Notes on a Scorecard - Oct. 4, 1995

Not to rush to judgment, but Game 1 of the Dodger-Cincinnati series was pivotal. . . .

I mean, it’s awfully hard to like the chances of the Dodgers after a 7-2 defeat that means they will have to win three of four from the Reds and dominate them on the road to advance in the National League playoffs. . . .

Who does Hal Morris think he is when he bats against L.A., Jim Eisenreich? . . .

Every time I hear Joe Morgan do commentary on TV, it reminds me that he would make a terrific manager. . . .

Not that there was much for Morgan to analyze Tuesday at the Ravine. The game was the only laugher on the first night of the postseason. . . .

The Baseball Network coverage was about as good as could be expected, considering that four games were being played at the same time. . . .

What a shame that we couldn’t have seen more of the action at Coors Field, Jacobs Field and Yankee Stadium. . . .

One postseason game in its entirety out of four isn’t nearly enough. . . .

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Who needs the L.A. Raider-Denver Bronco rivalry, now that we have the Dodgers and Rockies and are about to get the Kings and Avalanche? . . .

The Kings play Claude Lemieux and the Colorado Avalanche, formerly the Quebec Nordiques, in the opener Saturday night at the Forum. . . .

Revelation of Coach Larry Robinson’s first King training camp has been rookie goaltender Byron Dafoe. Dafoe, who was obtained along with winger Dimitri Khristich from the Washington Capitals for first- and fourth-round draft choices next year, probably will start in place of injured Kelly Hrudey against the Avalanche. . . .

The Mighty Ducks won’t open their season until Monday at Winnipeg. . . .

The difference between NHL players competing in the Winter Olympics and NBA players in the Olympics is that the hockey talent will be spread among several nations and Canada won’t dominate the tournament in the manner of the U.S. Dream Team. . . .

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Combine USC quarterbacks Brad Otton and Kyle Wachholtz and their passing efficiency rating would be the sixth highest in the nation. . . .

Of Keyshawn Johnson’s 104 catches in 16 games at USC, 84 have been for first downs. . . .

It’s conceivable the national championship could be decided Nov. 25 when Florida State and Florida close out the regular season at Gainesville. . . .

If you have a 1997 calendar, circle Sept. 13 on it. That’s when the Trojans will play Florida State at the Coliseum. . . .

An off week should mean no more injuries for UCLA before a stretch of conference games against Arizona, Stanford, California, Arizona State, Washington and USC. . . .

Owner-trainer Craig Lewis says Larry The Legend is jogging and galloping and might return to the races as early as Dec. 29 in the Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita. . . .

In a day-night doubleheader Saturday, Rafael Ruelas, making his first appearance since the Oscar De La Hoya loss, faces George Scott in the Bahamas on CBS and Lennox Lewis and Tommy Morrison test their chins on HBO. . . .

If he beats Scott, who isn’t to be confused with the actor or former ballplayer, Ruelas will fight John John Molina next. . . .

Those Peter McNeeley commercials are clever, but there is something wrong about him and his manager being rewarded for the Mike Tyson fiasco. . . .

News item: Orlando signs Jon Koncak. Reaction: That ought to solve the Magic’s glaring problem at center. . . .

How much longer can Coach Jim Mora keep his job now that the New Orleans Saints are losing games and fans? . . .

Running back Rodney Hampton’s injury, which will allow Tyrone Wheatley to start against Arizona Sunday, might be a blessing in disguise for the New York Giants. Wheatley, the first-round draft pick from Michigan, has been effective in limited duty. . . .

Among the worst moves made by the New York Jets was waiving Jeff Blake before the start of the 1994 season. Would you rather have Blake, who is off to a fast start with Cincinnati, or Boomer Esiason as your quarterback? . . .

Ryan’s Hope: Kansas City Chief quarterback Steve Bono, who ran 76 yards for a touchdown against Buddy Ryan’s Arizona Cardinals Sunday, rushed 56 times for 106 yards during his first 10 years in the NFL.