Dodgers Have a Big Trade Deficit

Dodger fans have had to deal with a lot of preposterous things over the past few years, but nothing more absurd than the decision to bring Ismael Valdes back. Bob Daly and Sheriff Malone sold us all a slick package last winter when we were told that a proven leadoff man and a 26-year-old starting pitcher needed to be dumped for future salary considerations. Of course, Terry Adams has been fine, and Devo being hurt most of the year hasn’t helped, but Valdes has been so awful that there have been no takers in a year where GMs have been willing to trade their kidneys for starting pitching help.

So what has been accomplished? Not much of a salary dump, a hole at the top of the order, and a bigger hole in Daly and Malone’s credibility. At one point, I actually convinced myself that Daly and Malone bluffed the Cubs out of their shorts by sticking them with a guy they knew was going to be a stiff. Now I wonder what Laurel and Hardy have in store for us next.

The D’Backs get Schilling, the Dodgers reacquire Blister Boy and his salary. I never thought I’d say this, but someone please turn T.J. Simers loose on these clowns.

DEAN OLLINS

Los Angeles

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Is it just me or have we gone way beyond making excuses for Carlos Perez’s consistently poor pitching? Davey Johnson calls him “one of our most consistent pitchers” and says “It’s the first time he hasn’t kept us in a ballgame in quite a while.” Davey, when is the last time he won a game? Why is it that you only hear Darren Dreifort or Eric Gagne’s name come up in trade talks? Because no one wants Carlos Perez, with or without that ridiculous salary.

HAL MURRAY

Agoura Hills

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OK, I get it now. This is the Gary Sheffield the Dodgers traded Mike Piazza for.

FELICIA SHORE

Los Angeles

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Well, looks like it takes Davey Johnson being hospitalized for heart problems to get the Dodgers motivated and playing up to their potential. I’m just wondering why this didn’t work for Tommy Lasorda.

FRED SALAMON

Los Angeles