Dodger GM Malone Doesn’t Play It Safe, and the Fans Like That

In “Stress? What Stress?” (by Patrick Goldstein, May 23), the author describes the Dodgers’ general manager, Kevin Malone, as a brash individual who lives on the edge, taking risks and grasping at the gold ring. Well, that’s good news for the Dodgers, who have been starving for a world title since 1988.

The explorer Hernando Cortes reported to Emperor Charles V of Spain that when he landed on the shores of Montezuma in 1519, he deliberately beached his ships. That left him a choice of conquering an empire of 10 million people with his 500 men or being destroyed. Such a challenge can sharpen wits and bring previously undiscovered talents to the surface.

Malone has beached his ships and now must develop new talents.

Clarence E. D. Santos

Adelanto

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Malone may be brash and, based on year-to-date results, may have bitten off more than he can chew. Yet, compared to his predecessor, the bland and inefficient Fred Claire, he’s a breath of fresh air.

Claire’s enduring legacy to Dodger fans will be (1) his failure to sign Mike Piazza to a long-term contract in January 1997, a time when Piazza’s asking price was more than reasonable, and (2) his trade of Pedro Martinez for Delino DeShields.

Claire has rightfully earned his place in the general managers’ hall of shame.

Herbert M. Shoenberg

Tarzana

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The Dodgers’ “creaky farm system”? Goldstein either hasn’t followed Dodger baseball or has neglected his homework. He should know that many players signed by Dodger scouts and developed on L.A.’s minor league teams are currently having successful seasons in the majors: Adrian Beltre, Roger Cedeno, Darren Dreifort, Mariano Duncan, Darren Fletcher, John Franco, Carlos Hernandez, Eric Karros, Medro Martinez, Raul Mondesi, Jose Offer- man, Mike Piazza, Henry Rodriguez, Rudy Saenez, Ismael Valdez, Jose Vizcaino, John Wette- land, Eric Young--not a creaky one in the bunch.

Luke McLure

Pasadena