When Griffin Is Ready, Job May Not Be Ready for Him

In a lighter moment in the Dodger dugout not long ago, injured shortstop Alfredo Griffin discarded his cap for a towel and wrapped it around his head, turban style.

Taking on the appearance and attitude of a chic sheik, Griffin mugged for the television cameras and strolled the dugout. Teammate Mike Davis jokingly genuflected at Griffin’s feet, whereupon Griffin placed a hand on Davis’ head and, apparently, blessed him.

It broke up most of the Dodgers, even drawing the slightest hint of a smile from the ever-intense Kirk Gibson. It may have been Griffin’s most important contribution in more than a month.

But such times of fun and frivolity are rare. Most games, Griffin leans on the dugout railing, battling boredom, or squeezes a metal contraption that he uses to strengthen his injured right hand. On the disabled list for the first time in his 11-year career after breaking a bone in his right hand May 21, Griffin has had difficulty dealing with his enforced absence from the lineup.

“This has got to be like Chinese water torture to Alfredo,” said teammate Jay Howell, who also played with Griffin in Oakland. “He’s so used to playing that, for him, it’s just a matter of remaining sane. I think that turban thing could be the first sign he’s cracking up.”

Easing the burden of the injury--but also maybe adding to the sense of loss--Griffin’s replacement at shortstop, Dave Anderson, is playing better than at any other time in his career. And, without Griffin, the Dodgers have posted a respectable 22-15 record and widened their lead in the National League West to 5 games going into tonight’s game against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium.

Anderson has played so well, in fact, that even Griffin is wondering whether he will have to continue sitting when he returns from the disabled list, which probably won’t be until after the All-Star break. It seems almost unthinkable that Griffin, whom the Dodgers acquired from Oakland at great personnel expense--i.e. Bob Welch--will end up riding the bench.

But . . .

Anderson, whose promising career has been stunted because of a chronic back condition, is hitting .315 in the 37 games since Griffin was hit in the right hand by Dwight Gooden’s fastball. Griffin hit just .167 in 38 games before he was hurt. And although Griffin is a Gold Glove winner with excellent fielding range and instincts, Anderson has been capable defensively.

The situation is both welcome and burdensome to Manager Tom Lasorda, who eventually will have to decide between his shortstops.

About two weeks ago, Lasorda said that Griffin would definitely reclaim his starting spot upon his return. “No one who plays for me ever loses his job while they’re injured,” Lasorda said.

Earlier this week, though, Lasorda hedged when asked again.

“What I said then was accurate,” Lasorda said. “But that doesn’t mean it always happens. If a certain guy is going really good, it’s difficult to take him out of there.

“Andy’s going really good. We still don’t know when Alfredo is going to be ready. I just don’t know what’s going to happen. But I know that Alfredo is a big part of this ballclub.”

Griffin said he doesn’t really have that feeling right now. Accustomed to playing every game--he played in all 162 games in four of the previous six seasons--Griffin feels somewhat displaced.

“It’s hard, especially since this is my first time going through it,” said Griffin, 31. “I’m glad it happened to me, if it had to happen, when I’m an experienced player. Because if it happened earlier, I’d probably go crazy.”

Asked about Anderson’s play and Lasorda’s impending decision, Griffin was gracious but also naturally concerned about his status.

“I don’t know--that’s Tommy’s decision,” he said. “Andy’s playing great. He’s doing everything they need him to do. It’s more enjoyable being on the (disabled list) with Andy playing well and the team winning.”

Anderson stops well short of declaring the position his but won’t launch into a concession speech, either.

“Alfredo’s a great player; we know that,” Anderson said. “You go into the season with a team you think is set in your mind, but things happen. We don’t have to worry about it. Tommy will decide, and I’ll do whatever they want me to.”

Anderson admits that his .305 overall batting average is slightly beyond his ability--but just slightly.

“I’ve had stretches of up to 60 games where I’ve hit .260,” he said. “I’ve learned from my big league experience and maybe I’m a better hitter now.”

Griffin, a notoriously slow starter, had 19 runs batted in to go with his .167 batting average before the injury. But the Dodgers acquired him for his defense, and he hasn’t disappointed. He made only 3 errors in 38 games and helped make up for Pedro Guerrero’s deficiencies as a third baseman.

“Alfredo has always made these ‘Oh, wow!’ plays routinely,” Howell said. “I’ve been out there, and a ball will be hit between my legs and I’d think, ‘I better turn and see the center fielder get the ball.’ I’d turn, and all of a sudden Alfredo comes up with the ball on the other side of second base and throws the guy out.”

Griffin’s cast was removed about two weeks ago but he has yet to regain full strength and range of motion in his right hand and wrist. He has begun fielding ground balls and tossing a ball during batting practice but he hasn’t swung a bat, although he may get that clearance at his next medical examination Saturday.

“I haven’t been able to do a whole lot,” Griffin said. “But I’m in good shape otherwise. I still run and lift weights. I feel the hand getting stronger. (Backup catcher Rick) Dempsey had the same thing and he told me not to rush back, because you can hurt it again.”

Adding to Griffin’s anxiety is the specter of impending free agency after this season.

“I know I’m going to be a free agent and need to put up some numbers,” Griffin said. “But if nobody wants me and my career ends, I’ll be happy that I played this long. But I’m not a quitter. I’ll never give up.”