’s easy to see how much more comfortable he is.” . . .

Maybe Dodger Stadium fans, who rarely booed Strawberry during the worst of times, are being rewarded for their patience. . . .

In these times of bulging disabled lists and packed trainers’ rooms, it is refreshing to learn that Eddie Murray has been playing first base for the Dodgers the last three months with sore ribs. . . .

Granted, Murray went into a horrendous slump after he was hurt diving for a ball against the Houston Astros May 29, and he should have allowed the trainers to examine him. But his team had no adequate replacement in the middle of a race and, obviously, Murray believed he was well enough to continue to do the job. . . .

Such a work ethic is one reason spots ought to be reserved in the Hall of Fame for Murray and his former Locke High teammate, Ozzie Smith. . . .

The question is how much Murray has left at 35 and whether the Dodgers should re-sign him to a multiyear contract or invest more heavily in a younger potential free agent such as Glenn Davis or Wally Joyner. . . .

I can’t remember the last time I’ve heard the national anthem sung as well as it was Wednesday at Dodger Stadium by Karen Fineman of the “City of Angels” cast. . . .

Kevin Gross’ glove is autographed by Presidents Bush and Reagan. . . .

A couple of guys on a TV show the other day agreed that the Dodgers didn’t have any most-valuable-player candidates. I guess they haven’t been watching Brett Butler. . . .

It looks as though the Pittsburgh Pirates are going to become the first National League division winner to repeat since the Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies in 1978. . . .

Newest flame thrower is the Atlanta Braves’ Mark Wohlers, whose fastball has been clocked as high as 100 m.p.h. . . .

I liked umpires better when they turned their backs to players and managers instead of returning their insults. . . .

More than 40 potential deals have been blocked because players couldn’t pass through waivers. . . .

What exactly was it that Cincinnati Red pitcher Jose Rijo said in the dugout during a recent game against the San Francisco Giants that got Chris Sabo so riled up? “C’mon guys, (Paul) McClellan isn’t Cy Young.” . . .

The race for the American League home run championship between Cecil Fielder and Jose Canseco should be the most exciting in years. . . .

Most people I know are rooting for the Detroit Tigers in the American League East and against the Oakland Athletics in the West. . . .

Eleven rookies have played for the San Francisco Giants this season. . . .

Amateur sports enthusiast Peter O’Malley is not accepting a rental fee for the International Baseball Assn. World All-Star game Saturday at Dodger Stadium. The game is dedicated to the memory of Jackie Robinson, whose widow, Rachel, will throw out the first ball. . . .

Two teen-age millionaires, Monica Seles and Jennifer Capriati, are pictured on the cover of the current issue of Forbes magazine. . . .

Best bet in sports this week is Taiwan in the Little League World Series. . . .

Thumbs up to the International Amateur Athletic Federation for voting to hold the track and field World Championships every two years, instead of four. Track needs more big meets to rebuild interest. . . .

Bill Walsh of NBC and Buddy Ryan of CNN are feuding. . . .

On the first day of practice with pads Wednesday, it was apparent that there is more bulk in UCLA’s offensive and defensive lines. . . .

How shallow is the heavyweight division? Larry Holmes is ranked ninth by the WBC.