Dodger, Angel Deals Not Thrilling Fans

Once again, the Dodgers spent the World Series hitting golf balls instead of fastballs, and the reason is simple: The front office remains paralyzed by the 1994 Pedro Martinez-Delino DeShields debacle.

Management timidity brought journeymen Wayne Kirby, Chad Curtis, Dave Clark and Tim Wallach to Chavez Ravine during the ’96 season, while bolder pennant contenders made late-season deals for Denny Neagle, Todd Zeile and Greg Vaughn. Heck, General Manager Fred Claire seemed to quiver at the mere mention of trading weak-hitting Roger Cedeno.

Now comes the momentous news that the Dodgers acquired shortstop Tripp Cromer and third baseman John Wehner. That should KO the Braves in ’97.

Let’s hope Claire is playing golf when Dick Schofield and Scott Sanderson clear waivers.

JAY HOWARD GREEN

Long Beach

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Great. By trading for Mark Gubicza, the Angels now have cornered the market on pitchers who had a legitimate shot at losing 20 in 1996 until their seasons were cut short by injury (Gubicza) or a trip to the minors (Jim Abbott). I guess the fact that Gubicza’s leg was shattered by a line drive, coupled with the fact that he lost 12 games by July 4, tells us all we need to know about how sound his arm is after six years on the disabled list. On the other hand, he did start the season, which is more than you can say about most of the Angels’ recent pitching acquisitions.

RICHARD A. FOND

Los Angeles