Rumors Don’t Bother Valdes This Year

Ismael Valdes has heard the rumors, and the Dodger pitcher figures his time with the organization is winding down.

Valdes’ name has been mentioned in trade speculation during the last few weeks, making it difficult for the young right-hander to ignore. But unlike last season, when Valdes was burdened by trade rumors, he is unfazed by what might soon occur.

“It doesn’t bother me anymore,” said Valdes, scheduled to start tonight in the opener of a three-game interleague series against the Seattle Mariners. “I hear all that stuff, but there’s nothing I can do about that. I have no control over what the organization wants to do.

“If they don’t want me to be here anymore, then I’ll just have to go someplace else. But I’m not going to worry like last year.”

Last season, Valdes was the centerpiece of a proposed multiplayer package to acquire all-star left-hander Randy Johnson, who then pitched for the Seattle Mariners. The potential deal collapsed in June because a Mariner minority owner got cold feet.

The weeks before those trade talks ended were among the most difficult in Valdes’ life. Valdes felt betrayed by the organization that drafted and developed him.

“It was hard, it was a bad time for me,” said Valdes, making $4.275 million this season. “This is my organization and I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t know why they wanted to trade me. I was scared.”

Many industry sources have said that Dodger General Manager Kevin Malone won’t be able to make major trades before the July 31, non-waiver deadline unless he’s willing to move a starting pitcher. Staff ace Kevin Brown is untouchable, and Chan Ho Park and Darren Dreifort throw in the 90s.

Struggling left-hander Carlos Perez does not have the value he once did, making Valdes the probable odd man out. Although Valdes, 25, doesn’t throw as hard as Dreifort and Park, he’s more polished.

Valdes has performed much better than his 6-7 record. His 3.57 earned-run average leads the starting staff.

Valdes hopes to remain with the Dodgers, but he’s prepared to move on.

“Last year was a great experience for me because I learned that you just have to deal with whatever happens in this game,” Valdes said. “I have a lot of confidence now. I know what I can do in this game. I can help this team or another team.”

ON DECK

* Opponent--Seattle Mariners, three games.

* Site--Dodger Stadium.

* Tonight--7.

* TV--Channel 5 tonight and Saturday, Fox Sports West 2 Sunday.

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

* Records--Dodgers 36-47, Mariners 42-42.

* Record vs. Mariners (1998)--2-1.

* Tickets--(323) 224-1HIT.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ ISMAEL VALDES (6-7, 3.57 ERA)

vs.

MARINERS’ FREDDY GARCIA (9-4, 5.04 ERA)

* Update--The Dodgers went 3-6 in their first three interleague series. This marks the teams’ final series before the All-Star break. Valdes ended a personal five-game losing streak Sunday in a 7-1 victory against the San Francisco Giants. The Mariners are in second place in the American League West. Mariner all-star center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. is among the major league leaders in most offensive categories.

* Saturday, 7 p.m.--Kevin Brown (9-6, 3.68) vs. John Halama (7-2, 3.02).

* Sunday, 1 p.m.--Darren Dreifort (6-8, 5.69) vs. Jeff Fassero (4-8, 6.67).