Unthinkable Really Makes Players Think

They approached their work as usual, preparing for another game in a long season. They spoke as if nothing had changed, because that’s what professionals are supposed to do in times like these.

But the Dodgers weren’t fooling themselves.

They were stunned by the news Friday that the Dodgers had agreed to trade all-star catcher Mike Piazza to the Florida Marlins in a multi-player deal that also included third baseman Todd Zeile.

Players expected big changes after the Fox Group purchased the franchise in March. But they said no one expected this.

“Everyone is going to be talking about how shocking this is for a long time, but you really can’t say that enough,” second baseman Eric Young said. “There are things that you think may happen during a year, and things that never even enter your mind. This isn’t in that first group. Not at all.”

The Dodgers received all-stars Gary Sheffield, Charles Johnson and Bobby Bonilla, along with Jim Eisenreich and Manuel Barrios. There was an eerie feeling in the clubhouse before the game, as players and coaches awaited word of the deal’s completion during the Montreal Expos’ 4-2 victory at Dodger Stadium.

The magnitude of the proposed deal overwhelmed many players, as did the realization that additional trades are probably on the horizon.

“You sure don’t see trades like this every day, unless you’re talking about rotisserie baseball,” reliever Jim Bruske said. “This is obviously something so big, you’re kind of blown away by it.

“But you know it’s for real, because it definitely happened. And it just reinforces that in this game, it can happen to anybody at any time.”

That’s for sure.

“Mike didn’t [accept a contract extension], so he knew this could happen,” outfielder Raul Mondesi said. “All we can try to do is the best we can now. We’re still here, and we have jobs to do.”

In one sweeping move, the Fox Group put its stamp on the organization with the blockbuster deal. The franchise that had a reputation for stability--and caution--during the reign of former owner Peter O’Malley is quickly getting a new reputation.

“This is sure a different day with the Dodgers,” outfielder Trenidad Hubbard said. “You do something like this, and people definitely notice.

“That’s how you build reputations in this game. Everyone gets the idea that this is a team willing to make big moves.”

With Sheffield and Eisenreich, there isn’t much room remaining in the Dodgers’ crowded outfield. So someone probably will be leaving soon.

“You know that’s a possibility,” outfielder Matt Luke said. “All you have to do is take a look at our team [after the trade]. But you can’t control what the organization is going to do, all you can do is focus on trying to contribute to the team.

“You better focus on today and trying to get better, because you don’t know where you’re going to wind up if they keep shaking things up.”

But what’s left when the shaking stops?

No matter the personal opinions about Piazza in the clubhouse, he was widely admired for his contributions. He was among the game’s best hitters, and he is considered the top offensive catcher in history by many.

A tireless worker, he made himself into a major league catcher despite his defensive liabilities. Zeile wasn’t considered a top-notch defensive third baseman, but he provided power and he was well liked in the clubhouse.

“Those guys have been big parts of this team, guys who were counted on every day,” outfielder Todd Hollandsworth said. “You just can’t assume that you’re not going to miss a beat when something like this happens, because you’re talking about some pretty big guys in our lineup.”

Of course, the Dodgers received some big guys from the Marlins.

Sheffield is considered as talented as any hitter in the game, and Bonilla, a switch hitter, should provide left-handed power. Johnson is a three-time Gold Glove winner, and Eisenreich has been a key reserve throughout his career.

“Usually, it takes some time for a catcher to get used to a staff, and it might take Johnson a little while,” Bruske said. “But that guy isn’t your typical catcher, and we’re getting other guys who should help too.”

However, the Dodgers shouldn’t get too excited yet.

“Getting guys like that can be dangerous too, because you might start thinking you don’t have to do anything else to be successful,” Hubbard said. “You still have to earn it, and that doesn’t change.”

The chemistry issue is another concern. Piazza and Zeile are leaving friends behind, and unknowns are entering the mix.

“They’re not just people you work with,” pitcher Chan Ho Park said. “You don’t just miss their [contribution] in games, you miss them as friends. That is part of the game, but it’s something you think about.”

With their new talent, expectations are automatically higher on the Dodgers. Anything less than winning the National League West title won’t be viewed well by those doing the shaking.

“There are no more excuses,” Young said. “We have to go out and get it done, and we have to get going now.”