Unfortunately, Dodgers Have the Write Stuff

Here’s an idea: Trade Bill Plaschke for Fred Claire! Dodger fans have paid for the 1988 fluke championship ever since Fred’s first giveaway (Bob “20-game winner” Welch for Alfredo Griffin) failed to sink the team. Deemed brilliant strategy by Plaschke, any real fan knew it was the hottest pitcher in history (Orel Hershiser) taking charge.

But, given credit where none was due, Peter O’Malley’s golfing buddy Claire made it his model for talent toss-aways. The Pedro Martinez-for-Delino DeShields trade looks like the Red Sox’s cursed fire sale of Ruth more every day. Again, a pitcher of promise for a second baseman? Bill, Fred, ever play the game?

Times sportswriters have promoted more bad ideas and mediocre ballplayers into overpaid long-term contracts than [fired Dodger President Bob] Graziano.

CRAIG TEPPER

Santa Monica

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I was a bit confused by the pious comments of Dodger General Manager Kevin Malone in the wake of the firing of President Bob Graziano: “I believe God brought me here to Los Angeles by His sovereignty and we’re just going to keep trying to get the job done.”

To whom was Malone referring, the Supreme Being or Rupert Murdoch?

ROBERT M. OSTROVE

Oxnard

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Now that Fox brass has given Bob Graziano the hook, Piazza fans are eager to chase Carey.

HALE ANTICO

Pasadena

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A pre-postmortem on the Dodgers’ season and the crowded gangplank on the craft formerly known as the Good Ship O’Malley: Any semi-acute observer of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire would have to spot the theme of appealing to the lowest common denominator--the car-crash shows, pursuits, Page 3 “girls.” That a well-crafted cottage business has been bought by a corporate giant, gutted and left to lurch off course cannot be a surprise to any fan. Mr. Murdoch has brought to the Dodgers what he sells to much of America: drivel, pure and simple.

BOB HOLMES

Northridge

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Raul Mondesi says his profane remarks were highly inappropriate, especially considering he is a role model. I didn’t know he was a comedian too.

He’s a role model? For whom, juvenile delinquents?

BILL STEIN

Arroyo Grande

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Who’s next? Vin Scully?

HOWARD MATIONG

Gardena