Notes on a Scorecard - May 26, 1992

How amazing that the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to extend their lead over the Chicago Bulls after losing the services of Danny Ferry in the second quarter Monday. . . .

It was also startling that such an objective NBC observer as Bob Ferry soft-pedaled the cheap shot that caught Michael Jordan by saying that son Danny simply was venting his frustration. . . .

To the Cavaliers’ credit, they put on a textbook display of unselfish basketball for the second time in the series. . . .

If you are wondering why the Portland Trail Blazers complained so much about the officiating in Utah, consider that the Jazz attempted 29 more free throws during the two games. . . .

During the two games at Portland, the Trail Blazers attempted only five more than the Jazz. . . .

Breathe hard on a Malone--Karl or Jeff--in Salt Lake City and you are liable to be called for a foul. . . .

After what they went through on their trip, the Angels deserve a standing ovation when they take the field to play the Boston Red Sox tonight at Anaheim Stadium. . . .

The Dodgers, who showed again Monday at St. Louis that no infield play is routine for them, should have signed Pittsburgh Pirate third baseman Steve Buechele when he was a free agent last winter. . . .

No Los Angeles infielder has won a Gold Glove award since Davey Lopes in 1978. . . .

Next young Dodger who appears ready for increased playing time is catcher Carlos Hernandez. . . .

Three former Dodgers--Mike Marshall, R.J. Reynolds and Ralph Bryant--are hitting well in Japan. The food, climate and batting order must agree with Marshall, who has been playing regularly. . . .

Of the 40 players invited to try out for the U.S. Olympic baseball team, 11 are from Southern California. . . .

Former Angel shortstop Dick Schofield and former Dodger second baseman Willie Randolph have formed a slick double-play combination for the New York Mets. . . .

In 300 innings of relief pitching since 1988, Dennis Eckersley has walked 28 batters. . . .

Doc Gooden used to be the most overpowering pitcher in the National League. Now it is another New York Met right-hander, David Cone. . . .

This could be the year of the pennant race. At the start of play on Memorial Day, no team had a lead of more than two games. . . .

The pitching-thin Pittsburgh Pirates might miss John Smiley and Bill Landrum more than Bobby Bonilla. . . .

Don’t expect Cecil Fielder go another 65 at-bats without a home run. . . .

Somebody please explain why Tom Glavine is 2-10 lifetime against the Montreal Expos. . . .

It is time for the NCAA to rename its regional basketball and baseball tournaments. California will represent the East Regional in the College World Series and Cal State Fullerton the South I Regional. . . .

The Ruelas brothers, Gabriel and Rafael, might be making their final appearances at the Country Club in Reseda tonight. If they win as expected, both will fight on a USA network show in Palm Springs July 7. . . .

The Boxing Writers Assn. will present its fighter-of-the-year trophy next month in New York. My choice is Terry Norris. . . .

Alexis Arguello fought an exhibition in Managua, Nicaragua Friday during the grand opening of his gym. . . .

A.P. Indy probably will be favored to win the Belmont Stakes June 6 after his impressive win in the Peter Pan at Belmont Sunday. . . .

The Hollywood Park meeting is attracting far more bettors off-track than on-track. . . .

Are the Kings holding off a decision on Tom Webster’s replacement until they can talk to Chicago Blackhawk associate coach Darryl Sutter after the Stanley Cup finals?. . . .

The Penguin-Blackhawk series that begins tonight at Pittsburgh could be special. Both teams are sizzling. Too bad so few people will be able to see the games on SportsChannel. . . .

The U.S. Olympic hockey team should benefit from the coaching change from Dave Peterson to Tim Taylor. . . .

The Goodwill Games people would be unwise to choose New York City-Long Island over Dallas, Miami and St. Louis for the 1998 event. Don’t they remember all the empty seats in another big city, Los Angeles, for the Olympic Festival last year? . . .

Ascot Park fans used to see better race-car driving than that in Indianapolis Sunday. . . .

I don’t mind a 1 hour 14 minute inning--like the eighth in Yankee Stadium on Memorial Day--when 13 runs are scored. It’s the scoreless, 25-minute inning that bores me.