In the End, Mondesi’s Departure Was Mutual

Raul Mondesi needed a change of scenery.

The Dodgers became disenchanted with the talented outfielder the last few seasons--and the feeling was mutual.

Mondesi’s frustration led to his expletive-filled tirade Aug. 11 in Montreal, causing irreparable damage to the once-strong relationship. Trading Mondesi was all that remained to complete the breakup.

The Dodgers did that Monday, sending Mondesi and pitcher Pedro Borbon to the Toronto Blue Jays for all-star outfielder Shawn Green and minor league middle infielder Jorge Nunez.

Mondesi sounded pleased to finally be a former Dodger.

“I’m real happy to be a Blue Jay,” Mondesi said during a phone interview from the Dominican Republic. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about how they treat Latin players in Toronto.

“I’ve talked to a lot of my friends about that, and I’m looking forward to this. I’m looking to being with the Blue Jays in 2000.”

Mondesi didn’t party much in 1999 with the Dodgers.

His outburst in Montreal forced the Dodgers’ hand, though new Chairman Robert Daly had been optimistic the situation could be resolved. His optimism ended after meeting with Jeff Moorad, who represents Mondesi and Green, last week to discuss the Dodgers’ options regarding Mondesi.

“Before we got into talking about Shawn, Jeff, [General Manager] Kevin [Malone] and I met to talk about Mondesi,” Daly said. “I was positive after that meeting that Mondesi did not want to be with the Dodgers anymore.”

On Mondesi’s behalf, Moorad wrote a letter to the Dodgers requesting a trade. Mondesi simply wanted out.

“It’s hard to see any player leave an organization that they’ve been with their entire career,” Moorad said. “Ironically, two of my clients did just that in this transaction.

“Raul just felt that it would be better for him to go someplace else and start over. This is a very good opportunity for him.”

Toronto officials agree.

“We’re very pleased about the trade,” said Gord Ash, Toronto’s president and general manager. “We add someone who gives us power, speed and run production. I think we got the best deal we could under the circumstances because Shawn wanted to return home.”

Dodger outfielder Gary Sheffield believes his friend and former teammate will succeed in Toronto.

“I spent a lot of time with Mondy this year, trying to help him through his bumps and bruises after what happened,” Sheffield said. “Mondy is a good person and he plays hard, and anyone who does that is going to be all right.”