Crews Wants More Than Minimum to Be a Dodger

Of the three remaining unsigned Dodger players, right-handed relief pitcher Tim Crews is the most uncertain about his status.

The Dodgers have offered Crews, who had 3 saves in 20 appearances and was voted the club’s rookie of the year by local sportswriters, the major league minimum of $62,500. Crews is seeking a split contract of $90,000 for the major leagues and $62,500 for the minor leagues.

In talks between Alan Hendricks, Crews’ agent, and Fred Claire, the Dodgers’ executive vice president, the Dodgers reportedly said that Crews likely will play for the club’s Triple-A team in Albuquerque this season, which is news to Crews. “They told my agent that I won’t make it, but they tell (writers) that I am in their plans,” Crews said. “I don’t understand. But I guess I’ll just have to go out and prove I can pitch again. All I’ve told them is that I want to be recognized as a major league pitcher.”

Countered Claire: “That’s not accurate at all. We haven’t said that he’ll end up in Triple-A. That is to be determined in spring training. I hope there is no problem signing all of our players (Crews, catcher Gilberto Reyes and infielder Craig Shipley).

Dodger Notes Friday was the first day of workouts for pitchers, catchers and players rehabilitating from injuries. . . . Shortstop Alfredo Griffin had a cyst removed from his right eyelid but is expected to work out today. Infielder Dave Anderson suffered stiffness in his lower back, which occasionally has hampered him in previous seasons. “Anderson was running a few days ago and slipped, and he felt some discomfort,” assistant trainer Charlie Strasser said. “So, we’re having it checked out. Griffin, who wore an eye patch Friday, said he has had problems with the cyst for at least a week. . . . Orel Hershiser has made an impressive recovery from an emergency appendectomy a week ago Friday. He threw lightly, ran and rode an exercise bicycle and says he’s fit enough to throw batting practice in a few days. In short, Hershiser is about two or three weeks ahead of schedule. “I don’t know why I’ve had such a quick recovery, maybe it’s because they made a small incision and didn’t have to cut any muscle to take (the appendix) out,” Hershiser said. “Another part of it is that I’m refusing to admit I’m sick.”