ASHLEY GOES TO RED SOX.

Byline: Marc J. Spears Daily News Staff Writer

For Billy Ashley, it was a matter of having the right offensive talent in the wrong league.

Ashley, a member of the Dodgers' organization for 10 years, elected free agency on Sunday and will receive just one-sixth of his $450,000 salary this season. Dodgers manager Bill Russell, however, also confirmed that Ashley has signed with the Boston Red Sox and would be assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket following Sunday's game with the Angels at Dodger Stadium.

On March 24, Ashley passed through waivers and his contract was outrighted to Triple-A Albuquerque. But he had the option to be a free agent because he has three years of major-league experience. The Dodgers also tried to trade him to Boston earlier this spring, but the Red Sox refused to part with a marginal minor-league infield prospect. Ashley had hopes of being traded during the past two seasons.

Dodgers executive vice president Fred Claire said declaring free agency was a good move for Ashley and the former Dodger was better suited to be a designated hitter in the American League. Ashley hit a National League-best five pinch-hit home runs and nine overall in 1996 and has impressive power. But he struggled defensively in left field and played little there after Todd Hollandsworth took over the position and ended up winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1996.

``It is a matter of opportunity,'' Claire said. ``During the last three years, he didn't get that here.''

Russell said, ``For Billy, it was the right decision.''

Ashley said goodbye to his teammates before Sunday's game, but he gave the impression to reporters that he was going to Albuquerque. The Dodgers, however, made the announcement during the game that Ashley, who had left the stadium by that time and wasn't available for comment, had declared free agency. His agent, Jeff Moorad, didn't return phone calls.

Last season, Ashley batted .244 with six homers and 19 RBI in 71 games. The 27-year-old Thousand Oaks resident, who was USA Today's Minor League Player of the Year in 1994, had a .231 career average with the Dodgers.

Dodgers notes: Pitchers Dennis Reyes and Ignacio Flores and catcher Paul LoDuca have been optioned to Albuquerque. . . . Outfielder Mike Devereaux signed a one-year major-league contract Sunday. . . . Outfielder Garey Ingram is expected to clear waivers at 11 a.m. today and the Dodgers might send him to Albuquerque, which would reduce the parent club's active roster to 25. . . . Right-hander Ismael Valdes, who has been bothered by a tender elbow, will throw around 80 pitches today against the Dodgers' Triple-A team in Vero Beach, Fla., and join the team in St. Louis tonight. He is expected to start Saturday at Cincinnati. . . . Outfielder Roger Cedeno, who is on the disabled list with a right hamstring pull, might be considered for a minor-league assignment before he returns, Russell said. Cedeno is still in Vero Beach playing in minor-league games and is expected to return for the home opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 7.

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PHOTO The Angels' Jack McDowell gave up a homer in second.

Gus Ruelas/Daily News