Marshall’s Agent, Claire Meet Privately

A 45-minute meeting Wednesday morning between Fred Claire, the Dodgers’ vice president, and Jerry Kapstein, agent for Dodger right fielder Mike Marshall, fueled speculation that Marshall has requested a trade because of differences with several teammates.

None of the principals would comment on the agenda of the meeting. But one club source, not directly involved in the meeting, said that a possible trade demand was to be discussed.

Claire would neither confirm nor deny that Marshall has asked to be traded, and Kapstein could not be reached Wednesday.

Claire has indicated that, generally, he will not trade a player merely because a request was made.

“You are going to have players demand to be traded. It’s always been like that in baseball. We just can’t say we’re going to trade somebody,” Claire said.

Said Marshall, accused by some teammates, including Pedro Guerrero, of malingering: “It’s just a situation now where I’ve got to play and not concern myself with anything. As far as I’m concerned, it’s over with. If Jerry and Fred have any more discussions, it’ll be between them. They’ve taken care of business. I’m satisfied.”

Marshall has missed 24 games this season with back, hand and thigh injuries. A week ago, after a Dodger loss to Houston at Dodger Stadium, Guerrero verbally attacked Marshall outside the club’s training room.