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. He was a key to the Dodgers’ success last season, starting at second base, left field and finally at shortstop. If it wasn’t for Fonville, the Dodgers say they probably would not have won the National League West.

Yet this spring he came to camp without a starting job, and no opportunity to win one. The Dodgers acquired shortstop Greg Gagne, re-signed second baseman Delino DeShields and will play Todd Hollandsworth in left field.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s been tough,” Fonville 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.

“The timing stinks,” Karros said. “My hamstring is fine.”

If Karros’ shoulder becomes a concern and he is questionable for opening day, the Dodgers plan to keep infielder Mike Busch. If Karros is fine, the Dodgers are leaning strongly toward keeping outfielder Roger Cedeno on the team.

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The Dodgers may be delaying the announcement, but privately are planning on 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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Manager Tom Lasorda, who has made no secret that he would like Chan Ho Park to make the team, now says that Pedro Astacio may not necessarily have the edge for the fifth starter’s job.

“It’s changed as far as I’m concerned,” said Lasorda, who 10 days ago declared Astacio in the driver’s seat.

Astacio still appears to be the favorite, although Lasorda suggested it’s much closer. “Pedro’s in front by a nose,” he said.

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The Dodgers started their projected opening-day lineup for the first time this spring: second baseman DeShields; center fielder Brett Butler; catcher Mike Piazza; first baseman Karros; right fielder Raul Mondesi; third baseman Mike Blowers; left fielder Hollandsworth; and shortstop Gagne. The only difference is that Ramon Martinez will start on opening day instead of Hideo Nomo.

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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.