She Must Not Have a Series on Network

I think that Fox Sports’ starting coverage of the 2002 World Series was extremely flawed by not showing Jackie Autry throwing the first pitch. This was disrespectful to Gene Autry and to all fans of the game.

GEORGE BIRD

Eagle Rock

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Who are these baseball experts who know so much more than Tim McCarver, who played 21 years and hit over .300 in three World Series?

As to his ability at analyzing the game, may I remind you that he called the ninth-inning hit that won the 2001 Series for Arizona? He noted that a left-handed batter often dropped a hit over the infield with the fielders drawn in. Next pitch, that’s exactly what happened and the Diamondbacks were the champions.

Despite what the letters said Saturday, he is a fine commentator.

MORTIMER CHAMBERS

Los Angeles

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As a Dodger fan, my worst nightmare has become a reality: The Angels and Giants are in the World Series while the Dodgers continue to try to find themselves. Nevertheless, congratulations to the current Angel players for their sheer determination in grinding out victories. Their style of play is second to none.

The same praise, however, cannot be relayed to the sudden wannabe and fair-weather bandwagon fans suddenly pledging their allegiance to the team. Where were you a few weeks back when only 26,000 turned out to view a crucial game against the Oakland Athletics? At least the Dodgers can draw 30,000 on a weekday night even against the Milwaukee Brewers!

Jim Edmonds said it best when he labeled Anaheim fans as apathetic. Of course, it doesn’t help when an organization doesn’t have a clue when it comes to marketing its team: The colors and logo change just about every year! And this year is no different since the choice was to recycle the old Texas Ranger uniform.

Let’s face it, despite its World Series appearance, the Angel organization is clearly 20 years behind everyone, especially when it comes to tapping into the lucrative Latino market. Remember, even our Canadian neighbors (Blue Jays) saw this advantage in the early ‘80s and it has taken the Angels that long in recognizing the obvious.

My advice to Peter Ueberroth, Mexican billionaire Carlos Peralta or any other potential buyers: Save your money.

ARMANDO OLIVAS

Orange

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Bill Shaikin’s Oct. 19 article asks if the 2002 World Series really pits the two best teams against each other, or merely the two “hottest” teams.

Not mentioned is that these two teams were indeed the best in their leagues over the full 162 games at something that ought to be a pretty good indicator of quality baseball: The ability to score more runs than the team allows.

In the AL, the Angels scored 207 runs more than their opponents, the best margin in the league (New York was next with 200, then Boston with 194).

In the NL, the Giants outscored their opponents by 167 runs. That was the best margin, with Arizona next at 145. Atlanta, despite having the most wins, was only third, at 143 more runs than their opponents.

Sometimes even 162 games is not enough to determine who is really the best. But, thanks to the wild-card format, this Series really does pit the best vs. the best.

MATTHEW SHUGART

Bonsall

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My only question regarding the World Series is:

What would Bob Gibson do to Barry Bonds?

SID SULLIVAN

Pasadena

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I strongly suggest room service for Barry ... all the way from Sacramento.

CHRIS MORGAN

Diamond Bar