BASEBALL 1992 PREVIEW : DODGER PROFILES

TODD BENZINGER 36 INFIELD

Bats: S Throws: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 195

Birthday: 2/11/63 ML Service: 4.108 1991: Hit .151 in 51 games with Reds before being traded to Kansas City on July 11. Became Royals’ regular first baseman, hitting .266 right-handed and .307 left-handed with 40 RBIs in 78 games. Traded to Dodgers for Chris Gwynn on Dec. 11. With the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .262 129 416 36 109 18 5 3 51 4

Miscellany: Led league in at-bats (628) with the Reds in 1989. Has had more than 100 hits in three of the last four seasons. Played 202 games in a row before injuring hand in 1990. BRETT BUTLER 22 OUTFIELD

Bats: L Throws: L Ht: 5-10 Wt:160

Birthday: 6/15/57 ML Service: 10.009 1991: Was everything club hoped for as leadoff man, leading NL categories in games (161), runs (112), walks (108), singles (162) and on-base average for leadoff hitters (.401), among others. Set NL record for games without an error for an outfielder (161). With the Dodgers:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .296 161 615 112 182 13 5 2 38 38

Career .286 hitter made first All-Star game appearance last season and was named team’s most valuable player. His 88 career triples rank sixth among active players. JOHN CANDELARIA 54 PITCHER

Bats: S Throws: L Ht: 6-6 Wt: 225

Birthday: 11/6/53 ML Service: 16.117 1991: Used mostly against left-handed hitters. Had a strong first half (1.74 ERA, two saves), then tailed off. Only victory came against Philadelphia on July 24. Made Dodger debut on April 10, going 1 2/3 innings against Atlanta for first National League save since 1985. With the Dodgers:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 1-1 3.74 59 0 2 33 2/3 31 14 11 38

American League’s comeback player of the year in 1986 while with the Angels. Was 10-2 after elbow surgery. Had no-hitter against Dodgers in 1976 while with Pittsburgh. TOM CANDIOTTI 49 PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 200

Birthday: 8/31/57 ML Service: 6.138 1991: Helped the Blue Jays win the American League East. Finished second in American League to Roger Clemens in ERA. Was 0-1 with 8.22 ERA in league championship series against Minnesota Twins. Threw a pair of three-hitters against the Angels and Toronto. With the Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 13-13 2.64 34 6 0 238 202 70 73 167

A consistent winner with Cleveland. Won 16 games in 1986, 15 in 1990 and 14 in 1988. Began throwing knuckleball on regular basis in 1986, his first full season in majors. TIM CREWS 52 PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 195

Birthday: 4/3/61 ML Service: 4.041 1991: Had a career-high six saves, four of which came in June. All six saves came before the All-Star break. Beat Montreal on May 15 and New York on May 18 for his two victories. Pitched 11 1/3 scoreless innings between May 21-June 6. With the Dodgers:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 2-3 3.43 60 0 6 76 75 29 19 53

Had a 4-5 record with 2.77 ERA and five saves in 1990. Was a starter through much of his minor league career. Only major league hit came on June 25, 1988 at Cincinnati. KAL DANIELS 28 INFIELD

Bats: L Throws: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 205

Birthday: 8/20/63 ML Service: 5.135 1991: His 73 RBIs and 137 games played were both the second-most of his career, but his 116 strikeouts (seventh most in the NL) were the most. Got off to a good start with 18 RBIs in April and a .278 average in May. Missed 10 games in July to be with ailing mother. With the Dodgers:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .249 137 461 54 115 15 1 17 73 6

With arrival of Eric Davis, will be moved from outfield to first this season. Club hopes he can duplicate 1990: .296 average with career highs in homers (27) and RBIs (94). ERIC DAVIS 33 OUTFIELD

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-3 Wt: 185

Birthday: 5/29/62 ML Service: 7.033 1991: With two stays on disabled list (in June for quadriceps strain and August for exhaustion), plus 11 days missed because of hamstring injury, played just 89 games for Cincinnati and posted his lowest offensive numbers since 1985. With the Cincinnati Reds:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .235 89 285 39 67 10 0 11 33 14

Two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove outfielder, obtained in Nov. 27 trade, has averaged 27 homers, 81 RBIs, 38 stolen bases and .291 average in career. JIM GOTT 35 PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-4 Wt: 220

Birthday: 8/3/59 ML Service: 10.0 1991: Had strong second half. Was 3-0 with 2.66 ERA after All-Star break. Allowed only four earned runs from Aug. 26 on. Struck out 42 batters in his last 36 2/3 innings. Pitched 3 1/3 innings in New York on July 20 for first victory. Also had first hit since 1987 in that game. With the Dodgers:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 4-3 2.96 55 0 2 76 63 25 32 73

Has recovered completely from 1989 elbow surgery. Was one of the top relievers in 1988 with Pittsburgh with 34 saves. Hobbies include Hapkido, karate. KEVIN GROSS 46 PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-5 Wt: 215

Birthday: 6/8/61 ML Service: 8.100 1991: Split time as a starter and reliever. Signed to be the fifth starter, but was 4-5 with 4.13 ERA in that role. Lost first three decisions and was 3-4 when moved to bullpen. Went six innings, striking out nine, for first victory on April 28 against San Francisco. With the Dodgers:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 10-11 3.58 46 0 3 115 2/3 123 46 50 95

Won career-high 15 games with Philadelphia in 1985. Hobbies are duck hunting and painting. Has sold paintings to collectors and also donates paintings to charity. KIP GROSS 57 PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 190

Birthday: 8/24/64 ML Service: 0.165 1991: Was 5-1 with 1.22 ERA when called up by Reds on May 26. Won his first major league start, going six innings in a 10-4 victory over Atlanta. First complete game was a 13-1 victory over St. Louis on July 27. Was 3-1 with 3.04 ERA in July. With the Cincinnati Reds:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 6-4 3.47 29 1 0 85 2/3 93 33 40 40

Acquired along with outfielder Eric Davis for pitchers Tim Belcher and John Wetteland. Twice named the American Assn. pitcher of the week, in both 1990 and 1991. DAVE HANSEN 15 INFIELD

Bats: L Throws: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 180

Birthday:11/24/68 ML Service: 0.125 1991: Began the season in triple-A Albuquerque, was called up briefly in June and then came up to stay on July 10. Recorded 10 pinch hits with Dodgers. Hit first major league homer on July 20 in New York. Made six starts, all of them at third base. With the Dodgers:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .268 53 56 3 15 4 0 1 5 1

Hit .316 with Albuquerque in 1990 and .303 in ‘91, driving in 132 runs in 203 games over two years. Was named the best defensive third baseman in Pacific Coast League. LENNY HARRIS 29 INFIELD

Bats: L Throws: R Ht: 5-10 Wt: 205

Birthday: 10/28/64 ML Service: 3.031 1991: Played in a career-high 145 games and had career highs in RBIs (38), walks (37) and home runs (three). After 25 games was hitting .324. Opened season at third base and also started 13 games at shortstop and 11 at second base. Hit .444 with the bases loaded. With the Dodgers:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .287 145 429 59 123 16 1 3 38 12

Has played all three outfield spots and every infield position except first base with Dodgers. Hit first career homer off Orel Hershiser in June of 1989 while with Cincinnati. CARLOS HERNANDEZ 41 CATCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 185

Birthday:5/24/67 ML Service: 0.099 1991: Was recalled from Albuquerque on June 27 and played in five games before being optioned back to triple A. Returned to Dodgers near the end of season, playing in total of 15 games. Hit .345 with eight homers and 44 RBI with Albuquerque. With the Dodgers:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .214 15 14 1 3 1 0 0 1 1

Won 1991 Jack Perconte Award for inspirational play in Albuquerque. Threw out 41 of the 99 minor league baserunners who attempted to steal last season. OREL HERSHISER 55 PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-3 Wt: 192

Birthday: 9/16/58 ML Service: 8.032 1991: Returned after missing almost the entire 1990 season because of reconstructive surgery on right shoulder. Named comeback player of the year. Finished season strong. Was 4-0 with 3.22 ERA after All-Star break and 2-0 with 1.04 ERA in September. With the Dodgers:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 7-2 3.46 21 0 0 112 112 43 32 73

Was Cy Young winner with 23-8 record in 1988. Also was 3-0 in postseason play as Dodgers won World Series. Set record with 59 scoreless innings. JAY HOWELL 50 PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-3 Wt: 212

Birthday: 11/26/55 ML Service: 9.145 1991: Led the Dodgers in saves (16) for the fourth consecutive year and was 10th in the National League. Saved his first nine opportunities. Went on 15-day disabled list on June 27 with a elbow injury. Also missed much of September with elbow problems. With the Dodgers:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 6-5 3.18 44 0 16 51 39 18 11 40

Miscellany: Has saved 81 games for the Dodgers since being acquired from the Oakland A’s in 1988. Best season was in 1989 with 28 saves. Saved Game 4 of the 1988 World Series. STAN JAVIER 5OUTFIELD

Bats: S Throws: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 185

Birthday: 1/9/64 ML Service: 5.116 1991: Filling a variety of roles (for injured Eddie Murray at first, for injured Darryl Strawberry in right, for example) appeared in 121 games and batted .205. During 10 starts in right for Strawberry, hit .286 with a homer, six RBIs and five multi-hit games. With the Dodgers:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .205 121 176 21 36 5 3 1 11 7

Miscellany: Is batting .265 over almost two years for Dodgers and hitting .298 in his 98 starts for club. His .351 average as leadoff man and .484 on artificial turf in 1990 led majors. ERIC KARROS 23 INFIELD

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-4 Wt: 205

Birthday: 11/4/67 ML Service: 0.036 1991: First major league hit was a game-tying, pinch-hit double in the 12th inning against Cincinnati on Sept. 16. Named Dodger minor league player of the year after hitting .316 with 22 homers, 33 doubles and 101 RBIs in 132 games for Albuquerque. With the Dodgers:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .071 14 14 0 1 1 0 0 1 0

Miscellany: Despite batting average in high .300s during spring, likely will start season in minors. But expect to see him at first in big leagues before season ends. PEDRO MARTINEZ 45 PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 150

Birthday: 7/25/71 ML Service: 0.000 1991: Was promoted from Class A Bakersfield to triple-A Albuquerque during season, winning 18 games and earning minor league player of year honors from The Sporting News. Struck out 192 batters in 177 1/3 innings. With Bakersfield (Dodger Class A), San Antonio (double A), and Albuquerque (triple A):

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 18-8 2.29 28 4 0 177 1/3 126 45 66 192

Miscellany: The younger brother of Dodger ace Ramon Martinez had a combined 2.29 ERA in his three minor league stops last year, third best in the club’s farm system. RAMON MARTINEZ 48 PITCHER

Bats: L Throws: R Ht: 6-4 Wt: 173

Birthday: 3/22/68 ML Service: 2.133 1991: Won 12 games before the All-Star break and only five after. His ERA during his 17 victories was just 1.63. Recorded four shutouts, second most in the National League. Pitched into the seventh inning 20 times in 33 starts. Led Dodger pitchers with nine RBIs. With the Dodgers:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 17-13 3.27 33 6 0 220 1/3 190 80 69 150

Miscellany: Was the youngest Los Angeles Dodger pitcher (22 years old) to win 20 games during his rookie season in 1990. Has 18 complete games in first two major league seasons. ROGER MCDOWELL 31 PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 182

Birthday: 12/21/60 ML Service: 7.000 1991: Was acquired from Phillies in a trade for pitcher Mike Hartley and minor leaguer Braulio Castillo on July 31. Finished 6-3 with seven saves and a 2.55 ERA in 33 games for the Dodgers. Recorded 76 ground-ball outs, with just 25 outs coming via the fly ball. With the Philadelphia Phillies and Dodgers:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 9-9 2.93 71 0 10 101 1/3 100 33 48 50

Miscellany: Has pitched in 60 or more games in six of his seven major league seasons. Has recorded 20 or more saves four times and his 135 career saves rank 12th among active players. JOSE OFFERMAN 30 INFIELD

Bats: S Throws: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 160

Birthday: 11/8/68 ML Service: 0.129 1991: Played 14 games in May with Dodgers before being optioned back to Albuquerque. Recalled on Aug. 6. Committed seven of 10 errors at short in August. Reached base in 20 of 24 starts after being recalled. Hit .488 in April with Albuquerque before finishing at .298. With the Dodgers:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .195 52 113 10 22 2 0 0 3 3

Miscellany: Has played in 81 games with Dodgers and is batting .181 with four stolen bases. Hit .300 against left-handed pitchers last year, but just .111 against right-handers. BOB OJEDA 17 PITCHER

Bats: L Throws: L Ht: 6-1 Wt: 195

Birthday: 12/17/57 ML Service: 10.088 1991: Team averaged just 3.4 runs per game during his starts, but he still managed a 12-9 record in his first season with the Dodgers. Recorded more than 100 strikeouts for fifth time in his career. Held opponents to a .230 batting average with runners in scoring position. With the Dodgers:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 12-9 3.18 31 2 0 189 1/3 181 67 70 120

Miscellany: Has averaged more than 170 innings pitched in each of last four seasons. Left-handed opponents have hit just .201 against him over the previous six years. JUAN SAMUEL 10 INFIELD

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 183

Birthday: 12/9/60 ML Service: 8.041 1991: Hit .301 with four home runs and 15 RBIs in April and .351 with a homer and 12 RBIs in May. Was batting .313 at All-Star break but finished at .271. Struck out 133 times, third most in the league. Committed second-most errors (17) among league’s second basemen. With the Dodgers:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .271 153 594 74 161 22 6 12 58 23

Miscellany: Failed to steal at least 30 bases just once in nine years in major leagues. Has led off a game with a home run 14 times. Has two inside-the-park home runs. MIKE SCIOSCIA 14 CATCHER

Bats: L Throws: R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 220

Birthday: 11/27/58 ML Service: 11.116 1991: Became Dodger record-holder for games caught, finishing season with 1,287 behind the plate. Started fast, batting .317 in April, slumped in May, rebounded in June and then missed 19 games with injury. Hit .297 against right-handers. With the Dodgers:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .264 119 345 39 91 16 2 8 40 4

Miscellany: Has been opening day catcher for past eight seasons. Is 78 RBIs short of career 500 mark. Strikeout/walk ratio is .52, second-best among active players. MIKE SHARPERSON 27 INFIELD

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-3 Wt: 190

Birthday: 10/4/61 ML Service: 3.074 1991: Started at all four infield positions and made just four errors in 200 chances. Slowed by injury in early season, he hit .371 in June and July. Had six hits in 22 appearances as a pinch hitter. Batted .323 against left-handers, eighth best in the league. With the Dodgers:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .278 105 216 24 60 11 2 2 20 1

Miscellany: Batting .286 in five seasons with Dodgers. Only L.A. Dodger to start at all four infield positions in one season. Had a .330 average at Dodger Stadium in 1991. DARRYL STRAWBERRY 44 OUTFIELD

Bats: L Throws: L Ht: 6-6 Wt: 200

Birthday: 3/12/62 ML Service: 8.150 1991: After a slow start--.229 in 58 games before All-Star break with eight home runs and 30 RBIs--came back to carry team into pennant contention, batting .290 with 20 homers and 69 RBIs in second half. Shoulder trouble hampered him from May 17-July 3. With the Dodgers:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .265 139 505 86 134 22 4 28 99 10

Miscellany: Eight-time All-Star has hit 25 or more home runs in every one of his nine seasons in the majors, an accomplishment no player in history has matched. MITCH WEBSTER 29 OUTFIELD

Bats: S Throws: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 185

Birthday: 5/16/59 ML Service: 7.059 1991: Began in Cleveland, was traded to Pittsburgh May 19 and acquired by Dodgers (for Jose Gonzalez) on July 3. Had 10 hits in first 27 at-bats (.370) for Dodgers. First homer for team July 23 against Phillies sent game into extra innings, and his single won it in 10th. With the Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, Dodgers:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .207 107 203 23 42 8 5 2 19 2

Miscellany: A .271 hitter in National League, his best season was probably 1987 for Montreal, when he hit .281 with 15 homers, 63 RBIs and 33 stolen bases. Hit .290 in 1986. STEVE WILSON 38 PITCHER

Bats: L Throws: L Ht: 6-4 Wt: 195

Birthday: 12/13/64 ML Service: 2.095 1991: Was claimed on waivers from the Chicago Cubs on Sept. 6 and recorded back-to-back saves for the Dodgers against Cincinnati on Sept. 17 and 18. Appeared in 11 games for the Dodgers and allowed just one hit in 8 1/3 innings. With the Chicago Cubs and Dodgers:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 0-0 2.61 19 0 2 20 2/3 14 6 9 14

Miscellany: Combined with four other Dodgers to shut out San Francisco in the final game of the season. Pitched only complete game of his career against the Dodgers in 1990.