Who’s On First? Sheffield, Perhaps

Talk has begun about the Dodgers moving outfielder Gary Sheffield to first base because of Sheffield’s ongoing shoulder problems and his reluctance to move from right field to left.

Of course, that would necessitate trading longtime first baseman Eric Karros, among the few holdovers from a quickly bygone Dodger era. General Manager Kevin Malone acknowledges that moving Sheffield to first is an option because “Sheff is willing to do whatever it takes to help us win.”

But Malone stressed he has not actively attempted to trade Karros since he took control of the team in September. During the off-season, Malone and Angel General Manager Bill Bavasi had discussions in which Karros’ name was mentioned--along with right-hander Ismael Valdes--in a deal that would have sent Gold Glove center fielder Jim Edmonds to the Dodgers.

Malone said the Dodgers’ interest in Edmonds ended when they signed Gold Glove outfielder Devon White to play center. The Dodgers still must resolve the Sheffield situation, but moving Karros is not the answer.

Karros has the longest current tenure with the team, more than seven years, and he is among the most popular players with Dodger fans. And the hard-working Karros, the 1992 National League rookie of the year, is a professional presence in the clubhouse.

Moreover, Karros has been productive despite trade rumors that always seem to surround him. He is the only Los Angeles Dodger to hit at least 30 home runs with 100 runs batted in three consecutive seasons, which he accomplished from 1995-97.

Karros’ accomplishments aside, Sheffield would probably not welcome another position change anyway. He is already struggling with the fourth position switch in his 11-year career.

Maybe the Dodgers need to reevaluate their outfield configuration, or maybe Sheffield will simply have to do the best he can in left. One way or another, though, something has to change.

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Sheffield is expected to return to Dodgertown tonight after leaving Saturday to attend to personal matters.

In an interview before his departure, Sheffield said he will call a team meeting before opening day to discuss certain rules that management plans to enforce this season.

“I expected certain things when I accepted the trade, and now those terms are different,” said Sheffield, who figures team officials had him in mind when they drafted the policies and announced them before first telling the players. “In the off-season, I felt it was an unfair shake and clearly directed at . . . I wouldn’t say it pinpointed me, but it was somewhat directed at me. I felt that wasn’t fair to me. I’ve put in 11 years, I felt I deserved more than [a public announcement].

“It’s not about chemistry, or nothing like that, dictating why you wear facial hair or earrings. I respect [Manager] Davey [Johnson] and Malone to the utmost, but I just felt we could have at least had a meeting about it. If they said we’re not going to wear facial hair and earrings, then OK. We are all grown men, and we can all take criticism and dish out criticism.”

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Catcher Todd Hundley, who is experiencing pain in his surgically repaired throwing elbow, might start today for the first time. The club faces the Florida Marlins at Dodgertown. . . . The Dodgers had 18 hits in defeating the Houston Astros, 13-3, at Kissimmee, Fla. . . . Outfielder Todd Hollandsworth hit his third homer and went three for four with two RBIs. Hollandsworth is batting .438 with five RBIs and nine runs. . . . Right-hander Darren Dreifort was not sharp, walking five in three innings.