Nothing Doing for Dodger Fans

So, Dan Evans says that with the marquee free agents signing elsewhere, there are “an awful lot of options out there that we like.” I think there are an awful lot of options out there as well, like becoming an Angel fan.

Brian Haueter

Ventura

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Mourning the Dodgers:

There are several stages in this process. First, there is frustration, as we watch other teams sign free agents and make trades. The next stage is anger, as we see the Dodgers trading and losing star players while getting little in return. Next, denial, as in, this cannot possibly be happening just because the team is being sold. Finally, acceptance, as we realize that, save a miracle, the 2004 Dodgers are actually going to be a worse team than last year’s.

Rest in peace.

Suzanne Gayley

Los Angeles

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A couple of years ago, while watching a Dodger game on TV, I heard Vin Scully say, “The only player I’d pay to see is ... “ Take a guess, is it Juan Encarnacion? No. Jeff Weaver? No. Give up?

The answer is Vladimir Guerrero. Now forgive me, Dan Evans, but as brilliant a judge of talent as you are (see Robin Ventura, Rickey Henderson, et al.), I have to believe that Vinny, who has been broadcasting baseball games for over 50 years, is arguably the best judge of talent in all of baseball.

If Vin Scully is willing to pay to see Guerrero play, so will thousands of other disgruntled Dodger fans, so save your rear end and go get Vlady whatever he costs, even if Mr. McCourt has to borrow the money.

Joel Rapp

Los Angeles

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‘Tis the season to be jolly

Another off-season of Dodger folly

Needing Nomar and the power of Vlady

Instead they give us the Beaver and Wally.

O’Malley and Alston

Look down from the heavens

Shaking their heads

At the deeds of Dan Evans.

Drysdale and Jackie

Made it fun for the fans

But in just a few years

Fox made us also-rans.

The Dodgers aren’t better

In fact they are worse

Move over Bambino

We’ve got the Piazza curse!

Allan Kandel

Los Angeles

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Why is everyone so critical of Dan Evans? He has assembled one of the top pitching staffs in the majors, rejuvenated a farm system with at least three can’t-miss prospects he refuses to trade, dumped a 39-year-old pitcher making $15 million a year and is in the final stages of a successful rebuilding program.

Yet, the short-sighted, thirsty-for-blood Times sportswriters would have you believe he is inept. Evans should be commended for standing by his game plan, despite overwhelming criticism in the media. Of course he could have signed a Milwaukee outfielder or a Marlin first baseman, but he would have had to pull a Claire/Lasorda/Malone-style trade and send a future Pedro Martinez in the deal. I, for one, look forward to the near future when these bright young stars make the current roster.

Stand fast, Dan. There are still a few Dodger fans who know you’re doing the right thing.

Skip Usen

Santa Monica

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I, for one, would like to express my encouragement for Dan Evans’ approach this off-season. All Dodger fans know we need hitting desperately, but to pay the asking price for one-year players (Ordonez, Garciaparra) is just not acceptable.

I say, “Keep on, Dan”, and don’t be hasty. I’m certain the pitching-poor teams out there will realize they need what we have just as much.

Al Colpitts

Roseville, Calif.