Claire’s Stance Open Toward Swinging Deal

Mike Lansing. John Valentin. Mariano Duncan. Even Ryne Sandberg.

Those are among the names that keep surfacing in connection with the Dodgers’ bid to strengthen their middle infield before Thursday’s non-waiver trade deadline.

Greg Gagne’s eye infection and Wilton Guerrero’s shoulder problem have prompted Vice President Fred Claire to “stay alert” to the situation.

Tripp Cromer has provided solid relief at shortstop and second base, but Claire said, “I’m not going to tell you I’m not making calls or not exploring possibilities, because I am.

“We have a young man at second base who has played extremely well, but I can’t dismiss the experience factor down the stretch.

“I can’t ignore the possibility that there may be a player out there who would help make us better prepared, just as we have some experienced bats at Albuquerque who can help us in September.”

Claire mentioned Eddie Williams, Chip Hale and Wayne Kirby. He refused to discuss the infielders he is looking at in the market.

“I don’t talk about trades,” he said. “I make trades.”

Claire often has bristled at the accusation that he is afraid to pull the trigger.

The last two years he has made a second-half deal to fill a need. He reacquired Brett Butler and traded for Kevin Tapani and Mark Guthrie in ‘95, and he dealt for Dave Clark and Chad Curtis last year.

“Where we had that one position that needed to be filled [in those cases], we don’t have that driving need now,” he said. “The need now is to be as good as we can be.”

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Tapani, who left the Dodgers as a free agent after the ’95 season and went 13-10 with the Chicago White Sox last year, made his first start for the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, having signed a three-year, $12-million contract as a free agent.

Tapani joined the Cubs as damaged goods, although no one apparently knew it. He didn’t throw in spring training and had surgery on the ligament between the first and second fingers of his right hand April 4.

He has not received clearance to throw a split finger yet, but he still pitched seven innings in his ’97 debut, striking out nine and giving up only five hits in a 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

However, he will have a difficult time sustaining an interesting streak. He is one of only four pitchers who have won at least 10 games each year in the ‘90s. Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux already have extended their streaks this year. Jack McDowell, with only three wins and injured, probably won’t reach 10.

“I’m going to have to be pretty good,” Tapani said. “I might get 12 or 13 more starts. On my side day [the day he throws on the sidelines], I’m going to have to throw out of the bullpen and see if I can vulture some wins.”

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Ray Knight’s firing as Cincinnati Red manager was long anticipated, but it came at a time when he was just about to put his injury-riddled lineup together for the first time in ’97. Reggie Sanders returned from two stints on the disabled list Tuesday, and Barry Larkin is expected back Friday.

Bob Boone is considered a possible successor, but Bret Boone is among the high salaries that the Reds will try to unload before the deadline.

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How to describe the Colorado Rockies’ 5-16 July record through Friday? “Ever had a root canal?” Manager Don Baylor said.