Family Will Play Role in Shaw’s Decision

Jeff Shaw’s career has never been better. The Dodger closer leads the National League in saves with 33 and is savoring the opportunity to reach the playoffs for the first time in his 12-year career.

But it’s not enough to keep the 35-year-old right-hander from strongly considering retiring after the season.

In Shaw’s mind, the decision is as easy as 1, 2, 3--his children Travis, 11, Molli, 6 and Griffin 2.

“My kids are getting older and I’m missing out,” he said. “It’s not about how I feel or the game of baseball. I want to spend time with my family. I’ll make the decision at the end of the year.”

Shaw’s wife, Julie, and the kids live most of the year in the town he grew up in, Washington Courthouse, Ohio. They spend the summer with him in Los Angeles.

Shaw is in the last year of a three-year deal that pays him $6.05 million this season. The Dodgers hold an option for next season at $7.05 million or can exercise a $1.5-million buyout.

Shaw can reject the option, take a reduced buyout of $1 million and become a free agent, but he insists money is not the point.

“Money has nothing to do with it, whether or not we make the playoffs has nothing to do with it,” he said. “It’s all about what’s best for my family.”

Manager Jim Tracy realizes keeping Shaw around is what’s best for the Dodgers. But the time isn’t right for them to discuss it.

“I’ve kept it in the back of my mind and we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” Tracy said. “Being the type of family man I am, I know not to butt into a family situation.

“When it does become our business, Jeff is such a professional person he will be the first to let us know and make it part of our business.”

Leaving when he is on top of his game does strike Shaw as odd.

“My wife mentions that a lot, and that’s when I think--maybe one more year,” he said.

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Center fielder Tom Goodwin, on the disabled list since July 21 because of a strained right hamstring, ran the bases at full speed before the game and pronounced himself ready to play.

Play he will, Tracy said, but Goodwin’s first action will be with Class A Wilmington, N.C., on Tuesday. Goodwin will not accompany the Dodgers to Pittsburgh today and instead will join the team Thursday in Pittsburgh or Friday in Philadelphia.

Goodwin isn’t sure the detour is necessary.

“If I had my choice, yes, I’d go to Pittsburgh now,” he said. “I feel good swinging the bat. I’m anxious to get out there.”

McKay Christensen has cooled since going 10 for 14 in his first three games. He is 14 for 39 with one home run, but will probably return to triple-A Las Vegas when Goodwin returns.

Christensen, like Goodwin, bats left-handed and has platooned with right-handed hitting Marquis Grissom.

“The thing I have to weigh is having three center fielders, two of whom are very similar in terms of style of play,” Tracy said.

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Gary Sheffield had three hits for the second game in a row and has hit safely in 10 of his last 12 games to raise his average to .303. He is 19 for 46 during the hitting streak with seven doubles, three home runs and eight runs batted in.