Dodgers Not Discounting Sheffield Yet

Awaiting the arrival of Gary Sheffield at Dodgertown, the Dodgers reaffirmed Wednesday that the disgruntled player will not be traded unless the club receives equal value, raising the stakes in a public poker game.

The Dodgers restated their position after being informed that Sheffield had changed his mind and would join the team in spring training Monday, a day before the mandatory reporting date.

Meanwhile, two baseball executives said Chicago Cub outfielder Sammy Sosa rejected a proposal that would have brought him to the Dodgers and sent Sheffield to the New York Mets, and Sheffield’s agent intimated the situation with the Dodgers could be salvaged, though the Dodgers disagree.

Sheffield initially said he would report to his new team, but the six-time all-star decided it was in his best interest to cooperate with the Dodgers to help spur a deal.

On his return, Sheffield, who traveled Tuesday to his off-season home in Tampa, will encounter confused teammates seeking answers about his trade demand, contract stance and harsh criticism of club executives.

Players for the first time acknowledged that Sheffield’s published comments in the wake of his confusing actions have stirred clubhouse concern, creating another circuslike atmosphere a week into spring workouts.

Many said they would take a wait-and-see approach because Sheffield has been a good teammate to this point, but some conceded his behavior has cast a shadow over the Dodgers that could extend into the regular season.

However, Chairman Bob Daly and General Manager Kevin Malone are eager for Sheffield to arrive because they have not received acceptable offers, in part, because of the perception he must be traded at any cost.

“I feel we still have some things to talk about,” said Met General Manager Steve Phillips, who has rejected proposals for Sheffield involving catcher Mike Piazza and second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo.

“As people talk through issues, you find other teams have [three-team] ideas. Most of which aren’t realistic, but they at least get you to look at some things.”

A three-team deal involving Sosa collapsed in the early stages because the Dodgers would not agree to give him a multiyear extension, prompting the four-time all-star to reject a trade as a player with at least 10 years in the majors and five with one team.

“We have had some discussions about players in the last year of their contracts,” said Malone, not commenting specifically on Sosa. “Because of certain circumstances, those players are not available.”

Daly and Malone are trying to convince teams that Sheffield will be a Dodger until they get what they want--a risky strategy under the circumstances.

Sheffield could be a divisive presence, resulting in bigger problems for the once-stable franchise.

“Obviously, it’s a tough situation,” relief pitcher Terry Adams said. “Sheff is such a big part of our team, but he obviously doesn’t want to be here. It’s something that’s going to have to be addressed by a majority of the veteran guys like Brownie [pitcher Kevin Brown] and E.K. [first baseman Eric Karros].

“The season, for us, can’t be fully 100% as a 25-man group unless this is addressed. We can’t have a member of our team not wanting to be part of our family. I’m sure guys will have hard feelings about a guy coming into camp, saying guys are not worth the money they’re being paid, or as important as others to the club.”

Said Karros: “I hope the situation is resolved. I hope the situation works out well for everybody.”

The Dodgers had tempered their comments after word emerged Sunday that Sheffield either wanted to be traded to the Mets, Atlanta Braves or New York Yankees or receive a lucrative extension.

But players privately expressed disappointment in Sheffield because he is under contract for another four seasons at $41 million.

Their feelings turned to animosity on reading quotes attributed to Sheffield in a national publication that criticized management for giving more money to what he considers lesser players.

He made similar comments to The Times this week when contacted at his Bel-Air home.

“They handed out all these contracts to guys who don’t do what I do, but they don’t have any money left to do anything for me?” said Sheffield, who put his house on the market. “The contract I signed [in 1997] with the [Florida] Marlins had nothing to do with me and the Dodgers.

“I gave them a hometown discount because that’s where I wanted to be. I get traded to L.A., and I’m not even with the guys I got traded with anymore, but I tried to make the best of it. But I guess that doesn’t matter. My feelings didn’t matter to them.”

The Dodgers hope Sheffield clarifies his comments.

“He might have to explain something to some guys,” catcher Paul LoDuca said. “As far as where he’s coming from, I think guys would like to know from Sheff.”

Sheffield has spoken with Brown, one of his closest friends on the team.

Brown said he will reserve judgment until meeting with Sheffield after his arrival.

“I’m not going to prejudge him before he walks in the door,” said Brown, who played with Sheffield on the Marlins’ 1997 World Series championship team.

“It doesn’t do any good to react until all the facts are clear. I’m not going to do anything until I get the chance to talk to him personally.”

New Manager Jim Tracy acknowledged it would make it “very difficult” for Sheffield to remain with the team if all the quotes are accurate, and many in the organization said he has caused irreparable damage.

Sheffield’s agent believes the door is still ajar.

“All he did was say he wanted a contract extension, and if he got one, yes, he would [want to remain with the team],” agent Jim Neader said. “I’m not going to comment on what might happen. Let’s just let it play out.”

Malone would not commit to Sheffield remaining with the Dodgers, but he said he won’t be traded unless the price is right.

“I don’t think it would be advantageous for us to rush into a bad deal because of the issues that surround Gary Sheffield,” Malone said. “If teams think that we’re going to be rushed into doing something that’s bad for the Los Angeles Dodgers, then that’s a miscalculation on their part.

“If we have an appropriate trade for the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to [when Sheffield reports], then we will make a deal. If we don’t we won’t. It’s that simple.”

Dodger Notes

An MRI exam revealed that Eric Karros has a back sprain. “He’s improved from where he was [Tuesday], but it’s kind of a day-to-day thing,” Manager Jim Tracy said. . . . Third baseman Adrian Beltre, recovering from an emergency appendectomy and infection that caused him to lose 24 pounds, suffered a setback and could not participate in drills. The Dodgers hope that Beltre, still not eating solid food, will be ready for opening day. . . . Tracy was impressed with right-hander Ramon Martinez, who worked on a mound for the first time this spring.

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