Eisenreich Deal Close, Not Done

Jim Eisenreich is ready to join the Dodgers, but they’re not sure they want him. At least not at the current price.

Talks are ongoing between the Dodgers and Florida Marlins about Eisenreich, who plays the infield and outfield. Fred Claire, executive vice president, believes Eisenreich could provide the left-handed consistency the Dodgers’ have lacked, and Marlin General Manager Dave Dombrowski is being forced to slash the team’s $33-million payroll by more than half.

It appears to be a perfect fit.

But the Dodgers are insisting that the Marlins pay part of Eisenreich’s $1.4-million salary this season. The Marlins previously refused to help pay the salary, which killed a proposed deal during spring training.

“He would like to play for the Dodgers,” said Eisenreich’s attorney, Ron Simon. “We were surprised when it didn’t happen [in spring training], because you’re not talking about a lot of money by today’s standards.

“You’re talking about someone who is comfortable playing any role you put him in, and someone who is very versatile.”

He is owed about $850,000 for the remainder of the season. Eisenreich is in the final year of a two-year, $2.8-million package, and the Marlins hold a $1.4-million option for 1999, or a $200,000 buyout.

Eisenreich, 39, has hit at least 10 home runs only once in a 13-year major league career. But power aside, he could help the Dodgers in many ways.

“He was happy to be part of a World Series winner last season, and he has a good relationship with [Manager] Jim Leyland, so it’s not like he’s dying to get out of there,” Simon said. “Even with everything that’s going on, he could be happy there for the rest of the season.

“But Los Angeles is a top team, and a top place to play. With their situation [in left field], it looks like a no-brainer to us.”