World Serious

They have earned the respect of their peers in the National League, their pride has not wavered, but suddenly this season, the Dodgers find themselves driven by fear.

Call it a fear of the unknown.

There’s a growing restlessness in the Dodger clubhouse that if they again fail to live up to expectations, there could be serious ramifications.

No longer will it be accepted just to make the playoffs. No longer will there be satisfaction without a World Series berth.

“I wouldn’t say it’s an urgency, but that’s the reality of the situation,” said Dodger first base man Eric Karros, who has been with the organization longer than any position player. “The identity of this team is at stake. This team is either going to do it, or not do it, in the next two years. This group has one or two years left together.

“If we don’t win, we’re going to go down in Dodger history as a club that had all of the rookie of the years, but we underachieved.

“We would go down as the only Dodger team in the last six decades not to go to the World Series.

“I don’t think any of us wants that on our conscience.”

The Dodgers, again favored to win the National League West, could become the first Dodger team in history to reach the playoffs three consecutive years.

Yet, it also is a team that has failed to win a playoff game since winning the 1988 World Series. They have gone three-and-out the last two years against the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves. Each year has been more painful than the other.

“I’d rather go one year and win the World Series than go to the playoffs each year and lose like we have been,” Karros said. “You know what it’s been like the last two seasons? It’s been a waste of time. It’s been a waste of energy.

“It leaves you with such an empty feeling to make all of those sacrifices the entire year and then go three-and-out.

“My God, it’s almost easier to swallow 99 losses than go through what we have the last two years.”

If it occurs this year, particularly with new ownership on the horizon, there could be changes. The front-office staff has no guarantees it would be back. Manager Bill Russell and his staff would be vulnerable. The players, the ones most responsible for success or failure this season, could be filling out change-of-address cards.

“It’s time for this group of players, and this period of time,” said Fred Claire, executive vice president, “to put a mark on how they want to be remembered. This group of players has a chance to do something meaningful.

“I’m not saying talent-wise, we’re the best team in the National League. That’s subjective, and I’m not making that statement.

“But I do feel we have enough ability to win a [World Series] championship. We have that ability. I feel very strongly about that. And I believe out players recognize that.”

This is the reason center fielder Brett Butler has decided to come back one last year. This is the reason veteran closer Todd Worrell--knowing it could be his final season in a Dodger uniform--conducted a private meeting two weeks ago to stress the importance of team camaraderie, hoping to end the cliques and factions that have plagued this team. This is the reason the Dodgers, nearly $3 million over their player payroll budget of $41 million, say they won’t scrimp on chances to win a championship.

The Dodgers kept the nucleus of the team intact, bringing back everyone from a pitching staff that led all of baseball with a 3.46 earned-run average last season. They spent $9.5 million for third baseman Todd Zeile. They acquired the top pinch-hitter from the American League in Chip Hale. They even brought in competition for rookie second baseman Wilton Guerrero, only to find out he’s the perfect choice for the job.

“Let’s face it,” Butler said, “if I didn’t think this team could win a championship, I wouldn’t have come back.”

And if Butler had not returned, the Dodgers aren’t sure they would be back in the hunt for the National League pennant.

Butler, 39, not only is still the best defensive center fielder on the team, but he remains the catalyst of the offense with his uncanny ability to get on base. The Dodgers had the worst on-base percentage in the major leagues last year without Butler--batting only .242 with a .307 on-base percentage from the leadoff spot.

This year, with Butler, Guerrero and Raul Mondesi batting at the top of the order, the Dodgers believe they can wreak havoc on opposing pitchers. They will be forced to pitch to Mike Piazza and Karros, the duo that has combined for 134 homers and 414 RBIs the last two seasons.

“I think this offense has everyone excited,” said Piazza, who has hit more homers and driven in more runs in his first four seasons than any catcher in history. “We don’t have to live and die with the long ball anymore. This offense is ready to take off.

“I still think Atlanta is the team to beat, but I know if we do what we’re capable of, I’ll take our chances.”

The Dodgers are convinced they are as good as any team in baseball. There’s no doubt in their minds that they will win the National League West. The only difference this time is that instead of boasting aloud about their prowess, there is a quiet, dignified confidence.

“I think the only danger is that we kind of expect to play in October right now,” Karros said, “and we can’t take that for granted.

“It’s great to say we’re here to win the World Series and nothing less, but the fact is you’ve got to be eligible for the playoffs first, and that’s something we have to earn.”

This is the reason the Dodgers have preached all spring the importance of a strong start. They realize that by putting themselves in such a hole the last two years, they were exhausted by the time the regular season ended. They were only 41-41 on July 25 in 1995, and just 59-56 on Aug. 9 in 1996, putting on torrid streaks to the finish line that left them physically and emotionally drained when the playoffs started.

“It’s easy to say it’s a long season and we’ll come around,” Karros said, “but we’ve got to have a quicker start so we can start resting some guys down the stretch. There’s got to be a reason why Mike [Piazza] wears out at the end of the year, and that’s because he’s had to play every day down the stretch. We’d be much better off if we won earlier.”

Certainly, the scheduling gods have been accommodating this year. The Dodgers open the season Tuesday against the hapless Philadelphia Phillies, and play a nine-game home stand that also includes the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets--three teams that combined for a 211-275 record last season.

“This team expects to win, and it should win,” said Russell, who already has earned the respect and admiration of his players before managing his first full season. “This team’s goal is to get to the World Series, and to be honest, anything less will be considered a disappointment.

“That’s not bragging. That’s just the way we feel.”