BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Claire Fears Prank Could Backfire

Fred Claire, the Dodgers’ vice president, was not amused by the players’ first-day prank of burning equipment bags from the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants. The bags belonged to Kip Gross and Dave Anderson, who joined the Dodgers this winter.

“I don’t mind competitive fires, but if I was to rewind the tape of our first days in camp, I would delete that portion,” Claire said in Vero Beach, Fla. “I was a little disappointed that it took place. It was all meant in a fun spirit, but. . . . “

The Dodgers were worried that the burning would offend the Reds and Giants.

“It’s OK, I don’t mind something like that,” said Bob Quinn, the Reds’ general general manager. “It’s just players having fun.”

Ramon Martinez reported to camp four days late, but refused to speak to reporters until he takes the field today.

Because Tom Candiotti’s knuckleball was so frustrating for Dodger regulars during batting practice, Manager Tom Lasorda said Candiotti will face only one hitter during batting practice.