He Tries to Make It Work

Todd Hundley’s teammates are watching in admiration as he tries to overcome his limitations caused by a reconstructed throwing elbow.

The Dodgers marvel at how hard the catcher has worked in the weight room and on his defensive technique, praising Hundley for his efforts.

“You hear guys talk about how other guys are working hard, and the fans probably get tired of hearing about it, especially if a guy isn’t producing like the fans expect,” left fielder Gary Sheffield said of Hundley, who went two for five in an 8-7 loss to San Francisco on Sunday. “But with Hundley, he really has been doing everything he can. You can’t help but be impressed.”

Sheffield said Hundley is burdened by the situation.

“You look at him sometimes when you’re out on the field, and you just see that frustration on his face because he can’t do certain things like he used to,” Sheffield said. “Some guys would give up because what he’s going through is too hard for most people to understand. He’s not giving up--he’s pushing himself harder and harder.”

Hundley has been working intensely with bullpen coach Rick Dempsey, a longtime catcher, trying to regain his pre-surgery form behind the plate. The workout sessions--dubbed “Camp Dempsey” by Manager Davey Johnson--occur early before games.

Johnson is satisfied enough with Hundley’s progress to reinstate him as the No. 1 catcher. Rookie Angel Pena, however, will continue to be the primary batterymate for Ismael Valdes and Darren Dreifort because Johnson wants Hundley to have every advantage possible against runners, and Valdes and Dreifort have deliveries slower than those of Kevin Brown, Chan Ho Park and Carlos Perez. The Giants stole two bases in two attempts Sunday.

Batting coach Rick Down has also been spending time with the switch-hitter, and Hundley has increased his time in the weight room. Hundley has remained more upbeat than many would be under similar circumstances, and his positive attitude has been appreciated in the clubhouse.

“He didn’t sulk or pout when Davey told him he wouldn’t be playing every day until he got some things worked out,” second baseman Eric Young said. “He acted like a man, put in his work and now he’s back out there. People need to understand that everyone in this clubhouse is pulling for him.”

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Barry Bonds tied the all-time record for most intentional walks in a career during the fourth inning of the Giants’ victory. With two out and a runner on third in the fourth, the all-star left fielder was intentionally walked by Dodger starter Chan Ho Park, marking the 293rd intentional walk in his 14-year career. Bonds shares the record with Henry Aaron. . . . Dodger center fielder Devon White was a late scratch from the lineup because of tightness in his back. He is expected to play Tuesday against San Diego.