Sheffield Can’t Get a Break

Gary Sheffield had been eagerly anticipating a trip to Maui during the upcoming All-Star break.

But the Dodger outfielder’s plans changed Wednesday because he was selected to the game among the National League reserves. Instead of relaxing on a beach with his wife, Deleon, Sheffield will be the Dodgers’ lone representative at Fenway Park on July 13.

Under the terms of his contract, Sheffield earned a $50,000 bonus for being an all-star this season. Starter Kevin Brown and closer Jeff Shaw also received strong consideration from San Diego Padre Manager Bruce Bochy, who selects the reserves as the NL manager. Brown would have earned a $100,000 bonus for participating in the game.

“I think the last two starts had an effect,” said Brown, who had a 10.65 earned-run average in losing his last two outings. “Let’s face it, it all boils down to results, but I can’t think about that because there is too much else going on [with the team] to worry about.

“It [the All-Star game] is fun when your team is playing well and everyone is having a good time. As it is, it wouldn’t be any fun anyhow [because of the Dodgers’ disappointing season].”

Sheffield has Bochy to thank for the trip to Boston instead of Maui.

“Bochy pulled me aside when we were in San Diego last week and told me he knew I was having a pretty good year, but don’t be disappointed if I didn’t make the team,” said Sheffield, who has been selected to five All-Star games. “I told him I could make his decision real easy for him [because of his plans at the break].

“I talked it over with my wife, and we’re going to go because she doesn’t want the fans to get on me like they did last year. I’m thankful for the selection, so we’re just going to go and represent the Dodger organization.”

The left fielder was criticized last season because Dodger officials agreed to pay the expenses to have his parents and children attend the game at Coors Field. Sheffield initially declined to attend the game because he wanted to spend time with his family in St. Petersburg, Fla., during the break.

Sheffield believes fans will continue to scrutinize him because he is the only player remaining with the Dodgers from the Mike Piazza trade. He hopes some people eventually turn the page on that chapter in Dodger history.

“It’s time people move on with that issue,” Sheffield said. “If Mike Piazza wanted to be a Dodger he would have been a Dodger. All he had to do was sign the contract, and he didn’t. He would have signed if he had wanted to be here, and it [the seven-player trade] would never have happened.”

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Reliever Antonio Osuna worked one scoreless inning for Class-A San Bernardino against High Desert in his first rehabilitation outing.

TODAY

DODGERS’ CHAN HO PARK (4-7, 6.19 ERA) vs. ROCKIES’ BRIAN BOHANON (9-6, 6.31 ERA)

Coors Field, Noon PDT

TV--Fox Sports West 2

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

* Update--Park has lost his last four starts. Bohanon has struggled since beginning the season 5-0. The former Dodger left-hander is 0-3 in his last three starts. Bohanon defeated the Dodgers, 4-2, on April 8 at Dodger Stadium.