Are They Watching the Same Manager?

I awakened this morning, picked up my L.A. Times, turned to the sports section and discovered my worst fears. Tommy Lasorda was “awarded” an extension for another year. Surely, this reward is based strictly on his public-relations expertise and not on his managerial skills.

I attend many games during the season and listen to many others, and find fault with much of his managing performance and decisions. He’s certainly no Whitey Herzog, Dick Williams or Jim Leyland. The Dodgers must be extremely happy with his ability to cajole and subtly manipulate the press.

Score it no runs, no hits, one big error.

JERRY POMERANCE

Sherman Oaks

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Hats off to Tommy Lasorda. After the Dodgers’ miserable start, this has been Tommy’s finest year as manager. He has basically played eight players and is pulling pitchers a batter earlier as a rule. He has a .500 club and it has played better than that. He’s doing an outstanding job and if it keeps up, anything can happen.

JOHN WAGONER

Holtville