Readers Answer Piazza Ultimatum

The pace at which professional sports are turning off the fan is quickening. Mike Piazza is a 62nd-round draft pick who made it to the show. America loves an underdog. And we loved Mike. Until now.

Agent Dan Lozano “would like Piazza to go into next season with a clear mind, so that he can concentrate on having another great year.” A clear mind? Does Mike have marital problems? Don’t think so. Does Mike have financial problems? Don’t think so. Do Mike’s children have problems at school or serious health problems? Don’t think so. Fair market value? Holding the Dodgers hostage is more like it.

JOHN J. CONNOLLY, Long Beach

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If Webster were defining greed or gall these days, Mike Piazza would surely come to mind. $15 million or so, by Feb. 15, or goodbye and good luck? Do the Dodgers really need him so much that they would risk losing the financial ability to sign free agents and retain other proven stars? He is arguably not the best or most versatile catcher in baseball--think Pudge Rodriguez or Charles Johnson. Yes, he’s popular--a popularity he owes in large part to the Dodgers--but as his knees weaken so will his fame and favor.

JUDY RUBIN, Los Angeles

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I hope Fred Claire trades Mike Piazza for the following reasons: The Dodgers get an opportunity to shore up the defense, go after a starting left-hander and tap into their own organization.

By trading Piazza, preferably to an American League team, Piazza gets all the money he wants and the opportunity to save his legs as the designated hitter.

In the end, you have to ask, do you want a guy with great stats or a team that plays to its potential?

ENRIQUE GUERRERO, Los Angeles