-> Randy Johnson in ANY NL uniform is a VERY long shot, and sure to be
-> expensive enough to bankrupt the team that gets him, if he falls as
-> flat as he was pitching AND hitting in the All-Star game.  He doesn't
-> like to come up to bat!  Also - the NL hitters are a different breed.
-> Why do you think he was suddenly pulled from the rotation when the
-> Mariners came to Denver? He was afraid of the affect to his pitching
-> style, having to face a power lineup in a park that wasn't climate
-> controlled!
The only way Johnson would wind up a Dodger is if Murdoch does buy the team.. 
Otherwise, there's no way O'Malley would go for him...
Now, a few points: Would YOU like to go to the plate if you were 6'10"? I 
wouldn't! And I don't think ANYONE wants to pitch in Coors, period. I mean, 
how many parks turn Ellis Burks from a washed-up, injury prone player with no 
future into a 40 home run hitter/? I mean, it's bad when JIM LEYLAND goes 
deep there in batting practice.. Belliard would hit 7-10 a year there if he 
played with the Rockies.. That park is a joke. Why they didn't make it seem 
normal and make center field 580 feet away, I dunno... Coors Field would ruin 
any pitchers career, face it.
-> Although I like the concept of interleague play, and hope it grows,
-> there are certain players in each league that should NOT be exposed
-> to the other - Randy Johnson is one of them.
This coming from a Rockies fan, after Larry Walker pulled himself out of the 
lineup just to avoid Randy Johnson... Geez.
-> As for Mike Piazza - the Dodgers might be better off letting him
-> "test the waters" - and try for a catcher the caliber of Charles
-> Johnson of the Marlins. What are the "boyz in blue" going to do with
-> retread Eric Young at second? They could have held out for Mike
-> Lansing...  And now that the novelty has worn off Nomo, will they
-> still rely on him as their ace?  Maybe the Dodgers should have
-> attended Huizenga's Florida Fire Sale after the World Series???
They would be stupid to lose Piazza... I agree, there are better defensive 
catchers.. The idea of getting Charles Johnson, and moving Piazza to first, 
and either moving Karros to left field (major hole) or just dumping him 
sounds nice to me..
"Retreat" Eric Young will give the Dodgers speed and a good on-base 
perecentage at the top, something they lacked with aging Brett Butler and 
overwhelmed rookie Wilton Guerrero last year (now what do they do with 
Guerrero?? Move him back to his natural shortstop?? Or is he out of a job 
now??)
Nomo also pitched all of last year with an elbow injury, and has since had 
surgery.. Look for Nomo to return to form in 1998 (one of the few definate 
positives in LA this season)
Wayne Huizenga's fire sale?? Yeah, I'll admit, Robb Nen would've been nice... 
*sigh*
-> Look for Larry Walker to repeat as MVP, and Darrell Kile to be in
-> contention for the Cy Young. Bichette, with 2 healthy knees and
-> positive results from the off-season workouts, could make a serious
-> run at the batting title...
-> All-in-all a VERY promising outlook for the Rockies.
I admit, things look better for the Rockies.. But this "the Dodgers are going 
to dead last" is delusional, pure and simple. With their talent they should 
have won a couple World Series' by now.. But as long as they have 
head-in-rear syndrome, ain't gonna happen... *sigh* They'll contend for the 
division, but this team doesn't have the chemistry or determination to 
contend for a title.
-> or the Padres, or any one of 11 teams that don't win a division.
-> At least the Braves fans have a RECENT history of success.
*sigh* You mean the Braves have had a recent history of playing in weak 
divisions, ruining the playoffs, and annoying the  out of me with 
arrogance, hype, and one of the worst sports bandwagon's I've ever dealt 
with. The very things that have made me lose my love of sports in the 
1990s....Thanks alot, Ted Turner.
--- DB 1.39/003705
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