Spring Training / Dodgers : Niedenfuer Looks Like ’83 Model

Mike Scioscia stepped into the batter’s box at Holman Stadium here and called out to the mound, where a heavily perspiring Tom Niedenfuer was standing.

“Do you think you could crank it up a little, Buff?” Scioscia said with a sly grin. Not taking any chances, Scioscia quickly added: “Just kidding.”

In early spring, pitchers are always ahead of hitters, but Niedenfuer was making it look as if it didn’t matter whether it was February or August. For 15 minutes Tuesday, he resembled the Niedenfuer of 1983, one of the most dominating right-handed relief pitchers in the National League.

The Niedenfuer of 1984 was a washout, missing 77 games, mostly because he injured his right elbow three times.

“I’ve been throwing 15 minutes a day every other day since the 10th of January, and I’ve had no problems,” Niedenfuer said.

“I came down here knowing that I would have to re-establish in the minds of management, my teammates and the press that I’m as strong as ever.

“I think I’ve proved in the last 3 1/2 years that I can pitch, and I’m out to prove it again.”

The Dodgers have been advised by Dr. Frank Jobe that Niedenfuer--who suffered a strained medial collateral ligament in his elbow--should not pitch more than every other day, or maybe once every third day, for no more than an inning or two.

“But that shouldn’t be a problem if we’ve got three quality relievers,” Niedenfuer said, alluding to the hoped-for return of Steve Howe and the presence of Ken Howell.

Niedenfuer was the subject of numerous trade rumors last winter, but with Howe having undergone elbow surgery and Alejandro Pena out indefinitely, the Dodgers seemingly no longer have the luxury of dealing Niedenfuer.

“It’s part of the business, but I’d much rather stay,” he said.

With the rest of the roster players due to report Thursday, the subject of Pedro Guerrero’s weight came up. Trainer Bill Buhler said Guerrero told him a couple of weeks ago that he would come in weighing 195 pounds. Last spring, Buhler said, Guerrero weighed in at 218. He finished the 1984 season at 192.

The guess here is that Guerrero will be in shape upon arrival.

Pitcher Bobby Castillo had his injured knee X-rayed Tuesday and it was discovered he has strained ligaments. Castillo, who got the injury during bunting drills, will be out on a day-to-day basis.

Al Campanis’ projected 25-man roster on Feb. 26, six weeks before opening day: 10 pitchers; 7 infielders (Greg Brock, Steve Sax, Dave Anderson, Guerrero, Bob Bailor, Bill Russell and Al Oliver); 2 catchers (Mike Scioscia and either Steve Yeager or Jack Fimple); and 6 outfielders (Mike Marshall, Ken Landreaux, R.J. Reynolds, Terry Whitfield, Candy Maldonado and Jay Johnstone).

Question: Why is Campanis listing Oliver as an infielder when Manager Tom Lasorda says he plans to try Oliver in left field?

Answer: Maybe Campanis already has seen Oliver trying to throw to second base.

Time for a face-to-face meeting: Campanis will meet here Thursday with Bob Fraley, agent for unsigned players Orel Hershiser and Dave Anderson, in an effort to resolve their differences.

Campanis had said that Fraley had come down drastically in what he was seeking for Hershiser, but there are indications that Campanis finally went up from his original offer of $120,000, perhaps as high as $180,000.

Hershiser, whose initial asking price was believed to be more than $250,000, probably will sign for around $200,000.