BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Claire Says to Forget Alomar Derby
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Second baseman Delino DeShields has been hearing the rumors along with everyone else, but Saturday they were put to rest by Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president.
Claire telephoned Toronto Blue Jay General Manager Gord Ash and informed DeShields that he has no plans to pursue Blue Jay all-star second baseman Roberto Alomar at the end of the season when he’s eligible for free agency.
“I wasn’t worrying about it,” said DeShields, who’s eligible for free agency after the season, “but it’s still nice to hear. You kept hearing a lot about Alomar, but I’d like to stay here. I’m going to keep plugging away, and I know the numbers will be there.
“Right now, I just want to help this team win, and I’ll let the rest take care of itself.”
Alomar, 27, a five-time all-star, is seeking to become the highest-paid player in baseball. He has informed friends that he has a standing offer of a one-year, $10-million contract from a Japanese team.
“Anyone in the Dodger organization who says that we’re going after him,” Claire said, “doesn’t have a clue to what they’re talking about. There’s no validity to that. We’re working against that direction, not working [toward it].
“Besides, that’s not fair to Delino DeShields, Chad Fonville, Garey Ingram or Miguel Castro.”
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The Dodgers said Willie Banks will start Monday against the Padres.
“Man, you better believe I’m excited,” Banks said. “I can’t wait to go out there and have fun again. The way these guys swing the bat, I just want to bring them back in the dugout as fast as I can just to watch them swing again. These guys put on some kind of show.”
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Film director Spike Lee, who’s making a movie on Jackie Robinson’s 50th anniversary in baseball, was on the field before the game and immediately had folks lining up ready to audition. Dodger trainer Charlie Strasser volunteered to play the part of former Dodger trainer Doc Wendler, and Giant outfielder Barry Bonds said that he’ll play Robinson.
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During batting practice, left fielder Billy Ashley hit a home run that bounced off the top of the left-field pavilion and another that caromed off the center-field speakers, actually causing fans to give a standing ovation. “I’d like to see what they’d do if I did it during a game,” Ashley said. . . . Giant third baseman Matt Williams (broken foot) has begun taking batting practice, but is not expected to return until at least the end of July. . . . Third baseman Tim Wallach, playing with a herniated disk in his back, said it’s feeling so good these days that he doesn’t even have to ice it after games. “I didn’t really know what to expect,” Wallach said, “but I’m surprised it hasn’t acted up. I do my treatment each day, and right now, I don’t even worry about it.” . . . The Hall of Fame requested Giant shortstop Mike Benjamin’s bat and it will be on exhibit for a year. Benjamin set a major league record last week with 14 hits in three games. . . . Antonio Mota, the son of Dodger Coach Manny Mota and the team’s 17th-round draft pick, informed the Dodgers that he instead will attend Cal State Fullerton.
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