The letter: Dodgers’ $22 million decision to cut Trevor Bauer

The Dodgers ignored all warning signs of who the toxic Trevor Bauer really was when they swooped in with a big contract, but now they’re heroes for paying $22.5 million to let him go. It’s like blaming yourself for only eating half of the suicide mixture.

bob goldstone
Corona del Mar

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Hot dog prices skyrocketed even more as Trevor Bauer made $64 million richer from his vaunted franchise. Who scrutinized this loser?

Fred Wallin
Westlake Village

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I often strongly disagree with Bill Plaske, especially when he predicts the winners or losers of LA sports teams. This time he was right about Trevor Bauer and made the absolutely right decision for the Dodgers to cut all ties with him.

I don’t think he will be a solid member of the pitching staff. We have no way of knowing how effective he is. I also don’t think a highly rated player should be near the clubhouse of a team that prides itself on his service to morale and a strong community.

Say goodbye to really rotten apples.

Jay Slater
Los Angeles

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Headline: Mike Moustakas of the Cincinnati DFA. Dodgers DFA Trevor Bauer. Both owed $22 million.

It looks like players are making millions of dollars playing for their teams. will be

I remember the Marx Brothers routine charging people to hear the band play. When asked how much he was charged for not playing, he replied, “You couldn’t afford it!”

Jeff Harshaw
Woodland Hills

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After learning that the Dodgers were parting ways with Trevor Bauer, I learned that there was a “good exorcism” column coming from Mr. Plaske. Bill, you can write whatever you want about the Dodgers this season. But consider shelving the usual midseason article criticizing the Dodgers front his office for not stepping up the rotation at the trade deadline. You can’t have both methods.

Rob Demonteverde
Blair

Defenseless?

Rumor has it that USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and a returning defensive player have opted to participate in the 2023 Flag Football Portal.

jack von blow
Pasadena

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I concluded that Lincoln Riley was the “Manchurian” coach. He doesn’t lose all or most of his team’s games, just the important ones.

It always starts with USC doing well and leading, but then the “trigger” kicks in and Riley starts playing to lose. Rather than continue his successful scoring effort, he lets the Trojans play conservatively. Thus, the Trojans finally snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, resulting in three highly disappointing losses.

I understand there are defensive flaws that are probably not the result of this conspiracy. But with a quarterback like Caleb Williams who steals touchdowns at will, even a poor defense won’t prevent him from winning these games (or at least two). I don’t think so.

I strongly suggest that Mike Bourne hire a former CIA and FBI agent to investigate this urgent matter.

Joel Drum
Van Nuys

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Now I know why so many locals said USC should have been in the college football playoffs. After all, if he had two more points, the mighty he could have beaten Tulane.

Andrew Sachs
Riverside

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USC fans shouldn’t be surprised by Lincoln Riley’s first season. It worked, as did his entire Oklahoma career.

In the big game, his team can never put an opponent away, often simply allowing a good offense to become great.

kip derringer
santa monica

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Give Bill Plaschke a sedative. His hyperbole to explain Trojan defenses (or lack thereof) is not necessary. Indeed, USC conceded his 46 points to Tulane and lost by one point. Compared to his two CFP semi-finals and major bowl other results in his games, the Trojan defense was very similar to the winner. Each team averaged 46.5 and he won by one point. Chill, Bill.

Noel Johnson
glendale

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To Coach Riley: If you don’t fix your defense, we won’t defend you.

Jesse Guevara
Pico Rivera

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It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a defense that bad at a college bowl game in LA…about a week actually.

Chris Anderson
newport beach

tragedy hits home

The tragic events in the Bills-Bengals match demonstrate the brutality of the match. The NFL is finally trying to address dementia resulting from the myriad of concussions that occur during games when evidence has existed for years.

It adds extra rules like targeting, but players are gambling their lives in each game and nothing makes up for that. You can keep watching this blood sport that can physically affect young people.

Richard C. Armendariz
Huntington Beach

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After watching my USC Trojans lose pathetically to the valiant Tulane team, I told all my friends how poor our defense was, how bad the play call was at the end, and how we should not lose. Then I changed the channel and started watching the Bengals play the Bills. I just cried when I saw Dumar Hamlin collapsed on the field and sat in disbelief hearing the words CPR and no response. It was a humble realization that football is intense, but it’s just a game.

Judy Thomsen
Glendora

in smoke?

The Chargers beat the Rams. who isn’t? The Chargers win the Super Bowl. Tell Hernández that cannabis is legal in California now, but we need to smoke responsibly.

Mike Devoy
newport beach

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The Chargers had a 31 against a beaten Rams team, but Aaron Donald was also absent. As usual, the Times sportswriters start jumping. “We’ll win, we’ll win!” It won’t happen!!

Mike Schaller
temple city

critical thinking

Again, Bill Plaschke (and so many readers) demonstrate a complete lack of knowledge about the business of professional basketball. LeBron James has filled stadiums across the country with record crowds all season and was a major draw for sold-out crowds who paid big bucks to see the timeless legend play at the Crypto.com Arena. And they think management should say “good disposition?!”

I am an old fan of both the Lakers and the LA Times and recall other Lakers legends getting the same nonsensical treatment. It is precisely their longevity and tenacity that has contributed to their reputation.

Brian Hittelmann
redondo beach

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