Similar Dodger Teams Have Won Championships

All summer I’ve listened to folks gripe about the Dodgers: the porous defense, the shaky bullpen, the Eric Davis deal.

How soon they forget! L.A. thrived for years with converted outfielders at second base and shortstop. I don’t believe the Dodgers have ever had a 30-save reliever, and they have turned the revival of declining power hitters into a cottage industry. Remember Jimmy Wynn, Reggie Smith, Dusty Baker and Kirk Gibson?

If fact, since 1974, this same basic strategy has produced two World Series championships, seven division titles and at least three other clubs that were still contending in the final weekend of the season.

This year’s team is a flop, sure, but I’d say it’s bad luck rather than bad management. If you hate the Dodgers, gloat now, because history suggests it may be several years before you get another chance.

LARRY S. ISRAELSON, Beaumont