Noisy Lasorda Hurts Hall Chances

Former Dodger manager Tom Lasorda is hurting his chances of being voted into the Hall of Fame next week because of his desire to manage again, according to a prominent member of the Hall of Fame veterans committee.

“I’m pushing him very hard,” said Buzzie Bavasi, a longtime committee member, “but he’s talking too much about managing again. There are a lot of people disturbed that that. You talk about guys like Stan Musial and Ted Williams, and they don’t like politicking.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that he belongs, but all of this talk about managing again is hurting Tommy.”

The 14-member veterans committee will vote Wednesday on its candidates for this year’s election to the Hall of Fame.

Bavasi asked if Lasorda was in camp. He was told that Lasorda was in Japan and wouldn’t be returning until Wednesday, the day of the announcement.

“Good,” Bavasi said. “If things keep quiet for the next week I think he’s got a chance.”

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The Dodgers signed starter Ismael Valdes to a two-year contract worth about $3.6 million. He is expected to receive about $800,000 this season and $2.8 million in 1998.

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It was only an intrasquad game, but don’t try telling that to outfielder Todd Hollandsworth.

Hollandsworth, who missed a sign for a double steal while on second base, made up for his mental lapse when he bowled over third baseman Chip Hale in a rundown and was safe at third.

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Center fielder Brett Butler was held out of the intrasquad game because of a tender groin. He is scheduled to be sit out the first two exhibition games and play Sunday in their home opener against the New York Mets. . . . The Dodgers have yet to formally offer Hollandsworth a multiyear contract. The only offer made has been for one year, which was rejected. Tracy Codd, Hollandsworth’s agent, is scheduled to arrive this weekend to negotiate a deal by Sunday’s deadline. . . . Rookie shortstop Wilton Guerrero signed a one-year contract that will pay him about $155,000 if he makes the team. . . . Right fielder Raul Mondesi and shortstop Greg Gagne also were held out of the intrasquad game. Mondesi, who arrived into camp overweight, is scheduled to play Friday. Gagne, who said his arm is not yet in shape, is expected to play Saturday or Sunday. . . . Infielder Eddie Williams starred in the intrasquad game, going two for three with an RBI. . . . The Dodgers tentatively have planned for Ramon Martinez to start their season opener, followed by Hideo Nomo, Valdes, Pedro Astacio and either Chan Ho Park or Tom Candiotti. . . . Cal Abrams, a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers in their glory days of the early 1950s, died at 72 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.