Hollandsworth Ready to Prove He’s Worth it

Dodger outfielder Todd Hollandsworth is rejuvenated and ready to work--and eager to prove himself once again.

Hollandsworth, who struggled last season after winning the 1996 National League rookie-of-the-year award, is optimistic about the upcoming season and energized because spring training begins soon. But he is also upset about his protracted contract negotiations with the team, which both sides said will probably end in arbitration.

Contacted at his parents’ home in Northern California, Hollandsworth on Saturday expressed his disappointment.

“I don’t know what the right word is for it, maybe I’m frustrated, but I’m definitely not happy that things have gone this route,” Hollandsworth said. “I’m not saying that I question what [the Dodgers] do because they have to do what they think is right, and I definitely understand and accept that.

“But at the same time, as would anybody, you base your emotions on the things that happen to you. The experiences that you go through are going to shape the way you look at things. So this whole thing has been difficult.”

Negotiations between the Dodgers and Hollandsworth’s agent, Tracy Codd, stalled more than a week ago and no further talks are scheduled.

Hollandsworth filed for arbitration, seeking a raise to $1.15 million from $550,000. The Dodgers countered at $700,000. The sides remain more than $200,000 apart on a settlement.

“I don’t think we’ve done anything out of character or out of line with what we’ve asked for,” said Hollandsworth, who in March rejected a three-year deal worth about $4.2 million. “I believe with all my heart that we’re right in the mix of where we’re supposed to be, but I don’t want to go the arbitration route.

“That’s not something you want to shoot for because it’s a very negative process, but it’s part of the game and part of the business. That’s what it’s there for, I guess.”

Indications are the Dodgers are uncharacteristically willing to take Hollandsworth to arbitration.

In the last nine years, the Dodgers have had only three arbitration hearings. Orel Hershiser, in 1987, was the last marquee player to complete the process. Hollandsworth’s hearing has been scheduled in Phoenix on Feb. 19, the day the Dodgers’ full squad reports to Vero Beach, Fla., for spring training.

“Quite frankly, we’ve spent a great deal of time in discussions and we’re still not close,” Dodger Executive Vice President Fred Claire said. “I don’t want to say something won’t get done, but this very well may be a case headed to arbitration.”

Hollandsworth, 24, became the Dodgers’ fifth consecutive rookie of the year in 1996, batting .291 with 12 home runs and 59 runs batted in. In 29 games batting leadoff, he stole 21 bases and hit .316.

But he struggled from the outset last season, batting .247 with four home runs and 31 RBI. Hollandsworth had only 296 at-bats as he was demoted to triple-A Albuquerque for 16 days in June, and spent most of August and early September on the disabled list because of right elbow injuries.

“A lot happened to me and I think I handled everything about as well as I could,” said Hollandsworth, who is expected to regain his starting position.

“I just tried to weather it as well as I could, and I committed myself to starting with a clean slate in ’98. I don’t think there was a person on the West Coast who was happier than me when Jan. 1 rolled around.

“It can be irritating when people question your ability, but that’s only natural because you’re judged on what you’ve done. But there’s no doubt in my mind what I can do.”