But it isn't and, suddenly, Green's decision to do a little of both, play last night but sit out today's game, has sparked the biggest debate in Dodgerland since Tommy Lasorda's decision to have Tom Niedenfuer pitch to Jack Clark with first base open in the 1985 National League Championship Series.

That's unfortunate because this issue is an individual one. It is between a man and his faith, something best decided in Green's heart and mind, not in the grandstands and on talk shows. This comes down to where his faith and principles take him not what respondents to an online poll or the right field bleachers say he should do.

People who would resent such an intrusion into their lives and affairs have no problem sitting in judgment on Green's. Or, telling him what he should do.

But when the Giants are breathing down the Dodgers' neck in a manner that recalls years of history between the two ancient rivals, it seems reason often goes out the window. Green's bat is an important part of the Dodgers' lineup, the hard core insist.

Green, though admittedly not orthodox, is of the Jewish faith where it is the practice, from sundown last night to sundown tonight, for observant members of the faith to attend temple on one or both days and fast the entire period. That is where his duty is, many insist.

Green's dilemma is being played out in the historical shadow of Dodger great Sandy Koufax, who chose not to pitch the opening game of the 1965 World Series against Minnesota to observe Yom Kippur. Don Drysdale, who took his place, lost the opener and Koufax lost the second game but came back to pitch two shutouts and be the Series MVP.

Here's hoping Green can somehow find a similar peace in his decision.