Signs Clear Hundley, Valdes Won’t Be Back

The Dodgers did not offer arbitration to catcher Todd Hundley, pitcher Ismael Valdes and utilityman Jim Leyritz before Thursday’s deadline, indicating the players will not return next season.

The club cannot negotiate with them before May 1, and will focus on other players to complete the roster.

It had been reported in September that Hundley, acquired from the New York Mets in 1998, would not be with the Dodgers in 2001.

Chairman Bob Daly and General Manager Kevin Malone decided Hundley didn’t fit into the Dodger salary structure.

Several teams are pursuing Hundley, including the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants. Because of Thursday’s decision, the Dodgers will not receive a draft pick as compensation for losing Hundley.

Malone reiterated Thursday that money was the main issue.

“As we’ve said all along, our emphasis and priority has been pitching, and we have a budget,” Malone said in a conference call with reporters. “That budget allows us to focus on one area: pitching.

“Mr. Daly has given me a budget to work with, and with the limitations of that budget our focus is going to be pitching. We signed Andy Ashby and we’re trying to sign Darren Dreifort.”

Hundley, who made $6 million last season, was one of the most respected players in the clubhouse because of his mental toughness and commitment to teammates.

He emerged as a force offensively, batting .284 with 24 home runs and 70 runs batted in in only 299 at-bats, after struggling in 1999 while recovering from reconstructive right elbow surgery.

Hundley’s agent, Seth Levinson, said he understands the decision.

“The Dodgers were extremely fair and just with Todd, but there were extenuating circumstances that had nothing to do with his ability,” Levinson said.

The Dodgers were disappointed in Valdes after reacquiring him from the Cubs in July.

In nine games with the Dodgers, Valdes, who made $5.75 million last season, was 0-3 with a 6.08 earned-run average. The right-hander had his worst season overall, going 2-7 with a 5.64 ERA.

Leyritz, who made $1.25 million, batted .200 with a homer and eight RBIs in 60 at-bats after the Dodgers acquired him in June from the New York Yankees.