DODGERS REPORT : Sheffield Against Trading Mondesi

Gary Sheffield has been the most vocal player about the Dodgers’ problems, saying often that management must make sweeping changes during the upcoming off-season to rebuild after this season’s $80-million disaster.

The all-star left fielder reaffirmed his position Monday, but added that trading right fielder Raul Mondesi should not be on General Manager Kevin Malone’s to-do list. Sheffield believes Mondesi is part of the solution despite his subpar season.

“Kevin makes the decisions for the team, all I’m saying is that I wouldn’t [trade Mondesi] because his upside is too high,” said Sheffield, who has been a force on the field and in the clubhouse. “You can’t trade guys like that.”

Sheffield was among those who counseled Mondesi before and after his expletive-filled diatribe Aug. 11 aimed at Malone and Manager Davey Johnson. Sheffield acknowledges that Mondesi’s behavior was unacceptable, but said that reconciliation is the right course.

“All they have to do is bring in another guy for Mondy to look up to,” Sheffield said. “If you give Mondy some more positive influences in here [the clubhouse], that will help. But you can’t trade guys like Mondy if you’re trying to win.”

Mondesi will make $9.5 million in 1999. Team sources have said that the Dodgers will cut payroll next season because it will increase to more than $90 million with the raises players will receive.

Moving the five-tool Mondesi would enable the Dodgers to reduce expenses as well as acquire prospects for the farm system. Again, Sheffield said targeting Mondesi is not the way to go.

“Trade other people if you have to do that [trim payroll], but not Mondy,” Sheffield said. “The are other guys we can move to get better, and we do have to get better. We need to get some better character on this team. We need to have vocal leaders; guys who won’t be afraid to say something to people.

“We need a jokester to keep guys loose. Right now, we have a lot of guys who are worried about their stats. We have guys who won’t give up at-bats to move guys over. We need to get more guys who understand the game.”

Sheffield hopes team officials view things similarly.

“Everyone wants to be in the right situation,” Sheffield said. “Maybe you can deal with [the team] struggling for one or two years, but you want to see decisions made that will help you do your job.

“The decisions that are made will help me decide my future. Whatever moves are made, I want to see them bringing in the right people. I want to see that effort, and I’m going to be watching closely.”

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The Dodgers announced that triple-A manager Mike Scioscia has left the organization to pursue other opportunities. Under Scioscia, the Albuquerque Dukes were 65-74 this season. The former Dodger catcher is among the team leader in a number of categories, including games caught (1,395).

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DODGERS’ JEFF WILLIAMS

(0-0, 4.50 ERA)

vs.

GIANTS’ KIRK RUETER

(14-8, 5.12 ERA)

Dodger Stadium, 7

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

* Update--Williams is scheduled to make his first major-league start. The Australian rookie left-hander made his debut in relief Sept. 12 during a 10-3 loss to the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium.