Catalyst Roberts Still Is Unsigned

Dave Roberts emerged as a catalytic leadoff batter for the Dodgers in his first full season in the major leagues.

The speedy center fielder, who had bounced around the minors since 1994, batted .277 with a .353 on-base percentage and finished third in the National League with 45 stolen bases. But Roberts was still unsigned Tuesday, and General Manager Dan Evans had earlier set a March 2 signing deadline for all players.

If agreement cannot be reached, the Dodgers will renew a one-year contract at their discretion.

“The situation that all clubs have to take into consideration this year is the fact that the [major league] minimum got raised $100,000 [to $300,000], said Kim Ng, assistant general manager. “That changed our thinking a little bit.”

The Dodgers don’t discuss contract negotiations, and Roberts and his agent, John Boggs, declined to comment. However, it may be a difficult situation because of Roberts’ importance to the Dodgers and how he may feel if his contract is simply renewed.

“I know it’s a little frustrating for Dave,” catcher Paul Lo Duca said. “He’s bounced around and he wants to take care of his family, then he has a good year and he doesn’t get compensated.

“But a lot of guys didn’t this year because of what was going on out there in the [market]. I think Dave understands that, but it is frustrating.”

The Dodgers had the majors’ third-highest payroll in 2002 at more than $120 million. News Corp., which owns the club, mandated that this season’s payroll be under the new $117-million luxury-tax threshold.

Two NL general managers said the Dodgers were probably offering Roberts, paid $217,500 last season, $355,000 to $370,000.

“He was a huge part of our success last year, and he’s going to be an even bigger part this year,” All-Star right fielder Shawn Green said. “The frustrating thing, for guys who have played a long time in the minor leagues, is that they get that security.”

*

Manager Jim Tracy and pitching coach Jim Colborn liked what they saw of right-hander Darren Dreifort, who pitched two scoreless innings in Tuesday’s intrasquad game at Holman Stadium.

Dreifort, whose fastball was consistently clocked between 92 to 94 mph, gave up two singles through the infield and had two strikeouts without a walk. He threw 19 strikes in 28 pitches. Left-hander Wilson Alvarez, the game’s other starter, pitched two innings and gave up a solo home run to Larry Barnes.

Alvarez’s best fastball registered at 88 mph. Dreifort and Alvarez are scheduled to pitch Saturday against the Montreal Expos.

*

Rookie Joe Thurston, expected to be the everyday second baseman, was impressive in the intrasquad game, going four for four with a run batted in.... Hideo Nomo will start the first exhibition game Thursday against the Detroit Tigers at Holman Stadium. Odalis Perez is scheduled to face the Tigers on Friday in Lakeland.