Once and for All, Johnson Is Not Coming to Dodgers

Hoping to end rumors about the Dodgers trading for Randy Johnson, Fred Claire, executive vice president, said Monday, “this is not going to happen.”

Claire said he has not spoken with Woody Woodward, his Seattle Mariner counterpart, in several weeks about the ace left-hander, who in published reports has been said to be heading to the Dodgers in exchange for a combination of players. Claire refuted a recent report that discussions are ongoing, and that something could occur as soon as this week.

“I’ve said all along, and I’ve been very clear about this repeatedly, that nothing has taken place, absolutely zero on this subject,” Claire said. “I don’t anticipate this happening and, in fact, nothing is going to happen.

“This is not fair to our team, and there’s no need for it. We’re very happy with the makeup of our team, and we’re moving forward.”

Johnson, who is in the final year of his contract, is seeking a multiyear extension. Consequently, any team pursuing Johnson would likely seek permission to speak with his agent before moving forward on a deal.

Barry Meister, Johnson’s agent, said he has not spoken with the Dodgers. Furthermore, he also doesn’t see Johnson winding up in Los Angeles.

“I haven’t heard anything as far as the Dodgers are concerned,” Meister said. “Because of the contract situation, I would have at least heard something from the Mariners if there was a deal imminent, and I haven’t.”

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Sharp pitching performances by right-handers Ramon Martinez and Chan Ho Park highlighted an intrasquad game at Holman Stadium.

Starting for the White team, Martinez, who suffered a small tear in the rotator cuff of his pitching shoulder last season, pitched two scoreless innings. He didn’t give up a hit, and at one point struck out Roger Cedeno, Mike Piazza and Eric Karros consecutively.

“Ramon had as smooth a delivery as I’ve ever seen from him,” pitching coach Glenn Gregson said. “Ramon is excited, and we’re excited about that.”

Park, starting for the Blue team, also pitched two scoreless innings, giving up singles to Thomas Howard and Garey Ingram. Catcher Paul LoDuca hit a one-out, two-run home run in the sixth inning, breaking a scoreless tie in the Blue team’s 5-0 victory.

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The Dodgers expect the ownership committee, headed by Atlanta Brave chairman Bill Bartholomay, to meet soon to formalize plans for presenting the Fox Group’s sale proposal in time for the March 17-19 meetings in St. Petersburg, Fla.

“Our impression is they will have to meet before the meetings, in order to prepare paperwork to send out to the clubs,” said Bob Graziano, Dodger executive vice president. “Although there’s no definitive timetable set, we are hearing that everything is moving along.”