Malone: Sheffield Issue Is Resolved

In the strongest indication the Dodgers will not trade Gary Sheffield, General Manager Kevin Malone said Saturday, “Let’s forget and move forward.”

Malone praised the all-star left fielder while speaking with reporters from Los Angeles and New York before the Dodgers’ 2-0 victory over the New York Yankees at Legends Field.

Sheffield acknowledged he made mistakes, and Malone said the door has been closed.

“I think it’s resolved,” said Malone, one of Sheffield’s strongest supporters. “To me it’s resolved unless something comes up.

“He’s apologized and asked for forgiveness. What more do you want? We’ll see what happens, again day-to-day, but he’s sorry. He’s apologized and he’s ready to begin the season.”

However, other team officials said the door is still ajar.

“There is no resolution as of yet,” said Derrick Hall, senior vice president, speaking on behalf of Chairman Bob Daly.

“But all signs point toward closure very soon, perhaps in the next few days, and we certainly feel better about the situation.”

Malone had been reluctant to move Sheffield even before the apologetic player sought forgiveness from Daly and teammates.

“I never wanted to trade him. Why would you want to trade one of the best players in baseball?” said Malone, pleased that Sheffield apologized to Daly and hired influential agent Scott Boras. “I was in Montreal and did that in ‘94, traded four of the best players in baseball. I’m here to try to build a championship, a winning team, and this guy is one of the best right-handed hitters in baseball.

“You don’t want to trade a guy like that unless you’re forced to, or you have to, and we believe the situation has been resolved. Something could happen again, I don’t believe it will, but you never say never. We believe that Gary is on board, we’re moving forward, and we’re getting ready for opening day.”

Sheffield’s criticism of Daly and hints he might struggle if the club keeps him will not affect his position as a leader, Malone said.

“Bill Clinton’s position wasn’t affected by some of the things he did,” Malone said. “So no, I think you respect him for who [he is] as a person. I mean, we all say things. I’ve said things, some things that I wish I hadn’t said, so we all make mistakes and we all learn from them.

“This guy’s a baseball player and he’s committed to winning. I think there are some players who still want to see him prove, you know, actions speak louder than words. He said the right things, now he’s got to show the right things, but he’s doing that.”

Malone said he believes fans will eventually forgive Sheffield.

“I think the fans are hurt. I think we’re all hurt,” he said. “You’re hurt by some of the things he said, but I think the fans will recognize, in time, it’s going to take some time, he said some things he wishes he hadn’t said.

“Like myself, and like other people, we all make mistakes. Let he who has no sin cast the first stone. I think we all have made mistakes and said things that we wished we hadn’t said. Initially, there will be boos, and there will be some people, some fans expressing their disappointment in what he said, but I think in time that will be gone.”

At Boras’ instruction, Sheffield now only talks about baseball.

“I’ve been looking forward to the season starting and helping the Dodgers win the World Series,” said Sheffield, two for three with a run-scoring double against Yankee starter Roger Clemens. “I know with my ability I can help make that happen.”

Notes

Eric Gagne, who gave up one hit in five strong innings, struck out three without a walk. . . . Ramon Martinez, expected to be the fifth starter, had his best outing of the spring, giving up four hits in four scoreless innings. . . . Clemens gave up six hits, a run and struck out four. . . . The Dodgers also defeated the Florida Marlins, 9-6, in a split-squad game at Viera. Reliever Gregg Olson, expected to be traded, got the victory despite giving up three hits and a run in one inning.