Johnson Won’t Change Style Despite Criticism

The Dodgers were disappointed about a 2-4 homestand against the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs, teams a combined 27 games under .500 beginning play Friday.

Dodger Manager Davey Johnson was especially frustrated because of the club’s poor execution and missed opportunities.

Dodger officials were upset because they believe Johnson should have managed more efficiently in late-inning situations, sacrificing to advance runners.

But that’s not Johnson’s style.

Although Johnson is under fire for his strategy and didn’t improve his position during the previous two series, he said he doesn’t plan to change at this point.

He will stick with what helped him become baseball’s winningest active manager no matter what others think.

“All of a sudden to reinvent the wheel isn’t going to win any more ballgames,” Johnson said. “Maybe in somebody else’s mind it will, but not in my mind.”

Chairman Bob Daly and General Manager Kevin Malone have encouraged Johnson to manage more aggressively.

They want to see the Dodgers do more of the “little things,” though Johnson said the team wasn’t built to do that.

Johnson relies on home runs and execution, trusting veteran players to perform in key situations.

“In certain situations, you have to put the ball in play,” said Johnson, alluding to the team’s execution problems.

“There are certain situations in a ballgame where that’s what you’re paid to do. That’s why some guys make the big bucks.”

Former Baltimore Oriole manager Earl Weaver, Johnson’s mentor, rarely sacrificed with primarily power-hitting clubs. That’s the way Johnson does it too.

“With guys who are run producers, I may have bunted once,” said Johnson, in his 14th season managing in the majors. “And I’ve won my share of ballgames.”

Malone acknowledged that the Dodgers are built for power, but he said they still must do what it takes to win.

“No matter what you’re based on, power or speed, you still have to do the little things,” Malone said. “There are days you’re just not going to hit home runs. What are you going to do those days?”

*

The Dodgers announced Daly plans to pay $71,000 in fines the commissioner’s office ordered against 16 players, three coaches and a nonroster bullpen catcher stemming from the May 16 melee at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

“That’s awesome,” said left fielder Gary Sheffield, whose second suspension appeal hearing is scheduled Aug. 29 at Milwaukee.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen with that, and he really stepped up. That says a lot about the individual and the organization.”

TODAY

DODGERS’

ISMAEL VALDES

(2-5, 6.10 ERA)

vs.

BRAVES’

GREG MADDUX

(12-6, 3.21 ERA)

Turner Field, 10:15 a.m. PDT

TV--Channel 11

Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330)

* Update--Valdes hopes to rebound after his poor performance Aug. 6 in the Brewers’ 9-6 victory. The right-hander gave up eight hits and seven runs in only 1 1/3 innings in his first start at Dodger Stadium since being reacquired from the Chicago Cubs. “I’m very disappointed in myself,” Valdes said. “I came here to help this team, and I don’t have time to waste with games like that. I can’t make mistakes like that. My performance has to be better and I have to turn it around.” Maddux took the loss May 3 in the Dodgers’ 6-4 victory at Dodger Stadium.