Karros May Be on Trading Block Again

First baseman Eric Karros has been among the Dodgers’ most productive players throughout his eight-year career.

But it appears Karros might not be with the Dodgers much longer because team officials believe they need more left-handed balance in the batting order, so they might decide to make a move at first base. Karros’ name has often been mentioned in trade talks during the last few seasons, but there are signs that this season will finally mark the end of the line for him.

Despite batting .471 (eight for 17) in his last five games, Karros did not start Saturday during a 7-6, come-from-behind victory over San Francisco at 3Com Park. He pinch-hit and doubled in the ninth inning. Outfielder Todd Hollandsworth started at first base for the second time this season because Manager Davey Johnson wanted the left-handed batter in the lineup against Giant right-hander Chris Brock.

Karros is batting .289 with 12 home runs, 36 runs batted in and a team-high 20 doubles. He declined comment on being benched.

Johnson acknowledged that Karros wasn’t pleased when they discussed the situation after Friday’s 4-2 victory. But Johnson wants more left-handed balance in the batting order--and he’s the boss.

“I had a little discussion with him [Friday] night and he told me how he feels, but I need to look at some things and some people,” Johnson said. “I’m not picking on him. It could be him [sitting] one day, Mondy [Raul Mondesi] the next day or somebody else the next.

“I’m giving Holly a chance in the lineup, and that gives us more options. It gives the guy over there [Giant Manager Dusty Baker] a few more things to think about. The bottom line is that I have to do what I think is right to help this team win.”

The Dodger lineup is simply too right-handed dominated for Johnson, and General Manager Kevin Malone seemingly can’t make many changes because several players on the 25-man roster have multiyear contracts and limited trade value. Karros is making $5 million this season and is owed $5 million next season in the final year of his contract.

So once again, Karros might be available.

“E.K. has heard this before,” said his agent, Jeff Moorad. “He’s learned to just deal with it and continue to go out and give the same professional performance he always has, and that’s what he will continue doing.”

But for how much longer with the Dodgers?

*

Hollandsworth is caught in the middle of the situation.

He is uncomfortable with replacing Karros, even if only temporarily, but he has no choice. Hollandsworth also wants to play every day, and he’s not in a position to refuse opportunities.

“I know E.K. wants to be in there, but what am I going to do?” said Hollandsworth, who went hitless in four at-bats. “I can’t really tell Davey, ‘No, I don’t want to play.’ All I can do is just try to make the most out of my opportunities.

“I want to help this team win. It’s tough when you’ve got guys who are putting up numbers and deserve to be out there, but I have to do whatever they ask of me.”

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ CHAN HO PARK (4-5, 5.14 ERA)

vs.

GIANTS’ MARK GARDNER (1-6, 7.28 ERA)

3Com Park, 5 p.m.

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

* Update--Park is coming off one of his best performances in many outings. The right-hander worked seven strong innings Tuesday in a 4-1 loss to San Diego at Dodger Stadium. Park gave up only five hits and three runs, but the Dodger offense failed to provide much support.