It’s Hard to Tell, but Fonville’s Happy

Infielder Chad Fonville can hear the whispers. He has been lectured twice this spring by coaches. He tries to convince them otherwise, but no one seems to listen.

He has been reprehended this spring for having what is being perceived as a poor attitude, pouting over his status as a bench player, and for simply for not being in a jovial mood.

Fonville says it’s ridiculous.

“I hear people say that,” Fonville said. “A lot of people say I’m not happy. But I’m not going to yell and smile and talk to everybody. That’s just not me. I can’t change that. Nobody can change that.

“Hey, I’m blessed to be in the game, to be in the big leagues at this time of my life. People may not see it, but I’m happy. If people can’t tell that, hey, it’s not my problem.”

Fonville, a fan favorite, concedes that it has been a difficult spring. “I’m not going to lie, it’s been tough,” he said. “It’s not an easy job coming off the bench. But I knew my role coming in. I knew I’d be a utility player.”

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First baseman Eric Karros, who began playing only four days ago because of a strained left hamstring, left in the third inning Saturday with a stiff left shoulder. He said he will undergo an examination today.

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The Dodgers may be delaying the announcement, but privately are planning on Todd Hollandsworth as their everyday left fielder.

Hollandsworth took another step in securing the job during the 9-0 victory over the New York Mets by hitting a three-run homer in the first inning and a double in the sixth. Hollandsworth now has three home runs and a team-leading 13 runs batted in.

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The Boston Red Sox have emerged as a strong contender to acquire Dodger catcher Carlos Hernandez in a trade. . . . Shortstop Mike Metcalfe, who led the Florida State League with 60 stolen bases last season, is out for the year after undergoing reconstructive shoulder surgery. . . . Left-handed reliever Scott Radinsky, who has not pitched in a game this spring because of tendinitis in his right middle finger, is scheduled to make his debut Monday. . . . Left-handed reliever Billy Brewer, sidelined for a week with elbow tendinitis, pitched in the bullpen Saturday and said that he will pitch in a game Monday.