BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : For Rodriguez, Shock Turns to Joy

Dodger outfielder Raul Mondesi took a cab to teammate Henry Rodriguez’s New York home Tuesday afternoon, but when he arrived, he knew something was wrong.

Rodriguez’s father greeted him at the door, and told him the news. Henry had just been traded to the Montreal Expos along with Jeff Treadway for Roberto Kelly and reliever Joey Eischen.

“His dad told me that he was crying on the way to the airport,” Mondesi said. “It was very hard for him.”

Rodriguez, who will be the Expos’ everyday first baseman, said the news was shocking. And the timing was poor. He had just seen his son for the first time since he was born April 8, and now he was leaving again.

“I was speechless when [Dodger executive vice president] Fred Claire told me about the trade,” Rodriguez said. “But when I sat down and analyzed it, I told myself, ‘That’s wonderful. I’m going to play for a team I like, with a young team, that’s managed by a wonderful, wonderful manager.’

“My father was overjoyed about the trade. He always had hoped I would wind up in Montreal because he has always loved Felipe Alou.”

The Dodgers purchased the contract of triple-A Albuquerque outfielder Rick Parker to replace Rodriguez, and optioned Felix Rodriguez to Albuquerque. They also designated catcher Noe Munoz for reassignment.

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Eischen isn’t quite sure how many telephone calls he has made the last two days, but the way he figures it, he’s going to need a small-business loan just to pay for the calls.

Eischen, who graduated from West Covina High and attended Pasadena Community College, had just been called up to the major leagues Monday from triple-A Ottawa for the first time in his career. He excitedly called his friends and family, and figured he was about to embark upon a wonderful career in Montreal.

Then came the trade to the hometown Dodgers.

“My mom and my wife just started crying,” Eischen said. “They were so happy.

“My goal [with the Expos] was just to make a West Coast trip so I could play in front of my mom in L.A. Now, she’ll be able to see me pitch every day.

“I tell you, it’s been an unbelievable two days.”

Eischen was 2-1 with a 1.72 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings in 11 games at Ottawa. Most impressive, left-handed batters were hitting only .077 off him.

“We’ve been trying to get him for a year,” Claire said. “We’ve watched him pitch 12 times over the last two years. I feel very strongly that he’s going to be a good one.”

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Dodger catcher Mike Piazza is scheduled to have his left thumb examined today, but although he’s eligible to come off the disabled list Friday, the Dodgers privately believe that it will be at least 10 days to two weeks before he is ready. . . . Catcher Carlos Hernandez attended his arbitration hearing Tuesday, seeking $525,000 while the Dodgers countered with $325,000. He should be notified today or Thursday of the result.