VIEWPOINT LETTERS

Here is the first envelope: The answer is “Dumb and Dumber.”

The question: What is Major League Baseball and Bud Selig?

Donna Rizzardo

Harbor City

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So The Times condemns the Angels for not trading for a quality midseason replacement, citing Boston’s acquisition of Cliff Floyd, since “he already has a ring, so he can help us get one too.” I disagree. The beauty of baseball is in the play of a well-balanced team. Sure, everyone wants to win the World Series, but which did you think really turned on the fans more--the mercenary Marlin championship, or the Mets’ wonderful run to make the Series in 2000 (even though they lost)?

The Angel team we have is a great team to root for. I hope they win the pennant, but just being in the race with this team that oozes teamwork is a joy to most of us die-hard fans.

Steve Prepas

Newport Beach

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The Dodgers trade Ricardo Rodriguez, their No. 1 prospect according to Baseball America, for setup man Paul Shuey. Sounds vaguely familiar. Like trading No. 1 prospect Paul Konerko for reliever Jeff Shaw in 1998.

If the Dodgers are going to mortgage their future to win now, they should at least glance at the numbers. Their pitching is second in the league, and the offense is 12th and sinking. Enough pitching already! Does the front office really think upgrading Beltre, Grudzielanek, Jordan or Karros will disappoint the fans? Getting shut out 11 times is what I find disappointing.

Brian Greene

Los Angeles

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If Eric Karros is so worried about being benched in favor of Tyler Houston [July 30], maybe he should stop killing rallies with double-play balls, or acting as if it’s somehow beneath him to run out a grounder to short.

Dan Epstein

Los Angeles