DODGERS : Valenzuela Clears Waivers, Is Free Agent

Fernando Valenzuela became a free agent Tuesday when no team claimed him and his $2.55-million contract before the deadline expired on his waivers.

Where Valenzuela will play next is anybody’s guess, although it assuredly will not be Seattle. In a vivid example of how his career has changed since his release by the Dodgers Thursday, Valenzuela has already been used in a practical joke.

On Monday, Mariner pitcher Rich DeLucia was handed a press release, saying that the Mariners had claimed Valenzuela off waivers, and were going to make him their fifth starter. That meant DeLucia would probably be sent to the minor leagues.

When DeLucia got upset, howling teammates cried, “April Fools!”

“They really did that?” Dodger pitcher Mike Morgan asked, wincing.

It is no joke, though, that the baseball world is not beating down Valenzuela’s door.

An informal survey of major league teams indicates no overwhelming interest in cutting a deal with Valenzuela, who will probably require at least $1 million to sign.

Valenzuela said he would like to remain on the West Coast, but denials of interest have been issued by the Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres and the Angels.

“With all due respect to Fernando and all he’s done for the fan, I didn’t see how he would fit into the scheme of things at this point,” said Mike Port, the Angels’ general manager.

Valenzuela would also favor other National League teams, but the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros and New York Mets have all said they will not pursue him.

“No, we have no interest in him,” said Dal Maxvill, general manager of the pitching-hungry Cardinals.

“We are committed to a youthful transition, using players who can pitch for us into the ‘90s. Fernando has had a tough year and a half, and we prefer to stay with our kids.”

Art Howe, the Astros’ manager, said, “We have a lot of young pitchers who need room to grow, and we don’t see Fernando fitting in here.”

The American League doesn’t seem much more hospitable. Such prime candidates as the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers have denied interest.

One team that has not completely closed the door on Valenzuela is the Chicago Cubs. They have put starter Rick Sutcliffe on the disabled list because of shoulder problems and another starter, Mike Harkey, is recovering from shoulder problems.

Tom Lasorda, Dodger manager, said Valenzuela probably will be signed, but noted that his market is limited.

“I told Fernando he was going to pitch again this year, and I believe it,” Lasorda said.

“But what you have to have, first, is a team that needs starting pitching. For Fernando to go to the bullpen at this stage of a great career would be like a demotion.

“Second, I would think he has to go to a contender. A team that is not contending and is using younger pitchers would never pitch him.”

Tony DeMarco, Valenzuela’s agent, said he and lawyer Dick Moss met with the pitcher Tuesday to plan strategy. They want something done quickly, while Valenzuela is still in shape, but they said they will not rush things.

“We had a meeting, we discussed some things. We are starting to receive and make calls,” DeMarco said.

“We understand why he cleared waivers--the kind of money that his contract commanded was a factor.

“But we are very confident that Fernando will pitch for some team, and he will contribute to wherever he goes. We just want it to be the right thing.”

DeMarco said he has already received phone calls from teams in Mexico and Japan. The Mexican League, which plays about a double-A brand of ball, is probably out of the question, but Japan could interest Valenzuela.

“Based on the overpayment of Japanese clubs, I would be surprised if Fernando received less than $2 million over there, which he is not going to get over here,” said Alan Meersand, a Manhattan Beach agent who has sent several players to Japan.

Meersand said that the Japanese leagues would be attracted to Valenzuela not only because of his fame, but because of his pitching style.

“Right now, Fernando is like a Japanese pitcher,” Meersand said. “It is a breaking-ball world over there. A lot of screwballs, curveballs, things like that. He would fit in well.”

Dodger Notes

Mike Morgan earned the fifth spot in the pitching rotation by pitching six scoreless innings and giving up only four hits in the Dodgers’ 2-0 exhibition victory over Houston.

Shortstop Jose Offerman went hitless in three at-bats but played his best defensive game of the spring. Apparently the hours of extra ground balls Offerman has taken with Manager Tom Lasorda and coach Bill Russell after each game are paying off.

“The things we have taught him are becoming instinctive,” Lasorda said. “He is charging the ball and throwing in one motion and not even thinking about it now. He is really looking good.” Offerman has been so impressive lately that the Dodgers might only leave him at triple-A Albuquerque until Alfredo Griffin has a couple of bad games, instead of a month or two.