Bonilla Provides the Dodgers With His Own Gentle Reminder

Bobby Bonilla has heard the rumors, and read speculation about his future with the Dodgers.

Some believe that the third baseman should not be an everyday player, and that club officials should attempt to trade the high-priced veteran during the off-season.

But Bonilla might prove his detractors wrong.

He continues to contribute despite being slowed by constant pain, driving in the winning run in a 5-4 victory over the San Diego Padres in 10 innings Sunday.

With one out in the 10th, Bonilla drove in Trenidad Hubbard from third base with a sacrifice fly to left field against reliever Donne Wall (5-4), disappointing a Qualcomm Stadium crowd of 37,390.

“It’s not like I’ve forgotten how to play the game,” said Bonilla, who receives daily treatment on his sore wrists and ankles.

“I have a lot of experience in those situations. I’ll tell you one thing, that wasn’t my first sacrifice fly.”

Closer Jeff Shaw worked a scoreless 10th to get his 43rd save, and 20th as a Dodger, helping rookie reliever Eric Weaver (1-0) earn his first major league victory.

But the Padres (94-56) weren’t distraught about losing twice times in four days to their Southland rivals. San Diego Manager Bruce Bochy gave many of his starters the day off after they clinched the NL West division title in an 8-7 come-from-behind victory over the third-place Dodgers (76-74) on Saturday.

That didn’t diminish Bonilla’s late-inning contribution, Manager Glenn Hoffman said.

“Bobby is a veteran hitter who knows how to hit and drive in runners in different situations,” said Hoffman, whose team went 4-3 on the trip. “From what I’ve seen, and everybody has seen, in the last two weeks, Bobby is getting stronger, and he’s doing a tremendous job in those situations.

“I’ve asked a lot of him in the last two weeks, and he’s giving me everything he has, gutting it out through all the aches and pains. Next year, when he’s 100% again, that’s when you’re going to see the real Bobby Bo.”

He has been on the disabled list twice with the Dodgers because of illness and injuries. He has tendinitis in his wrists, and is still recovering from left Achilles’ surgery during the previous off-season.

Bonilla went hitless in five plate appearances with the sacrifice fly and a run Sunday, but has at least one hit in 14 of his last 18 games.

He is batting .281 during that span with four home runs and eight runs batted in. Overall, Bonilla is batting .245 with 11 homers and 43 RBIs.

Bonilla, 35, struggled after he was acquired in the Mike Piazza trade with the Florida Marlins on May 15, stirring discussion about his ability and effort. But the 13-year veteran said he hasn’t been deterred by ongoing criticism.

“That stuff doesn’t bother me,” Bonilla said. “I learned a long time ago not to concern myself with what I can’t control.

“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling stronger, and I’m looking forward to the off-season. I can’t wait to get down to Vero Beach, and I don’t know how many people would say that.”

But will Bonilla be with the Dodgers in spring training?

Senior Vice President Tom Lasorda actively tried to move him before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline because Bonilla has two years and $11.8 million remaining on his contract. St. Louis General Manager Walt Jocketty killed a proposed deal that would have sent Bonilla to the Cardinals for veteran outfielder Ron Gant.

A cloud of uncertainty hovers over the organization because new General Manager Kevin Malone is preparing his plan for reshaping the club. But Bonilla is confident he can help the Dodgers next season and beyond.

“I don’t know what they’re going to do, that’s up to them,” Bonilla said. “All I know is that they have a third baseman if they want one.”