Locals Only, Please

Regarding Sunday's L.A. Times article ("Little Goes a Long Way") on the Dodger's new manager, Grady Little:

We learned that Grady likes to talk about his love of North Carolina. We also got to see Grady buzzing the Caroline backroads on his motorcycle.

Blah-blah-blah.

A Word of Advice to Grady: You're now the skipper of the LOS ANGELES Dodgers. It's time to act like a local. Start making like you actually care about L.A.

Grady, I hope the next shot I see of you on your bike is while you're cruising PCH.

Take a look at the guys who acheived long-term success in this town. Tommy not only bleeds blue, he lives right here in the Southland. Walt Alston did the same.

See, Grady, we prefer to think that our managers actually have a connection to LA. We want to know you care about the city you represent-- and whose name you wear across your chest.
We don't like feeling that some outsider has snuck-in to run our beloved team (Hey, wait a minute! Doesn't the guy sitting in the owner's box really want to run the Red Sox?!?)



Bottom Line: Who wants to feel like you're somebody's second choice?

Sure, Tommy was originally from Pennsylvania -- and Walt was from Ohio -- but take notice of the past-tense usage. Both adopted LA as their own. Want to take a place in the local hall of fame? Ditch the talk about the Carolinas, and make yourself a regular around town.

Instead of being spotted at the local Piggly-Wiggly, let's start seeing you at Musso & Franks. Or Phillipe's. Maybe grab a Dodger dog at the Citywalk before you catch a flick.

Of course, Grady, if you REALLY want to be loved by the local fans, do something that hasn't been done (on a regular basis, anyway) since Tommy was at the helm: Win some games and stay in uniform through October.