BASEBALL : DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Fehr Briefs Team on Possible Lockout

An impending lockout and potential tax problems were the major topics of discussion Tuesday when Donald Fehr, executive director of the Major League Players Assn., met separately with the Dodgers and Atlanta Braves before their game.

“If the owners voted now or next week, there is no question they would vote to reopen negotiations,” Fehr said. “And the odds are, they would eventually vote for a lockout.”

Steve Wilson, the Dodgers’ player representative, said the players are preparing themselves for a work stoppage.

“We don’t know what is going to happen, but financially we’re preparing for a worst-case scenario,” Wilson said. “We are talking to each other, saying ‘Don’t overextend yourself, because you don’t know what is going to happen.’ ”

The teams also discussed last week’s action by the city of Philadelphia, which issued requests to players on each National League team for payment of a 6% city tax on their salaries for the days they play in Philadelphia against the Phillies.

The city is demanding back taxes dating to 1986.

“We told the players that we are retaining experts who will give us the best advice on the situation, and we hope to give them an opinion shortly,” Fehr said.

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Eric Davis returned to the Dodgers with a cast on his left hand and reiterated that he wants to be back next season and would not rule out accepting a one-year contract. “I don’t feel like I was brought (to the Dodgers) for just one year,” said Davis, a potential free agent. “It’s time for redemption now. I want the opportunity to give Fred (Claire) and the Dodgers what they thought they were getting when they traded for me.” . . . Manager Tom Lasorda celebrated his 65th birthday by swimming 102 laps, as promised. It took him 2 1/2 hours. . . . Submariner Todd Williams was named the organization’s pitcher of the year. Williams, a right-handed reliever, was 7-4 at double-A San Antonio with 22 saves. Catcher Mike Piazza was the organization’s player of the year.