Article on Lasorda Is Positively Wrong

With the exception of a few oblique references to Tommy Lasorda’s weaknesses, Bob Nightengale’s piece on the Dodger manager [Feb. 18] could easily be inserted into the Dodger yearbook. Such one-sided praise should be unworthy of a Times reporter, particularly when Lasorda’s managerial flaws are so glaring.

As for Nightengale’s reference to Lasorda outmanaging Davey Johnson in 1988, who can forget Johnson’s comment at the time that he would never have used his young pitchers the way Lasorda had, even if it cost him the championship--a reference to Orel Hershiser’s overuse during the playoffs and World Series. Johnson was right on the money, as Hershiser’s arm broke down the following season. And who can forget Tom Niedenfuer, whose tired, overworked arm gave up the legendary homer to Jack Clark? And don’t forget a fellow by the name of Fernando Valenzuela.

With strong pitching and four consecutive rookies of the year, only a weak front office and a mediocre manager can keep the Dodgers from running away in the weakest division in baseball.

SKIP USEN

Los Angeles

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Congratulations, Tommy Lasorda, on declaring your team champions for the 1996 season. Please rush me four tickets to the World Series.

ALBERT NEVARES

Chino