Dodgers Not Afraid to Make Unpopular Deals

On July 13, Paul Konerko--now of the Cincinnati Reds, thanks to Tommy Lasorda--went three for four, including a ninth-inning home run that won the game. But, in Monday’s “Bests of the Day,” Konerko’s accomplishments were not listed. Is that because the L.A. Times chooses not to embarrass Lasorda by publicizing his blunder?

GENE COFSKY, Tarzana

*

Just heard that newly acquired Jeff Shaw has a clause in his contract whereby he can demand a trade because he was traded during a multiyear contract.

I have a great idea. Why not trade him to a team that has lots of young prospects, perhaps Cincinnati, for say, Paul Konerko and Dennis Reyes? The Dodgers need a fifth starter and the 21-year-old Reyes has great potential and major league experience, and Konerko, only 22, is a terrific prospect and 1997 minor league player of the year. The Dodgers have a hole in left field and could play him there. Cincinnati needs a closer and the grizzled veteran Shaw could stabilize their young team. It would be a steal for the Dodgers, but of course it will never happen. No major league general manager would be stupid enough to trade Konerko and Reyes for a 32-year-old relief pitcher.

JOHN CORTO, Modesto

*

After Brian Bohanon’s “sterling” debut against the Padres, I hope the Dodgers at least got some trinkets and $24 from the Mets so they can salvage something from the trade. I suppose in two weeks, Tommy will trade Bohanon back to the Mets for Hideo Nomo.

JOE COHEN, Los Angeles