Problems Solved; Dodgers Clear Way for Oliver Trade

The Dodgers, who have had a penchant for making deals that fall apart at the last moment, apparently have avoided a breakdown in their trade for Al Oliver.

Agent Howard Mandel said Wednesday that Oliver and the Dodgers have resolved the contractual problems that held up team’s acquisition of the lifetime .300 hitter from the Philadelphia Phillies for pitcher Pat Zachry.

“I don’t expect any snags,” said Mandel, adding that the deal should be official within the next 24 hours.

The delay was caused primarily by the inclusion of deferred compensation in Oliver’s contract. Deferred compensation goes against Dodger policy. Oliver, who reportedly is paid $800,000 a year, apparently has agreed to take the money up front.

Another snag involved a long-standing grievance Oliver filed against the Texas Rangers. Oliver is not talking to reporters, Mandel said, although Tuesday night he appeared on a Fort Worth radio program with his wife, Donna, and said he was looking forward to playing with the Dodgers.

The assumption that Oliver, 38, will be a part-timer with L.A. is incorrect, Mandel said.

“He’ll be competing for a job in the outfield and with (first baseman Greg) Brock,” Mandel said. I don’t think Al will ever consider himself a backup player.

“We had several specific conversations with the Dodgers. Al did not want to come over as a pinch-hitter. The statement the club made is that positions are up for grabs.”

A Dodger official said the team was just waiting for written confirmation from Oliver before announcing the deal.