Commissioner’s Office Delays the Start of Appeals Process

The commissioner’s office is still not ready to begin the appeals process stemming from the unprecedented penalties levied against the Dodgers after their brawl with fans at Wrigley Field in Chicago, a baseball spokesman said Monday.

Paul Beeston, baseball’s chief operating officer, was expected to travel to Los Angeles later this week to start the process that was initially delayed at the request of the Major League Players Assn.

However, Beeston has not determined when he will hear arguments from the three coaches, 16 players and one on-field assistant suspended a total of 89 games and fined $77,000 for their roles in the May 16 melee. Moreover, the spokesman said, the commissioner’s office has not established a timetable for the matter to be resolved.

Under the collective bargaining agreement, Beeston had a 10-day window to rule on the suspensions and fines. The clock started May 24 when the Dodgers informed the commissioner’s office they would appeal.

Union officials, handling the players’ appeals, said they needed more time to prepare. Dodger executives, handling the appeals of the coaches and on-field assistant, agreed with the players’ association and the commissioner’s office cooperated.

The union and the Dodgers want the commissioner’s office to take as much time as needed to rectify a situation they consider unfair.

“Our position hasn’t changed, we just want the matter to be handled properly and fairly,” said Dodger senior vice president Derrick Hall, coordinating the process for the club.

“We’re just going to wait and see when it’s best for them [the commissioner’s office]. The important thing isn’t how long it takes, the important thing is how the process is carried out.”

The Dodgers are upset about the punishment handed down by Frank Robinson, vice president of on-field operations.

They are especially frustrated because they believe Robinson’s investigation should have been more thorough.

Several baseball officials said they believe Beeston will reduce the suspensions and fines. The Dodgers have declined comment on how they believe the situation will be resolved.

“The key thing for us right now is that our players and coaches have a chance to be heard,” Hall said. “If that means it’s going to take even more time, then we will gladly grant that time.”

*

Jeff Shaw hopes to resume pitching this week after a good bullpen session Monday.

Shaw--temporarily removed from the closer’s role--said he had good velocity while throwing for about 17 minutes under the supervision of pitching coach Claude Osteen.

The muscles around the right-hander’s rotator cuff are weak, and team medical personnel recommended Shaw rest for a week to 10 days. He has not pitched since suffering his fifth blown save last Tuesday.

Shaw said his shoulder has improved while following an exercise program team physician Frank Jobe designed for him. The Dodgers had planned for Shaw to undergo further shoulder testing Thursday, but Shaw said that plan is on hold at this point.

“Ever since I’ve been doing those weights it’s getting better every day,” said Shaw, 2-3 with a 7.84 earned-run average and 11 saves.

“I’ll probably get some game action on Wednesday. We’re going to shoot for that.”

*

In his second start for Class-A San Bernardino, Orel Hershiser gave up nine hits and three runs in 7 2/3 innings against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Monday. Hershiser struck out three and walked two.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ ERIC GAGNE

(0-3, 4.35 ERA)

vs.

RANGERS’ MARK CLARK

(3-3, 8.13 ERA)

The Ballpark in Arlington, 5:30 p.m. PDT

TV--Fox Sports Net 2. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Update--Opponents are batting only .100 (four for 40) against Gagne with runners in scoring position. Clark is 4-6 with a 4.11 ERA against the Dodgers.