Notes on a Scorecard - Oct. 5, 1993

Fred Claire was beaming after the Dodgers had eliminated the San Francisco Giants from the last title race of the two-division National League. . . .

“I hope this is something we can build upon,” he said. . . .

But now it is up to the general manager--who should also be aware that the Dodgers lost three of their last four games to the Giants--to build a winner after the only season finish at exactly .500 in the 104-year history of the franchise. . . .

The team probably needs a left-handed starter, left-handed reliever, and left-handed power hitter to contend with San Francisco in the new four-team West Division. . . .

Claire has indicated that the Dodgers won’t be very active in the free-agent market. However, a deal or two could be in order. Carlos Hernandez would be attractive trade bait. He is a good young catcher, but the Dodgers have a better one. . . .

This is not a politically correct thought, but the left-handed power hitter might be Darryl Strawberry. Tom Lasorda spent the first day of his off-season visiting Strawberry in Arizona. . . .

Nicest touch of the postgame prize giveaway Sunday was Mike Piazza conducting a drawing for the jersey of 1992 rookie-of-the-year Eric Karros and then Karros doing the same for certain 1993 rookie-of- the-year Piazza. . . .

There are a lot of things Whitey Herzog can do to improve the Angels, but these do not include signing Vince Coleman or trading Mark Langston. . . .

Baseball pluses: The growth of a multitude of young stars in both leagues, the incredible attendance in Colorado, and the great NL West race. . . .

Minuses: The San Diego Padres’ fire sale, the bench-clearing brawls, and the dilution of talent caused by expansion. . . .

Dodger coach Joe Ferguson’s first managerial job will be with La Romana of the Dominican Winter League. . . .

John Olerud didn’t become the first .400 hitter since Ted Williams, but was the first American League batter to receive 33 intentional walks since Williams in 1957. . . .

The Don Baylor of pitchers is the Philadelphia Phillies’ Danny Jackson, who also has been a member of league championship series teams in Kansas City in 1985, Cincinnati in 1990 and Pittsburgh in 1992. . . .

Mr. Consistency: New York Met first baseman Eddie Murray’s power numbers in his 17th season in the major leagues were 28 home runs and 100 RBIs, compared to his career average of 27 homers and 98 RBIs. . . .

Cal Ripken Jr.’s consecutive game streak is at 1,897, keeping him at a pace to break Lou Gehrig’s record of 2,130 in June of 1995. . . .

Mike Brito says the only two pitchers ever to register 100 m.p.h. on his speed gun at Dodger Stadium were Nolan Ryan and J.R. Richard. . . .

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The Raiders didn’t exactly rush Rocket Ismail into action, but Art Shell should give him plenty of quality time at wide receiver and kickoff returner the rest of the season. . . .

I don’t think Mike Pagel is the answer in Anaheim. . . .

Former Raider cornerback Lester Hayes writes to say that being selected to the All-Madden team of the decade is the “biggest accolade of my life.” . . .

Don’t be surprised if the Miami Dolphins sign Christian Okoye. . . .

The Cleveland Browns aren’t afraid to bench Bernie Kosar--or give him a seven-year contract. . . .

Florida State might be the best college football team in years, but the top-ranked Seminoles’ path to the national title includes games against No. 3 Miami, No. 4 Notre Dame and No. 5 Florida. And then it might be No. 2 Alabama on New Year’s Day. . . .

No. 6 Ohio State is underrated. . . .

Phoenix Suns’ forward A.C. Green--that still sounds strange--will be a guest on the Chevy Chase show tonight on Channel 11. . . .

A young heavyweight prospect with a big punch, Samson Pouha, will headline the USA network card tonight against Jason Walters. Pouha is 9-0 with nine knockouts, weighs about 240, and is blessed with quick hands. . . .

The 31-day Oak Tree meeting that opens Wednesday at Santa Anita and includes Breeders’ Cup and California Cup days should be the most glamorous in its 25-year history. . . .

Most interesting matchup of the long opening week will occur Monday, when Jolypha is expected to face Hollywood Wildcat in the $100,000 Lady’s Secret Handicap. . . .

Despite some recent setbacks, trainer Bobby Frankel still believes Jolypha is the best horse he has ever trained. Third in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic as a 3-year-old filly, she has been training in terrific style for her return to a dirt track and will have a new rider in Pat Day. . . .

Postseason predictions: Atlanta over Philadelphia in seven games, Toronto over Chicago in six, Atlanta over Toronto in six.