It’s Not Exactly a Vote of Confidence for Dodgers

Bob Daly says that Sheriff Malone “has to get credit when things go right.”

We’ve got a public relations disaster in Gary Sheffield, questions about the infield, questions about the leadoff spot, questions about the fifth starter, questions about Carlos Perez, questions about a rookie manager, questions about a runaway payroll. . . . What’s gone right?

This is the kind of misguided comment that can come back to haunt you. Just ask Sheriff Malone.

MARC GERBER

Malibu

*

As the 2001 major league baseball campaign begins for the Dodgers, and a disastrous season an inevitability, let’s take a moment to show some human compassion to Kevin Malone.

It would be a nice gesture to see a “farewell tour” for this seasoned, well-meaning and overmatched baseball executive. Just think of it, in every city the Dodgers visit this season, Dodger Boy can be presented with gifts from opposing teams and their fans. Nothing extravagant, mind you, just some practical things, such as books on possible future vocations, names of trade schools, etc.

JACK WOLF

Westwood

*

In case Bob Daly is baseball ignorant, let’s put the Malone-led Dodgers in movie terms. The once-proud organization has become a combination of “Heaven’s Gate” and “Battlefield Earth.”

JEFF GREEN

Long Beach

*

As a lifelong Giant fan, let me say that I completely agree with Bob Daly’s vote of confidence for Kevin Malone. As a matter of fact, speaking for Giant fans everywhere, I think Daly should reward the Sheriff with a lifetime contract. If money is a problem, we’ll help with the financing.

KEVIN FITZPATRICK

South Pasadena

*

So, Carlos “Con-job” Perez is threatening retirement if he doesn’t make the Dodger starting rotation? Could you please tell us where to send our contributions for the token gold watch? My suggestion for the inscription: “Thanks for nothing.” Or maybe: “Yes, we’re scared when you take the mound.” Maybe this one: “I lost my fastball at the disco.”

WILLIAM WINKLER

Sunland

*

Excuuuuse me, Carlos Perez, but you have not been eating garbage here in L.A. the last two years, you have been delivering it from the mound. Dodger fans are the ones who are . . . tired of seeing your sorry act perpetrated on us any longer. So take your $15.9-million contract, your 7-18 record, 6.28 ERA, and get the !@#% out of town.

BRUCE ALAN

Granada Hills

*

When I was a kid, the Dodgers were on KFI, and you could hear a game all over the western United States. For the last few years they have been on 1150 AM, and you can’t hear night games in the San Fernando Valley. Now major league baseball wants to charge $10 to hear the games on the Internet. Don’t the Dodgers and their advertisers want us to pull up a chair and stay awhile?

PAT POPE

Van Nuys

*

Hey, Dodger fans: Monday is opening day at the stadium. It has been the long winter of our discontent; but a new season full of hopes, dreams and possibilities awaits us all.

I wish to propose here a reverse play upon expectations. When Gary Sheffield comes up to bat for the first time, let’s greet him with a thunderous standing ovation. Cheers, not jeers, to say to him that we know the game of baseball is more important than the egos, the money or the individuals involved.

RANDY M. LYNCH

Los Angeles