DeShields Arrives, Pedro Martinez Departs

The Dodgers brought in Delino DeShields from Florida for Monday’s traditional media workout at Dodger Stadium, hoping to help acquaint him with his new teammates before spring training.

But the one player they didn’t count on seeing was reliever Pedro Martinez, who unexpectedly stopped in to clean out his locker and say a few goodbys.

Martinez, spotting DeShields in a somewhat empty Dodger clubhouse, yelled, “He’s the guy! He’s the reason I’m not here anymore!” Then he and DeShields shook hands, DeShields saying, ‘You’ll be fine up there.’ ”

The Dodgers traded Martinez to the Montreal Expos in November for DeShields, a young, speedy second baseman who batted .295 last season.

Last season, Martinez excelled in the setup role for Jim Gott, who had 25 saves filling in for the oft-injured Todd Worrell. For the trade to work to the Dodgers’ benefit, not only does DeShields have to continue his fine play, but Worrell has to be injury-free, allowing Gott to return to the setup role.

“It’s not like I don’t feel (any discomfort) when I throw, but I have been playing catch, I’m on schedule to go into spring training three-quarters ready and will be ready for the season,” Worrell said.

The Dodgers still don’t have a left-handed starter, or a left-handed reliever they can depend on, although they have assembled a group of six relievers they will look at in spring training.

The other big question mark is Darryl Strawberry, whom the Dodgers have unsuccessfully tried to dump. Strawberry, who says his injured back is better, believes his performance this spring will generate interest among other clubs.

“It will be a showtime for me to show what I can do,” Strawberry said. “And when I do, there will probably be a lot of questions asked.”