Dodger Way to Play Needs to Be Changed

Pathetic. That’s what the Dodgers are.

The entire organization should be ashamed of its performance.

From the batting practice lobs of Carlos Perez, to the lackadaisical fielding of Gary Sheffield (and I don’t want to hear about those painful ankles any more), to the Little League fielding of Adrian Beltre and the flailing bats of Tom Goodwin, Todd Hundley and Eric Karros--I have had it with this “team.”

Is it too much to ask that these guys give a little more of an effort for the fan who might only take in a game or two each season? Is it too much to ask that they be professional?

And is there any managerial or coaching skill on the Dodger bench? Perez labors through long half-innings, and yet there are the Dodger hitters swinging away at first and second pitches as if they were hungry for more punishment out in the field. Are Davey Johnson and crew talking to the players about taking a few pitches? Just what is Johnson doing anyway, waiting for the three-run bomb to bail him out again?

I can’t imagine that Jason Kendall sees anything at all attractive about the possibility of playing for this team. And if Alex Rodriguez is catching the Dodger lowlights each night on “SportsCenter,” I’m quite certain the thought of playing here is making him queasy.

Think Blue? No thanks.

DON FULTON

Torrance

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Prediction 1--The Dodgers’ team doctor will determine that Darren Dreifort is suffering from a decreased blood flow to his brain caused by his cap being too small. Bob Daly will call for suggestions and a ballboy will suggest a larger cap.

Prediction 2--Kevin Malone will continue to have his hair cut by Edward Scissorhands, explaining “if it’s good enough for Clint Eastwood, it’s good enough for me.”

Prediction 3--Mike Fetters will dislocate the third cervical vertebra in his neck by turning his head too quickly to get the sign from the catcher. The team doctor will recommend that Fetters loses eight to 10 pounds from his lower jaw.

Prediction 4--Fetters will take one too many deep breaths on the mound, hyperventilate and pass out. The first-base umpire will call a balk and the winning run will score from third base.

Prediction 5--Devon White will miss all but one of the remaining games because of a slight case of warts on the back of his left shoulder.

FRED E. STEMRICH

Claremont

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Note to Frank Jobe:

Next week when you’re operating on Carlos Perez’s shoulder, is there any way you can just remove it?

JOSH SEGAL

San Diego

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Not once this season has Dodger General Manager Kevin Malone uttered his famous words, “We’re on the same page.” Maybe he threw the book away, because fans weren’t buying fiction.

BILL STEIN

Arroyo Grande