DODGERS REPORT : Johnson Wants to Keep Mondesi if That’s What Outfielder Wants

Dodger officials acknowledge that the Raul Mondesi situation eventually must be addressed during the off-season.

Not surprisingly, General Manager Kevin Malone and Manager Davey Johnson have been reluctant to discuss their thinking about what to do with Mondesi, who lashed out at them during an expletive-filled diatribe Aug. 11. But with the season almost completed, Johnson on Tuesday shed some light on his feelings about the gifted but troubled right fielder.

Johnson told Mondesi he will argue on his behalf to keep him if that’s what Mondesi wants. Johnson wants an answer from Mondesi shortly after the regular season ends Oct. 3.

Mondesi has not made his feelings known to Johnson. However, he has confided in friends that he realizes he made a major mistake in judgment with his unprofessional comments, and hopes he hasn’t burned any bridges.

He hasn’t with Johnson, who knows that players of Mondesi’s caliber don’t come along often.

“I didn’t want him talking about this trade stuff anymore because I’ve never had a player demand to be traded during the season and I didn’t want to look at him differently,” Johnson said in his most candid interview about Mondesi in several weeks. “I told him I didn’t want to hear him talking about being traded anymore, but if that’s what he wanted, I would do my best to make it happen for him.”

The Dodgers are going to make moves in an attempt to trim payroll next season because it is going to increase from $80 million to more than $90 million with the raises players will receive. Mondesi will make $9.5 million in 2000 and $11 million in 2001, the final guaranteed seasons under his contract.

Many within the clubhouse are opposed to trading Mondesi--for financial reasons or otherwise. On Monday, left fielder Gary Sheffield said trading Mondesi would be a big mistake because his upside is too high.

“I don’t see money being a factor in this decision, but I’m only the manager,” Johnson said. “Fox and [President] Bob Graziano are the ones who make those decisions. All I can do is make a recommendation about what I feel from a baseball standpoint.”

The course the Dodgers take with Mondesi will have a huge impact on the team next season and beyond, and Malone can’t afford to make a mistake.

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Pitcher Darren Dreifort, experiencing mild stiffness in his throwing shoulder, said he felt fine after playing catch.

Johnson will watch Dreifort throw in the bullpen Thursday. If all goes well, Dreifort will start Sunday against the San Diego Padres in the Dodger Stadium finale for the season.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ ISMAEL VALDES (9-14, 4.01 ERA) vs. GIANTS’ JOE NATHAN (7-3, 3.95 ERA)

Dodger Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

TV--Fox Sports West 2. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330)

* Update--Valdes has been pounded during his last three starts. He has given up 24 hits and 20 runs in his last 10 innings. His earned-run average has increased from 3.27 to 4.01 during his poor stretch. Rookie right-hander Nathan is making his 12th start.