Offerman’s Problems Really Lasorda’s Fault? Fans Say No Way, Jose

Let me get this straight, Jose. You bobble routine grounders and sail or sink easy throws, but that’s Tommy Lasorda’s fault. You’ve led the league in errors for three seasons, but the blame lies with Tommy. Despite your speed, you run the bases like the guy who planned strategy for Gen. Custer, but we’re pointing the finger at Tommy. You are paid far more than most folks who work eight hours a day, yet you can’t concentrate on your job and keep your head in a three-hour game . . . but that’s Tommy’s fault too.

Just wanted to be sure I understood, Jose. Thanks for clearing this up.

MEL POWELL

Los Angeles

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According to Jose Offerman, charter member of the Jose Offerman Fan Club: “I thought I was doing OK, all year long.” Perhaps it’s a language problem, but 33 RBIs and 35 errors are not my idea of OK. How about lousy?

BURT PRELUTSKY

North Hills

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I have five words for Mike Downey regarding his column on Jose Offerman: Yes. A thousand times. Yes.

SANDY MARONEY

Del Mar

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You were smacking around a fallen stallion there, weren’t you, Mike Downey? I admit to Offerman’s defensive lapses and their disastrous effects, but I choose to look at Jose’s abilities and get jazzed when he’s in a groove at the plate.

OK, so maybe the yank was in order (a gutsy move by Lasorda standards), but give Jose a break. Encouragement--yes, even after five years--might be the best prescription for Offerman. Otherwise the Dodgers will give up on him and he will come back to burn them.

ADAM WAYNE

Venice

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In 1959, the Dodgers brought up a 26-year-old minor leaguer named Maury Wills to replace Don Zimmer at shortstop. The rest is history. Wills was a hungry, fiery, intimidating ballplayer with the perfect personality for a shortstop.

Maybe history is repeating itself 36 years later with 24-year-old Chad Fonville. He may not be another Maury Wills, but he’s out of the same mold. I’m surprised he wasn’t moved to short over Offerman months ago. Now they’ve got a chance.

DELL FRANKLIN

Cayucos