BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Players, Claire: Strawberry Off-Base

Players and management Sunday disputed Darryl Strawberry’s claim that the Dodgers are being distracted by contract worries.

“I don’t feel contracts should be on players’ mind, and I don’t think they are,” said Fred Claire, the Dodger vice president who is faced with nine potential free agents this winter. “Why would anybody be worrying about 1992 when we have a chance to win in 1991? Give me one reason why anybody would do that? I can’t think of one reason.”

Mike Morgan and Jay Howell, two Dodger pitchers who can become free agents, said their contracts are not worrying them.

“I have not discussed my possible free agency all year, and I won’t start how,” Howell said. “But I don’t try any less hard whether it’s July 4 or November 26, whether I’ve got a long-term deal or a one-year deal.”

Said Morgan: “Speaking just for myself, I don’t worry about it or even think about it when I’m pitching. I’ve always treated that stuff like it doesn’t belong on the field.”

Lee Smith became the fifth player to record 300 saves.