Agent Explains Brown’s Absence

Agent Scott Boras responded Monday to media criticism of pitcher Kevin Brown, who still had not reported to Dodgertown, saying the club previously approved his client’s timetable.

Some in the organization have privately expressed disappointment that Brown, coming off surgery last June for a herniated disk in his lower back, did not join the first group of players at spring training last week. The five-time All-Star had told the Dodgers he would arrive Monday night but hadn’t reported by then and wasn’t expected until today. Brown hasn’t reported early since joining the club.

Boras said the Dodgers had been publicly supportive of Brown’s spending time with his family before coming to camp, and that the pitcher was actually ahead of schedule.

“His [wedding] anniversary is at this time of the year and two of Kevin’s children have birthdays,” Boras said. “Kevin is a very strong family man, so we discussed these issues with the Dodgers during our contract negotiations with them. Before we signed the contract, we made it clear that Kevin would have that time with his family and then report, and nothing has changed.”

Some believe things have changed because Brown has been on the disabled list six times in the last three seasons, turns 38 next month and has won only 13 games in the last two seasons while battling elbow and back problems. The Dodgers are paying him $45 million over the next three seasons.

Boras said that had nothing to do with Brown’s schedule.

“To suggest that Kevin had to be there earlier is to imply that he won’t start preparing for the season until he gets to spring training, and anyone who does that has no knowledge of the situation,” he said. “Kevin has been on a stringent workout program throughout the winter, and [Dodger trainer] Stan Johnston has been in constant contact with Kevin.

“And remember, the [mandatory] reporting date is Feb. 26. He will show up a good nine days before that, so I don’t think you can read anything into this. Again, anyone who does that just doesn’t know what’s going on with Kevin’s situation.”

Manager Jim Tracy is tired of discussing Brown.

“When somebody tells me he’s here, he’s here,” Tracy said. “All these questions about Brown.... I don’t spend as much time thinking about it as [reporters]. I don’t. I deal with situations as they come up.”

Brown is “behind where the other guys are right now,” pitching coach Jim Colborn said, because the pitchers in camp have had “three or four” bullpen sessions. Pitchers will begin throwing batting practice today, and Brown will need bullpen work before he can join the group.

“He couldn’t do it in four straight days, but I’m not worried about that,” Colborn said. “By the time April comes, he’ll be exactly tied with them. I don’t know why he wouldn’t be.”

Of course, there’s his back. The Dodgers don’t know what to expect from Brown and Boras won’t make predictions, but said Brown’s commitment to the Dodgers should not be questioned.

“You’re talking a veteran player with a lot of pride who is committed to maximizing his performance,” Boras said. “For him, that doesn’t start with spring training.”

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Closer Eric Gagne was cleared to resume full workouts after an ultrasound exam of his groin revealed only inflammation.

The All-Star reliever had experienced stiffness early in camp, prompting team physician Frank Jobe to order the exam. Gagne said he didn’t experience pain after a bullpen session Monday.

Starter Andy Ashby could be sidelined a few days after aggravating his stiff lower back during a bunting drill. Ashby wrenched his back and suffered a bruised right leg while unsuccessfully trying to avoid a ball from a pitching machine.

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Staff ace Hideo Nomo is scheduled to be among the first group of pitchers to throw batting practice today. Left-hander Kazuhisa Ishii, struck in the head by a line drive last season, said he needed more bullpen work before facing batters, Colborn said.