Dodger-Padre Deal Is No-Go

The Dodgers and San Diego Padres were unable to complete a multiplayer trade Tuesday involving all-star outfielders Gary Sheffield and Greg Vaughn, prompting Dodger General Manager Kevin Malone to focus his efforts on other deals at the general managers’ meetings.

On the second day of the annual conference here, Malone and Padre General Manager Kevin Towers had lengthy discussions about sending Sheffield, a former Padre, and infielder Mark Grudzielanek to San Diego for Vaughn, reliever Randy Myers and infielder Chris Gomez. Malone emerged from the talks unwilling to make the deal, delaying movement on, and possibly killing, a proposal that would give the Dodgers payroll flexibility.

Meanwhile, an agent for free-agent pitcher Randy Johnson expressed confusion about the team’s pursuit of the all-star. Barry Meister, who represents the former Cy Young Award winner along with Alan Nero, said the Dodgers are supposedly interested in signing Johnson, but they had not made an offer as of Tuesday afternoon.

Malone would not rule out making a deal with the Padres, and he reaffirmed he is willing to trade any player, except pitcher Chan Ho Park, to improve the ballclub. But Malone said he won’t trade Sheffield unless the price is right--and it was not this time.

“I’m sure they [the Padres] thought this was a good deal, I’m sure they thought it was a fair offer, but I didn’t think this was a good deal for the Dodgers,” Malone said. “We had discussions, but it didn’t get to a point where we would do that [trade Sheffield] with the names that were involved.

“I’ve learned never to say never, because things can change too quickly, but we’re not interested in doing this. There are some other things we’re considering doing before we leave [the meetings that end Thursday].”

One point the teams also apparently couldn’t agree on was the amount each club would pay of the $12 million remaining on Myers’ contract the next two seasons.

Sheffield, the principal player acquired from the Florida Marlins in the seven-player Mike Piazza trade May 15, is owed about $50 million under his contract that doesn’t expire until after the 2003 season. Some within the organization are eager to move Sheffield’s contract off the payroll, but Malone is not among them.

Malone acknowledged Sheffield’s durability is a concern, and Sheffield has been considered difficult to work with during his career, but Malone said he has been impressed by Sheffield’s recent approach.

“Gary has made it clear to us that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win,” Malone said. “This guy is a great player and he’s someone who we really need to help the Dodgers reach the levels we’re going to reach.”

Acquiring Johnson also would help. Team sources said Malone hopes to sign Johnson, but he wants to see how the market develops before making his pitch to the ace left-hander.

That might be a mistake, Meister said.

“I hope they [the Dodgers] are serious because we clearly like the Dodgers and there is interest on our side,” Meister said. “But if they are serious then they are going to have to make an offer [soon].

“At least half a dozen teams have made offers. We are not going to visit any team that does not make an offer, so we certainly hope the Dodgers step up and make an offer.”

Malone said it’s not that simple.

“We understand there is a process, but we have to follow what we think is in the best interest of the Dodgers,” he said. “We’re aware of what we have to do to address the situation.

“We’re going to continue to evaluate the situation. Hopefully, all of our agendas will coincide.”

Malone declined to say who initiated the talks with San Diego, but baseball sources said the Padres did because they are eager to move Vaughn and Myers. The Padres also have offered the players to other clubs.

“I really don’t want to get into discussing specific players, but we are exploring all our options right now,” Towers said. “We talked to the Dodgers to see if we could get something done, and we’re talking to other clubs about a lot of things. That’s what you do here.”

Dodger Notes

The Dodgers and New York Mets have added catcher Todd Hundley to their trade talks about infielder-outfielder Bobby Bonilla. The Angels are also believed to be pursuing the switch-hitting Hundley, although he has a no-trade clause in his contract. The Dodgers are among the teams he would consider playing for; the Angels, however, are not on the list. . . . Fred Claire, former Dodger general manager, would be among the candidates for the Mets’ position if General Manager Steve Phillips does not return. Phillips, facing a possible sexual harassment suit, took a paid leave of absence Sunday. . . . The Fort McDowell Mojave-Apache Indian Community near Phoenix has offered to build the Dodgers a $20-million spring training complex.