Bonilla Eager to Get to Next ‘Party’

Bobby Bonilla figures his time with the Florida Marlins will soon end--and it can’t happen quickly enough for his liking.

The third baseman is among the few remaining high-priced veterans on the team, whose roster was gutted after its unprecedented World Series victory last season. Bonilla is looking forward to leaving the depressing situation, and he seemingly would be a good fit with the Dodgers.

“Now that I’m healthy, they’re definitely going to trade me,” he said. “They know that and I know that, and that’s OK.

“I know it’s not up to me, but I’d like to go to an organization that’s committed to winning, because playing in the World Series was a great feeling. That was the best party I’ve ever been to, and I’d love to go back.”

For many reasons, the Dodgers should try to acquire the power-hitting Bonilla. The switch-hitter could provide left-handed power, which several players said the team desperately needs.

Bonilla batted .296 with 17 home runs and 96 runs batted in as the Marlins won the World Series--setting a record for expansion teams by accomplishing the feat in only their fifth year. He has hit at least 17 homers 10 times in his 13-year career, has a .285 lifetime batting average and has driven in more than 100 runs four times.

He has recovered after undergoing off-season wrist and Achilles’ tendon surgery, which forced him to miss spring training.

Bonilla was hitless in three at-bats with a run scored Saturday night in the Marlins’ 7-4 victory over the Dodgers at Pro Player Stadium. He is batting .271 (23 for 85) with four homers and 15 RBIs.

Bonilla also plays the outfield, and Dodger Manager Bill Russell hasn’t been overwhelmed by his left-field rotation of Todd Hollandsworth, Matt Luke and Trenidad Hubbard. Bonilla and second baseman Eric Young are close friends, and Bonilla, Young, catcher Mike Piazza and pitcher Mark Guthrie are represented by the Beverly Hills Sports Council.

Of course, Bonilla, 35, won’t come cheaply. Marlin General Manager Dave Dombrowski would seek major prospects in return, and Bonilla is making $5.9 million this season in the second year of a four-year, $23.3-million package.

Fred Claire, executive vice president, would need permission from Bob Graziano, team president, to increase the Dodgers’ $48-million payroll. But after watching the Dodgers to this point, Claire may well already have talked to his boss about Bonilla.

TODAY

DODGERS’ ISMAEL VALDES (2-4, 5.31 ERA) vs. MARLINS’ BRIAN MEADOWS (3-3, 2.72 ERA)

Pro Player Stadium, 10 a.m. PDT TV--Channel 5. Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

Update--Valdes has been the Dodgers’ biggest disappointment to this point. He is 0-4 on the road with a 6.00 ERA, and he has infuriated coaches and teammates by his reluctance to challenge hitters. Even pitching coach Glenn Gregson, among Valdes’ strongest supporters, has expressed disappointment in his performance and presence on the mound. Russell is at his wit’s end. “He’s not giving us enough innings, and he’s not doing what he’s capable of,” Russell said. “We need more from him, it’s that simple.”