BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Mondesi Signs One-Year Contract for $435,000

Dodger center fielder Raul Mondesi, the 1994 National League rookie of the year, signed a one-year, $435,000 contract Tuesday that makes him the team’s highest-paid outfielder.

Although Mondesi’s salary is expected to increase greatly in the future, he immediately announced plans to buy his mother the new home she always wanted in the Dominican Republic. He also will purchase $7,500 worth of Dodger tickets and donate them to the Latino Boys’ and Girls’ club in Greater Los Angeles.

“This is my first big contract, and I want to play a lot of years for the Dodgers,” said Mondesi, who later embraced Ralph Avila, the Dodger scout who discovered him. “I’m going to buy my mother a house, and put some money into the bank because we don’t know about (another) strike.

“Five years ago, I was in the Dominican playing winter ball. I want to work hard, because I don’t want to go back to five years ago.”

The Dodgers paid Mondesi the same salary that first baseman Eric Karros received when he won the 1992 rookie of the year, and said they will consider a multiyear contract after this season.

“We’re very confident rolling the dice on Raul’s future,” said attorney Jeff Moorad, who also represents Karros. “The $435,000 was not by accident, but specifically because it represented the exact contract made to Eric Karros.”

Mondesi, 24, batted .306 last season with 16 homers and 56 runs batted in, and led the major leagues with 16 assists. He originally signed for $2,000 at the age of 15.

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Third baseman Tim Wallach tried to remain optimistic, but the fear in his face revealed more than words Tuesday morning.

“I don’t know what it is, or what I did to my back,” he said, “but I know it’s lasted longer than anything I’ve had. It’s just not getting any better.”

Wallach, 37, underwent a magnetic resonance imaging test Tuesday morning to diagnose the pain in his lower back. The results are expected today.

Wallach, bothered with pains the last four days but on the field for all but two workouts, couldn’t dress for the team photo Tuesday morning. While the team was on the field for a group shot, he was with a doctor.

“I don’t know how it happened or what happened,” he said. “I don’t know if I went out and tried to do too much, too soon. It’s just frustrating that it’s not getting better.”

If he is unable to play by opening day, April 25, the Dodgers probably will go with a platoon of Ron Coomer and Dave Hansen at third base.

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Left-handed reliever Ed Vosberg picked off four runners in two innings in an intrasquad game.

“I don’t think I’ve even seen that done four times in a game, let alone two innings,” Lasorda said.

Mike Piazza, Karros, Todd Hollandsworth and Mitch Webster were the victims.

Vosberg was not impressed. The way he sees it, if he continues giving up five baserunners in a two-inning stint, it won’t matter how many he picks off.

He yielded three walks and two hits, one a homer by Jose Offerman.

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There wasn’t nearly the fanfare of a year ago when Korean pitcher Chan Ho Park made his 1995 debut Tuesday, but according to Dodger catcher Piazza, Park is much improved.

“He seems to be much more mature,” Piazza said. “He changed his style. Last year, he would just pick around the plate. He didn’t have confidence in his fastball.

“But today, he wasn’t afraid to throw it at all.”

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The Dodgers signed 13 more players Tuesday and have only six unsigned. Those who signed Tuesday in addition to Mondesi: pitchers Pedro Astacio, Darren Dreifort, Park, Jose Parra, Ismael Valdes, Vosberg and Todd Williams; infielders Garey Ingram, Coomer and Eddie Pye; and outfielders Henry Rodriguez and Reggie Williams. . . . Rookie center fielder Roger Cedeno scored four runs in the intrasquad game, going two for three with a triple. . . . Felix Rodriguez, a converted catcher who began pitching two years ago, dazzled Lasorda and the coaching staff pitching batting practice. Rodriguez, 22, is scheduled to open the season in triple-A Albuquerque, but some believe he has the finest arm in the organization. . . . KABC and Spanish-language KWKW will broadcast all Dodger exhibitions, starting with Thursday’s game from Vero Beach, Fla., against the Florida Marlins at 10 a.m.