Brooklyn 7, L.A. 1.

This week, the Los Angeles Times commemorated the interleague series between the Dodgers and Yankees by printing the results of a poll of "experts" called the "all-time Dodgers, Yankees rosters."

What I found interesting was that, although the Dodgers have been in L.A. for more than a half century (having played more games in Chavez Ravine than they did in Ebbets Field), the consensus of experts was that 7 of the 8 best Dodgers who were position players were those who played (most of their careers) in Brooklyn rather than in L.A.

[HOF = Hall of Fame]
1b: Gil Hodges (1943-1963); Second on Dodgers' home run and RBI list. [not in HOF enormous injustice].
2b: Jackie Robinson (1947-1956); Averaged 95 runs in 10 seasons (refused trade to Giants, retired). [HOF]
3b: Ron Cey (1971-1987) 20 plus homers 7 times as Dodger. Great nickname: “The Penguin.”
Ss: Harold “Peewee” Reese (1940-58) Team leader in runs, #2 in hits. [HOF]
C: Roy Campanella (1948-57) 3 time NL MVP, 9 time All Star. [HOF]
CF: Duke Snider (1947-64) Team leader in HR’s, RBI’s, extra base hits. [HOF]
LF: Zack Wheat (1909-27) 2,884 hits, 1,289 runs. [HOF]
RF: Carl Furillo (1946-60) Lifetime BA .299 with 1,1910 hits, 1,58 RBI; “The Reading Rifle”.

I admit that the consensus was not unanimous. Some idiots suggested that Steve Garvey replace Hodges[!] What next, Lopes over Jackie? Okay, a fair argument for Maury Wills over Peewee and for Tommy Davis over Furillo. But that's about it. I might counter with Jim Gilliam or Billy Cox over The Penguin, if you want to play that game.

As to pitchers, they chose Koufax, Drysdale, Zach Wheat (who even predates my memory) as well as Don Sutton, Fernando, Orel. But they left out Newk and Oisk. In relief: Gagne [a steroid cheater] and Labine.

All-time owner? I'll take Rickey over O'Malley any day.

And what about Vin Scully? The all time best baseball broadcaster, who spans both eras. Wonder who's on Vin's team? Was Red Barber better than ... who are the other guys out here?

Okay, so I am biased. Sue me.