DeShields, Russell Discuss Differences

Dodger second baseman Delino DeShields, angry and frustrated for being removed for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning Tuesday night, discussed the move Wednesday with Manager Bill Russell.

“I didn’t like it, but I don’t want to talk about it,” DeShields said. “I guess I’m just going to have to show them. I want to be the guy. But how can I be that guy if I don’t play?”

The most embarrassing aspect of being removed for pinch-hitter Billy Ashley may have been that DeShields already was at home plate when he was called back. Russell said he wanted to call back DeShields earlier, but he was at home plate trying to tell Mike Piazza whether or not to slide.

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If the Dodgers clinch the National League West title by Saturday, but the San Diego Padres and Montreal Expos still are vying for the wild-card berth, would the Dodgers start Ramon Martinez in the season-finale Sunday against the Padres?

“Ramon will start, or at least someone capable,” Russell said. “I’m not going to start some rookie. I wouldn’t do that to Montreal. It’s an obligation.”

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Martinez is tentatively scheduled to start Game 1 of the playoffs, followed by Hideo Nomo and Ismael Valdes. The Dodgers will go with a three-man rotation in the first round, leaving starters Pedro Astacio and Tom Candiotti in the bullpen.