BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : New Arrivals Heighten Doubts

You must walk through the Dodger clubhouse, take a right turn, stroll through the bathroom, past the showers, into the storage room, and hang another right.

There you will find the lockers of shortstop Dick Schofield and reliever Rob Murphy, two veterans unemployed a week ago, who now are causing restlessness in the Dodger clubhouse.

Schofield’s arrival has left shortstop Rafael Bournigal wondering if he still has a place in the organization. Murphy’s presence leaves Ed Vosberg wondering if he could be the odd man out among the left-handed relievers.

“I’m sure not everyone’s thrilled I’m here,” Schofield said. “But I’m not here to slash anyone’s hamstring. I’m just here to do what I have to do.”

Schofield, in fact, had given up on even playing again. The Texas Rangers told him earlier this week that they no longer had interest, and considering no one else had called, Schofield, 32, was prepared to get on with the rest of his life.

“I was starting to plan my summer vacation,” said Schofield, who batted .255 last season as the Toronto Blue Jays’ starting shortstop. “You can only call so many people, and I wasn’t going to go to the minors.”

Yet, Schofield’s retirement changed when Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president, telephoned Wednesday night. He offered a $350,000 non-guaranteed contract Thursday morning. Schofield was in camp Friday.

“I’m sure Jose (Offerman) is still the man they want to play shortstop,” Schofield said, “but I still think I can help. I know I can still play in the big leagues.”

Murphy, 35, was in the same predicament a week ago until the Dodgers offered a $250,000 non-guaranteed contract. He was 4-3 with a 4.29 earned-run average last season for the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees, but was ignored this winter.

“I’m not the same pitcher I was,” Murphy said, “but I’m here, and I’m healthy as ever. I know I can help this team.”

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Pedro Astacio pitched four hitless innings in the Dodgers’ 8-2 victory Saturday over the Florida Marlins, once again raising hopes that this may be his year.

“I worked hard in the Dominican, I felt very good,” said Astacio, who after throwing four shutouts in his first 10 starts has thrown only three in 55 starts since. He had a 6-8 record with a 4.29 ERA last season. He added: “If everything goes OK, and I’m healthy, I’d like to win 15 games. This year is going to be a little different. It feels better already.”

Astacio, who became frightened last spring when told he had a heart irregularity, showed that he may be an anchor in the rotation.

“He has much more poise, much more of a plan,” catcher Mike Piazza said. “It was the first time he really talked to me about particular pitches, and what he wanted to do.

“You can have great stuff, but if you don’t have the head to go with it, it doesn’t do you much good.

“If he continues to throw anything like he did today, hey, we’re going to be all right.”

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Offerman continued his strong start, going one for three with two runs, while making two nice fielding plays. Offerman is three for six (.500) with a team-high four runs scored. He has yet to make an error . . . . Just what does Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda consider his proudest achievement? “I think it’s having seven National League rookies of the year. It means I’m giving the young players a chance to play.” . . . . The Dodgers are planning on optioning the following players to the minor leagues today: pitchers Roberto Duran, Jesus Martinez and Felix Rodriguez, and infielders Miguel Cairo, Willis Otanez and Juan Castro . . . . Jo Lasorda was caught by surprise Friday when a large bouquet of flowers celebrating her 45th wedding anniversary arrived at the house from Dodger President Peter O’Malley. Jo Lasorda said: “I couldn’t believe it.” Said husband Tom: “I used to tell my wife that my goal is to be married to you for 50 years, and be with the Dodgers for 51 years. Well, it looks like I’m going to have to change that.” . . . . Chan Ho Park, vying for a spot as the fifth starter, will face the Montreal Expos today.