Fans React Negatively to Dodger Deals ...

This week’s trade follies bring a whole new meaning to the phrase “Think Blue.”

Brian K. Haueter

Ventura

*

I think we were lucky in 1988 that the general manager didn’t decide to trade the most popular and productive Dodger, Orel Hershiser, and two other contributors to the team’s chemistry and win total, just to get a bigger bat in the lineup and two other average players.

T.F. Andre

Altadena

*

Paul DePodesta, it will take you years, and at least one championship, to win back the support of the fans. When I imagine the Dodgers getting the last out in Game 7 of the World Series, I picture Eric Gagne and Paul Lo Duca running toward each other to start the celebration.

I have a sneaking suspicion that we’ll end up watching Lo Duca lead his new team to a championship, possibly beginning the celebration on the mound ... with Guillermo Mota.

Ethan Oates

Santa Cruz

*

Forget whether DePodesta made a wise tactical move in dismantling a team in first place (and pulling away). Even if it works, will I feel good about rooting for a bunch of last-minute ringers?

The Dodgers were exciting. Picture Lo Duca sliding into the dugout and making the catch against the Giants. Picture Dave Roberts dusting off his front after stealing a bag.

I enjoyed the Dodgers because of who they were -- not just because they were in first place. The Dodgers may end up winning this season. The question is, will I care?

John Rustan

Petaluma

*

Until Friday, July 30, we had a competitive team for the first time in almost a generation -- you know, the first since 1988, when Paul DePodesta was 13. We were in first place, leading the Padres by 3 1/2 games, the Giants by 5 1/2 .

Then it had to end. Why? Money? Future real estate transactions? To enrich the Red Sox lineup? To set up the Dodgers to lose? I know why it was not done -- to field a winning baseball team. That is the last thing on DePodesta’s mind. Has he ever been to a baseball game?

Lee Harris

Burbank

*

What I find most shocking is that a rookie, 31-year-old general manager has the latitude to make the kinds of trades he did. DePodesta’s comments that “this isn’t personal, it’s just business” tells the whole story. But isn’t anyone else looking over this guy’s shoulder?

Pat Daigh

Irvine

*

In 1998, when the Dodgers traded their All-Star catcher and most popular player, my heart was crushed. Only two things made me feel better. The firing of General Manager Fred Claire, and the emergence of Paul Lo Duca.

In 2004, when the Dodgers traded their All-Star catcher and most popular player, my heart was crushed. I can only think of two things that will make me feel better ...

Myke Friscia

North Hollywood

*

Clearly, there is danger in the Dodger executive office: something in the air poisons the mind of the general manager, forces him to make poorly conceived trades, and transports him to a dreamland where he fanaticizes about how the mediocre players he acquired will miraculously perform better than the stars he dealt away.

There’s no other explanation for such stupidity.

Harlan Lebo

West Los Angeles

*

The moral of the twisted wreckage that is now the Dodgers: Never trust a New Englander to own or operate a California team, especially one that has to borrow money to do so.

What a sickening, sickening turn of events. I miss Peter O’Malley. I miss Tommy Lasorda. I even miss Fred Claire.

Gerald M. Reeves

El Cajon

*

At the beginning of the season we heard all the great things about DePodesta’s “moneyball” brand of management. We heard about the savvy young men who worked on computers crunching numbers to find the best player for the best price versus the old scouts chomping on cigars, getting a gut feeling about a player.

Now, in the midst of one of the best years the Dodgers have had in a while, we get to see “moneyball” in action. I, for one, don’t like it.

You can’t quantify Lo Duca’s heart and leadership; you can’t put a price tag on Roberts’ spark to start a rally; and you can’t write a computer program to enumerate the cold water Mota would throw on a team in the eighth.

I was crushed to see the teary-eyed Roberts and Lo Duca talk about staying in Dodger uniforms until the end of their careers. You cannot buy that kind of loyalty, dedication and class. Unfortunately for the Dodgers and their fans, DePodesta’s computer program only works with numbers.

Jake Anderson

Victorville

*

Would Times readers help me answer some simple questions:

1) What is a Dodger?

2) Who are the Dodgers?

3) What exactly is a team in baseball these days?

4) How much fun is it to watch a sport where last week’s competitors are this week’s teammates?

My answers:

1) A uniform. 2) A roster of names. 3) I don’t know. 4) Not much.

Michael McKinney

Irvine

*

Tell me, Paul DePodesta, in your precious computer, do you show any postseason series wins for those A’s you worked for? I remember them getting bounced every year.

Welcome to the Los Angeles A’s.

Kevin Weir

Monrovia

*

Wasn’t it Richard Riordan who said that the name “Paul DePodesta” meant really stupid general manager? No arguments there.

Jack Dietz

Los Angeles

*

Because I share the name of the former Dodger general manager, I used to be defensive whenever someone would ask me if I worked for the Dodgers.

Now, I can only thank God that my name isn’t Paul DePodesta. It’s one thing to not be able to pull the trigger on a trade, but it’s quite another to shoot wildly and blow off both of your feet.

Dan Evans

Covina