Sheffield Takes His Case Before NL President

National League President Leonard Coleman met Monday with right fielder Gary Sheffield to hear his appeal of a three-game suspension for fighting.

Coleman and Sheffield viewed a tape of the June 28 bench-clearing brawl against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium--ignited by an altercation at home plate between Sheffield and Pittsburgh catcher Jason Kendall--and Sheffield explained his position during the one-hour meeting at the major league offices in New York. Coleman is expected to announce his ruling today, and Sheffield and the Dodgers are optimistic.

“I did some campaigning,” Sheffield said. “Going into it, I heard that his [Coleman’s] mind was already made up, and that the whole thing would probably last only 10 minutes.

“But I made my points about what my intentions were on the play, and I think I might have opened up his mind.”

Sheffield’s sixth-inning wrestling match with Kendall led to both players being ejected in the Pirates’ 6-4 victory. Kendall was forced to serve a three-game suspension after Coleman denied his appeal, but Sheffield believes his case is stronger.

“I wasn’t the one who started it, I was only defending myself,” Sheffield said. “If another man is coming at you, you have to defend yourself.”

The Dodgers led, 4-1, with one out in the sixth when the altercation began. Sheffield was tagged out at the plate by Kendall while trying to score from third base when pinch-runner Roger Cedeno, who was on first, got caught off base on a pickoff play.

Sheffield tried to avoid the tag, and Kendall’s helmet came off during the play. Kendall claimed Sheffield hit him on the back of his head, and they exchanged words that sparked the brawl.

“It’s not a matter of who’s telling the truth and who’s lying, I was just trying to show the facts of the situation,” Sheffield said. “All I can do is hope that he sees it my way and gives me less games.”

If his appeal is denied, Sheffield probably would begin serving the suspension immediately.

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Dodger officials aren’t concerned about the protest the Mets filed with the NL office after the Dodgers’ 4-3 victory Friday.

Citing a technicality, New York claims that the Dodgers had too many players available on their active roster during the game. The NL office is expected to announce a ruling on the protest today.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Montreal Expos, three games.

* Site--Olympic Stadium, Montreal.

* Today--4 p.m. PDT

* TV--Channel 5 tonight.

* Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

* Records--Dodgers 58-54, Montreal 44-68.

* Record vs. Expos--2-1

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ CHAN HO PARK (10-5, 3.90 ERA) vs. EXPOS’ MIKE THURMAN (2-0, 4.76 ERA)

* Update--Left-handed pitcher Carlos Perez and shortstop Mark Grudzielanek return to Montreal four days after being traded in a seven-player deal. “The people in Montreal were always good to me,” Perez said. “Even after I had a terrible game, they were always polite to me in the streets, in the restaurants. I will always remember that.” Grudzielanek often battled with team management, but he appreciates the opportunity the Expos gave him. “Because of the way they do things, they give a lot of young guys a chance to play,” he said. “I’m glad I’m out of there, but I probably wouldn’t be here if they didn’t give me a shot.” Second baseman Wilton Guerrero--acquired by Montreal in the deal--went one for five Monday in the Expos’ 6-1 victory over the San Diego Padres.

Wednesday, 4 p.m. PDT--Darren Dreifort (6-9, 3.68) vs. Charles Povano (3-5, 4.95).

Thursday, 10:30 a.m. PDT--Carlos Perez (7-10, 3.59) vs. Jeremy Powell (0-1, 1.50).