Dodgers News: Tommy Lasorda Defends Don Mattingly

Tommy Lasorda is the latest to come to manager Don Mattingly’s defense while Dodger fans plead for management to fire him.

Lasorda spoke to Mark Saxson of ESPN Los Angeles about Mattingly:

“It bothers me, because Don’s not that kind of guy. He wouldn’t be talking about his contract. If he did, it would be privately. He’s done a hell of a job with the team and the players think the world of him. They’re just not putting out. They’re not playing up to their capabilities and, consequently, the manager has to suffer the brunt of it.”

Much has been made about the Dodgers losing ways as there were huge expectations for a team with a $200 million payroll. Injuries have made Mattingly write Schumaker and Punto on the lineup card too often as the team ranks second to last in baseball with 111 runs scored.

Mattingly isn’t under contract for next season and it seems like Dodgers management is keen on letting the injured players get back before judging the season.

He admitted that former Dodgers manager Joe Torre called him with some encouragement via ESPN LA:

“I’m fine,” Mattingly said. “I’ve got to be a leader. I can’t be worry about me. I’ve got to worry about this team and this organization.”

With a series against the Marlins this weekend followed by the Nationals, the Dodgers need to show some fight. The team is in the midst of a seven-game losing streak and have already had another six-game losing streak earlier in the season.

While it hasn’t been an ideal start to the season to say the least, it seems that everyone is supporting Mattingly and hoping everything eventually turns around.