Dodgers Might Be in a Worrell of Hurt

Let’s hand over the closer role from Todd Worrell to the rest of the excellent Dodger bullpen before the inevitable happens in the postseason. You can see it now . . . Game 7 of the NLCS against the Braves, Dodgers holding a 3-1 lead in the last of the ninth, nobody on and Worrell facing their 3-4-5 batters. A walk and two pitches later, Braves win, 4-3.

Forget the number of saves this guy has--most of them were gimmes and/or made a lot more difficult than they needed to be--and look at the demoralizing effect his blown saves have brought to the team and fans. We can’t afford any more of these down the stretch.

MARK WILLIAMS

Thousand Oaks

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Monday’s loss to the Pirates showed beyond a doubt that nobody gives up runs more efficiently than Todd Worrell. You just can’t beat three runs after three batters.

Worrell is clearly past his prime. He knows it. You can’t blame him, though, because he gives his best effort. The fans know it. But you can’t blame them for booing him, because they care about the team. The only person who doesn’t know it is Bill Russell.

NICK KAPUR

Tarzana

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Four easy steps for a Dodger World Series victory:

1. Get rid of any senior executives who are former sportswriters who traded away Pedro Martinez for a malcontent second baseman who is now in St. Louis.

2. Fire any managers who are former mediocre major league shortstops who have more personal loyalty to has-been relief pitchers than dedication to winning.

3. Release any active players named Todd.

4. Fully staff the concession stands so the fans can be in their seats cheering the team instead of waiting two innings for a hot dog.

GREG HATFIELD

San Dimas