Dodgers Complete Infield, Re-Sign DeShields

The Dodgers secured the final piece of their infield Tuesday by re-signing second baseman Delino DeShields to a one-year contract for about $3.3 million, becoming their highest-paid position player.

The signing of DeShields assures that Chad Fonville will be without a starting job in 1996, but Dodger Executive Vice President Fred Claire said that Fonville will receive ample playing time in a utility role.

Fonville, who finished the season as the starting shortstop, started ahead of DeShields for three weeks in July and August. DeShields won back his job Aug. 20, batting .308 with 19 stolen bases the final six weeks, convincing the Dodgers he deserved to return.

“I thought it was important for Delino to stay with us,” Claire said. “He provides a lot to our team. He can be a key for us.”

The Dodgers, who have nine players under contract for about $23.5 million including new shortstop Greg Gagne, also have made free-agent starter Tom Candiotti a contract offer. If Candiotti re-signs with the Dodgers, they will will not offer a contract to pitcher Kevin Tapani, making him a free agent.

The Dodgers, who also signed outfielder Rick Parker to a minor league contract, have until Dec. 20 to reach an agreement with their seven remaining arbitration-eligible players. They will offer arbitration rights to new third baseman Mike Blowers, won’t offer arbitration to Jose Offerman or Tapani, and are hoping to work out one-year contracts with pitchers Pedro Astacio and Mark Guthrie, third baseman Dave Hansen and catcher Carlos Hernandez.