Do Dodgers have La Russa’s number?

I couldn’t help but notice that in the background of the picture of Mark Loretta rounding first was Casey Blake scoring the winning run, wearing No. 23. Tony La Russa, watching in the visiting dugout, was probably thinking, “Not again!”

That has to be a great omen for the Dodgers.

Steven Dugan,

Upland

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Although I’m rooting for the Dodgers all the way, I feel bad for Matt Holliday. Hopefully, his Game 1 error won’t ruin his career. We all know what happened to Bill Buckner and Donnie Moore.

We all know that it’s “only a game,” but even games can have tragic consequences. As for Matt Holliday, at 29 years of age, he’ll have plenty of chances to redeem himself. As long as he does it against another team besides the Dodgers, I’ll be very happy for him.

Charles Reilly

Manhattan Beach

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I read in The Times it would be St. Louis in three. On TV they said Carpenter and Wainwright would be too much for the boys in blue.

The Dodgers may still find a way to lose this thing, but for now, you want fries with that crow?

Richard Turner

Fontana

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Watching the Dodgers win in spite of Manny is like watching a dancer win a dance contest with a bowling ball tied to his leg. This is a handicap we cannot afford. What is the earliest Juan Pierre can be brought in as a defensive replacement? How about the first inning?

Larry Weiner

Culver City

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Hmmm. Scioscia, Torre, Francona, La Russa and Girardi. Five of the eight playoff managers of Italian heritage. I couldn’t be prouder.

Let’s all hope we hear this quote from Joe Torre after the last World Series game: “Today I settled all family business.”

Jim Mangione

San Diego

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I’ll tell you, driving home from work in Scottsdale, Ariz., nothing makes a 100-degree ride go smoother than listening to Vin Scully calling a Dodgers playoff game.

Thank you, Vin . . . and satellite radio.

Efren Bojorquez

Mesa, Ariz.

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The Twins-Tigers playoff game was one of the most exciting and interesting games I have seen in almost 60 years as a baseball fan, or so I thought until I opened The Times the next morning and learned it was a run-of-the-mill game reported on the last page with all the emotion of a pint of warm beer.

Stuart L. Olster

Calabasas