DODGERS : Butler Says Replacements Will Regret It

The Dodgers offered replacement contracts to their minor league players for the first time Tuesday and although many are wrestling with the decision, center fielder Brett Butler contends it’s too late.

“The guys who play in spring training games might as well sign up because they’re already scabs,” Butler said. “There’s no difference between a guy playing in spring training or the regular season. The damage is already done, and they’ll have to live with it.

“Believe me, those guys will be remembered as long as they’re in baseball. There will be ramifications. If you don’t think so, go ask (American League umpires) John Shulock and Derryl Cousins, and see how they’ve been treated.

“The biggest misconception is how management will treat them. If they don’t think management will hold this against them, they’re making a big mistake.

“What happens if a strikebreaker comes into the clubhouse, and a star player says, ‘You either get him out of here, or trade me. I’m not playing with a strikebreaker.’ And don’t think it won’t happen. Nobody wants dissension in their clubhouse. Those guys will get blackballed.”

The Dodgers handed out replacement contracts Tuesday morning, requesting that they be returned by Thursday. Anyone agreeing to play will receive a $5,000 signing bonus, a $5,000 bonus on opening day, $20,000 in severance pay and a minimum salary of $115,000.

“It’s a whole new ballpark, there’s no turning back now,” pitcher Petie Roach said after the Dodgers’ 7-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves before 1,717. “It’s kind of spooky. You want to do it because that’s what the organization wants, but you don’t want to step on too many toes.”