Free Agency Filing Is Threat to L.A.’s Era of ‘Fernandomania’

The phenomenon known as Fernandomania may still pump in the hearts of Dodger fans, but Fernando Valenzuela seems convinced that his team is no longer demonstrating it.

Responding to a pay cut of almost 20%, Valenzuela filed for free agency Wednesday.

“The Dodgers had the first chance, but now it comes down to everyone having a shot, everyone an opportunity,” Valenzuela’s agent, Tony DeMarco said.

“Fernando loves the city, the fans and his teammates. He would still prefer to stay with the Dodgers, but sometimes in life the only sure thing is change, and that’s a possibility now.”

Valenzuela and other free agents cannot accept offers from teams other than their own until Monday.

DeMarco said he planned to talk with Fred Claire, the Dodgers’ executive vice president, over the weekend. But, he added, the Dodgers hadn’t changed their offer during three negotiating sessions, and an agreement isn’t close.

“Both sides have agreed to leaving the line of communications open,” DeMarco said. “The Dodgers say they want to sign Fernando, and we hope they’ll do what it takes to sign him. But to this point you can assume they haven’t. Fernando is very mature about it. After so many years you realize it’s business.”

Valenzuela has been good for business, and vice versa.

He earned $2,050,000 in 1988, when he went 5-8 and missed almost the entire second half with a weakened shoulder. He accepted a salary of $1,850,000 for 1989 and pitched effectively during the second half, registering a 10-13 record and 3.43 earned-run average.

DeMarco wasn’t specific, but the Dodgers have apparently offered $1.5 million for 1990, almost the maximum 20% cut.

And how far are they apart? DeMarco said he felt Valenzuela was entitled to both a raise and multiyear contract.

He said that 10 wins represented a significant accomplishment considering the extent of Valenzuela’s rehabilitation, and that he would have won more with better support.

Claire, attending the general manager meetings here, said he hopes that the talks with Valenzuela’s representatives continue “because we still hope to sign Fernando.”

Nevertheless, the Dodger offer seems to reflect apprehension regarding the extent of the 30-year-old left-hander’s recovery.

Claire said he felt Valenzuela made step-by-step progress last year but could not--or would not--speculate on whether he felt there was still room for improvement.

Asked if he was concerned about the possibility of losing Valenzuela, Claire cited the level of Valenzuela’s compensation over the years and said, “My concern is to improve the club.”

Has he or will he take Valenzuela’s popularity into consideration?

Claire said he attempts to consider every factor in every case, but that it would be irresponsible to turn over a contract and say “fill in the blank” strictly on the basis of popularity.

The Dodgers’ approach to Valenzuela, in the wake of John Tudor’s unchallenged departure as a free agent, has increased speculation that the club is attempting to free up financial resources in preparation for a determined bid for Mark Langston, another free agent left-hander of note.

Claire has already acknowledged that he contacted Langston’s agent, Arn Tellem, to express his interest, and when asked Wednesday if Valenzuela’s fate hinged on the acquisition of any other player, he said:

“My objective is to improve the club. There are many factors that have to be juggled and balanced at this time of year.”

Valenzuela and Tudor earned a total of $3,150,000 last year.

Langston is believed to be seeking a minimum of $9 million for three years, with the Dodgers or Angels as his first choice.

However, it may take considerably more in what is expected to be an all-out bidding war, stretching from George Steinbrenner in the East to Gene Autry in the West. And Tellem suggested Wednesday that location isn’t the only issue, that length of contract could be just as important.

“I feel strongly that length of contract is going to be a major issue in where Mark signs,” Tellem said.

“My hope is that he is offered more than three years.”

That may be a futile hope.

The three-year contract has become a fact of baseball life.

Asked if he has been encouraged by the players association to hold out for a longer deal, Tellem said no, but added: “I know what the big picture is and I feel a sense of responsibility. I’m negotiating for Mark, but I feel a sense of responsibility to all players.”