Now Mondesi’s Not Talking

Trying to finish the season quietly, Dodger right fielder Raul Mondesi has declined to comment further on his situation.

Mondesi reaffirmed Friday that he won’t speak about the fallout from his expletive-filled tirade Aug. 11 aimed at General Manager Kevin Malone and Manager Davey Johnson.

Instead, Mondesi said he’s going to keep his mouth shut and wait for things to be resolved during the off-season.

Mondesi did speak about the Dodgers’ performance after hitting a ninth-inning, game-tying, two-run home run in an 8-5, 10-inning victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. However, he made it clear that other subjects would not be open to discussion.

Of course, the Dodgers wouldn’t be in this mess had Mondesi followed that course in the first place.

Mondesi has expressed his desire to be traded since June, confiding in teammates that he despised Malone and Johnson and that he would not play for the latter next season.

But Malone and Johnson thought they had brokered a temporary truce with the disgruntled player through Mondesi’s agent, Jeff Moorad. They thought Mondesi had agreed to bite his tongue for the time being, while Malone worked to accommodate him with a trade during the off-season.

Obviously, things did not go as planned because of Mondesi’s short fuse.

Although Malone won’t comment on his plans regarding Mondesi, team sources said that Mondesi remains determined to play elsewhere next season.

He stuck with his demand Monday during a meeting with Malone, Johnson, Moorad and President Bob Graziano at Dodger Stadium.

What has saddened many longtime members of the organization is that they believe Mondesi did not mean what he said. Mondesi, they said, is a good-natured, big-hearted person whose emotions, unfortunately for him and them, control his actions too often.

“No doubt about it, Mondy could be the best player in this game if he wanted to,” left fielder Gary Sheffield said. “If Mondy woke up one morning and said, ‘I’m going to dedicate myself to being the best in the game,’ Mondy could do it because he’s got more than enough talent.

“He could take the team anywhere it wants to be. He could do things that no one in this game could match. Mondy could surprise the fans every game. He could do whatever he wants to do. Mondy could do that, but . . . that has to be inside of you.”

Malone probably will trade Mondesi, and Dodger fans will be left to wonder what could have been.

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As part of the ongoing Dodger Stadium renovations, the team has unveiled plans to add 300 seats behind home plate. The seats, which will be 25 feet closer to the plate, are part of a new dugout club that will include a bar and restaurant. Construction is scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the 2000 season.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ ISMAEL VALDES (8-11, 3.48 ERA) vs. PHILLIES’ RANDY WOLF (5-5, 5.01 ERA)

Veterans Stadium, 4 PDT

TV--Channel 5.

Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Update--Valdes, who turns 26 today, has had quality starts in 11 of his last 14 outings. However, he has only three victories during that span. His strong outing Sunday against Atlanta was typical of his disappointing season. The right-hander gave up seven hits and three runs in seven innings but did not get a decision in the Dodgers’ 5-4, 11-inning loss. Rookie left-hander Wolf has lost his last five decisions for the Phillies.