Notes on a Scorecard - May 20, 1993

The-split-the-first-two-games-on-the-road formula has worked twice for the Kings in the NHL playoffs already, so why not again? . . .

Canada’s public enemy No. 1, Marty McSorley, was probably the most-effective player Wednesday in Toronto. . . .

McSorley had the Leafs falling from hard but clean checks, controlled the puck perhaps better than he ever has, and never lost his energy despite the heavy workload. . . .

It was no coincidence that Eric Davis hit a grand slam soon after the arrival at Dodger Stadium of minor league hitting instructor Reggie Smith. . . .

Earlier this season, Smith was summoned to spend some time with the slumping Davis and Darryl Strawberry. They responded well to his tips. Then Smith left for a tour of the farm system and Davis and Strawberry struggled again. . . .

Reggie will be back beating the bushes again soon, but his future at Dodger Stadium would seem to be bright. . . .

Eventually, it should include a title much more imposing than, say, major league batting instructor. . . .

Never a Mr. Congeniality award winner during his distinguished 17-year playing career, the Centennial High graduate has improved his public relations as much as Bill Walton. . . .

When Smith speaks, people listen. The other night, 22-year-old Dodger prospect Raul Mondesi was his subject. . . .

“He could be the best player in the National League in a few years,” Smith said about the 5-foot-11, 202-pound outfielder from the Dominican Republic who is at Albuquerque of the Pacific Coast League. . . .

“Mondesi has got it all,” Smith said. “He can hit, hit with power, run, and field. He has a better throwing arm than anybody in the majors right now. He’s the only outfielder I’ve ever seen who can play all three positions well, and he’s only half-a-click behind (Tom) Goodwin as a runner.” . . .

However, Mondesi hit only .250 with two home runs and 27 runs batted in during his first 39 games this season with Albuquerque. . . .

“He’s got to learn how to ride out the slumps and not get frustrated,” Smith said. “But he’s maturing.” . . .

Last year, Mondesi got so discouraged that he missed a team flight and was demoted to San Antonio of the Texas League. Knee and hand injuries also slowed his progress and limited him to 53 games for the season. . . .

“Wait until you see this guy in a couple of years,” Smith said. “He’s going to be exciting. Actually, he would be exciting in the National League today, even if he did struggle.” . . .

*

Talk about playing hurt. Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda often throws 40 minutes of batting practice despite a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder. The diagnosis was made after he pitched 13 innings during a fantasy camp game at Vero Beach in February. . . .

Meanwhile, how is this for a major league All-Star disabled list team: 1B--Andres Galarraga; 2B--Billy Ripken; SS--Shawon Dunston; 3B--Kelly Gruber; C--Sandy Alomar Jr.; OF--Darryl Strawberry, Tim Raines, Mike Devereaux; starting pitchers--Nolan Ryan, Chris Bosio, Charles Nagy, Bruce Hurst, Sid Fernandez; relievers--Rob Dibble, Todd Worrell, Steve Howe. . . .

News on the Dodger Stadium message board of Fernando Valenzuela’s two-hit, eight-inning victory for the Baltimore Orioles drew a round of applause Tuesday night. . . .

According to the Cincinnati Reds’ media guide, Kevin Mitchell weighs 210. According to the scales, he weighs 245. . . .

Thumbs up to announcer Joe Garagiola for donating his paychecks from 10 San Diego Padre telecasts to the Baseball Assistance Team that helps needy ex-ballplayers and their families. . . .

The national tennis championship the Trojans won in hostile Athens, Ga., Tuesday was the second for Coach Dick Leach in three years and improved his record at USC to 369-74. . . .

USC could sweep its nonconference, non-killer basketball schedule next season with games against Notre Dame, Pennsylvania, Loyola Marymount, San Diego State, Cal State Sacramento and Howard at home and Tennessee Martin, South Florida and Missouri Kansas City on the road. . . .

Note that the Clippers’ season ticket advertisements mention Danny--as in Manning--but after Mark (Jackson) and Stanley (Roberts). . . .

A Los Angeles cable viewer switching channels from the Islanders to the Knicks to the Mets Tuesday night must have wondered what city he was in. . . .

Raider quarterback Todd Marinovich will speak Saturday at a sports seminar presented by his father Marv at the Sporting Club in Irvine. Todd’s subject? Mental focusing.