DODGERS NOTEBOOK: GET TO KNOW ME, REPLIES SHEFFIELD.

Byline: Marc J. Spears Daily News Staff Writer

Gary Sheffield has put together an impressive baseball resume that includes three All-Star appearances, a World Series ring and a 42 home-run season in 1996.

But now that the power hitter is officially gone from the Florida Marlins, it seems he will remembered more as a troublemaker in Miami than trouble for pitchers.

During his five years in Florida, Sheffield reportedly feuded as much with umpires as with general manager Dave Dombrowski. He was also bothered by numerous injuries and publicly complained about his supporting cast, most recently comparing them to ``the Bad News Bears.''

Off the field, he was shot in the shoulder by an unknown assailant and investigated over death threats with his ex-girlfriend.

But Sheffield, who found religion after a conversation from heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield last year, said Saturday he is matured and misunderstood and has not had any off-the-field problems recently.

``A lot of times, people didn't take the time to get to know me,'' said Sheffield, 29, the nephew of Dwight Gooden. ``But last year, they got to know me and I kind of opened up with the press. I've matured. It is just a reputation that began when I was in the big leagues at 18 years old playing shortstop (in Milwaukee in 1986).''

As for the problems on the field, Sheffield said: ``I have never been angry. It has been difficult (Florida trading players) to swallow the whole thing.''

Dodgers outfielder Thomas Howard, who played with Sheffield at San Diego in 1992, said Sheffield has developed through his ``adversity in the press'' and has kept a ``level head.'' Howard also said his new teammate is modest about his charity work, which includes giving $40,000 to R.B.I. (Reviving Baseball in Innercities) since 1994.

Dodgers executive vice-president Fred Claire feels ``positive'' about Sheffield on and off the field. He also said he became ``uncomfortable when (Sheffield) came to bat'' against the Dodgers moreso than any other player.

``I don't want to be naive because I don't know him well,'' Claire said. ``Last night, he talked about the possibility of the trade and it was in his hands more than anybody. I felt very positive about (our conversations) and I think he has a tremendous opportunity to be a great impact player for the Dodgers.

``Ultimately it will come down to his performance and good health. He can make a major, major impact on this team and this city.''

Roster moves: The Dodgers optioned infielder Wilton Guerrero to Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday and outfielder Trenidad Hubbard was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 14 with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

According to Claire, Guerrero was unhappy about the move and spoke to manager Bill Russell about being traded. Last season, the Dominican played 111 games with the Dodgers before being optioned to Albuquerque for more playing time on Aug. 22 after the Dodgers traded for Eric Young.

Mondesi moved: Over the last two seasons, Raul Mondesi has proved to be one of the major leagues' best right fielders, winning two Gold Gloves. Now he will have the opportunity to show his talents in center field, where he moved Saturday with Sheffield starting in right.

Mondesi's last start in center field was on May 21, 1995, at Wrigley Field.

Russell said it was his decision to make the move and not because of some agreement in Friday's Sheffield talks.

``If this is best for the team, it is fine for me,' said Mondesi, who started the first 24 games of the 1995 season at center field.

Etc.: Juan Castro has switched to No. 17 so Bobby Bonilla can wear No. 25. . . . Right-hander Manuel Barrios, who was acquired Friday night from the Marlins, was optioned to Albuquerque. To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder Brian Richardson was designated for assignment.