Hochevar: Dodgers Not to Blame

Luke Hochevar, the Dodgers’ first pick in the June draft, and agent Scott Boras apparently now believe the Dodgers are not to blame for the events that led to Hochevar’s agreeing to and then reneging on a $2.98-million signing bonus.

Boras apparently holds agent Matt Sosnick responsible, and spoke late Thursday night with scouting director Logan White in an attempt to renew negotiations for the University of Tennessee right-hander.

Over a seven-hour period on the night of Sept. 2 and early morning Sept. 3, Hochevar jumped agents to Sosnick, signed a term sheet, returned to Boras and backed out of the deal.

Initially, Hochevar and Boras accused White and Sosnick of conspiring to lure Hochevar away from Boras, then signing him. A conversation with White and others involved apparently left Boras believing otherwise.

“It’s very clear the issues here do not relate to the Dodgers,” Boras said. “It is clear they do relate to a third party making representations that have caused both sides to examine the situation in depth. However, our relationship with the Dodgers continues to be a good one. Both of us had to deal with a lot of information and allegations that have resulted in a finding it emanated from a third party. Our issue in this matter is not with the Dodger organization or anyone within the Dodger organization.”

Sosnick has said Hochevar was eager to leave Boras and satisfied with his contract, then reneged on the deal under duress from Boras. Garth Iorg, a former major leaguer who was with Hochevar during the Sosnick negotiations, backed Sosnick’s account.

Iorg has a business relationship with Sosnick, and Iorg’s son, Eli, a minor leaguer with the Houston Astros, is Sosnick’s client.

Hochevar said Sosnick was “crazy,” and said he could not understand why Iorg would side with Sosnick.

“I just hope all this stuff ends, first of all, and that we get the contract done and start out on a good note,” Hochevar said. “I want this to be over with. I want Sosnick to go wherever he goes, far away from me, and leave me alone for as long as I play the game.”

Asked if he still hoped to sign with the Dodgers for $2.98 million, Hochevar declined to comment.

Dodger General Manager Paul DePodesta said White would continue to represent the team in negotiations with Hochevar. However, Dodger sources said they are in no hurry to resume talks.

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Times staff writer Steve Henson contributed to this report.