A Marshall Plan : Red Sox Offer to Give Him His Release--If He Gives Up $1.3-Million Contract

BOSTON — In seven-plus seasons with the Dodgers, Mike Marshall was on the disabled list five times and often infuriated teammates with his refusal to play because of injuries they perceived to be more imagined than real.

He fought with Phil Garner over his reluctance to play, almost fought with Pedro Guerrero and is waging a fight of sorts with the Boston Red Sox after refusing Manager Joe Morgan’s request to enter Sunday’s 12-5 loss to the Texas Rangers in the fifth inning, citing his back problem.

Designated hitter Jack Clark called it insubordination and said the Red Sox can’t allow it. Left fielder Mike Greenwell, alluding to Marshall’s desire to be traded, said Monday:

“I like Mike, but he wants out, is doing everything he can to get himself out and eventually management is going to have to get him out. We’re playing one man short because of Mike, but the players can’t sit here and scream about it. Management has to do something.”

The Red Sox informed Marshall on Monday that they would give him his release, providing he waive the rest of his $1.3-million salary. Marshall rejected the offer.

They also told him he will have to provide medical verification of his injury or face unspecified disciplinary action.

“If he can’t play, let’s put him on the disabled list and get somebody in here who can play,” General Manager Lou Gorman said.

Marshall, who asked to be traded after the Red Sox signed Clark as designated hitter and re-signed Tom Brunansky to play right field, has appeared in only eight games, batting .308. He struck out as a pinch-hitter Monday.

“I shouldn’t have to verify anything,” he said in response to the club’s demand. “If I didn’t want to play, I wouldn’t have asked to be traded so that I could play. My back stiffens at times. I’ve had to cope with it my entire career. Right now it’s a little sore, but it’s really a non-issue. I’ve talked with Clark and Greenwell about it. I don’t think there’s a problem.”