Readers Won’t Give Them a Break

Wow! Angel outfielder Darin Erstad had an absolutely sensational first half of the 2000 season. He led the league with 144 hits, batting .384, with 17 home runs and 66 RBIs. It’s about time the Angel front office starts thinking about trading him.

JOE LYOU, Gardena

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After studying the Dodger almanac printed [July 8], I have finally figured out how the Dodgers can be assured of a winning season: Simply play only extra-inning road games against NL Central teams with right-handed starters on artificial turf at night!

STEPHEN BOCK, West Hills

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I wonder if the idea for the premise of the TV series “Survivor” came from observing the Dodger pitching staff. Both seem to lose a player each week or so.

BILL STEIN, Arroyo Grande

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Reader Mike McDonald needs to be careful in using complete games to “prove” Darren Dreifort is not a starter [Viewpoint, July 8]. Dreifort’s lifetime three complete games out of 72 starts is 4.2%. Last year the majors had a not-too-much-better 4.9%, and so far this year, the two leagues’ starting pitchers are finishing 4.2% of their starts, with the National League coming in at only 3.7%.

Dreifort seems about average in this respect. Most teams would be glad to have him, and the Dodgers would be foolish to let him go.

MICHAEL HELWIG, Canoga Park

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Jason Reid’s extensive report on the state of the Dodgers at the All-Star break could easily have been edited down to two words--”Bye, Davey.”

JACK TRACY, Ventura