DODGERS NOTEBOOK: MONDESI FLEXIBLE; OUTFIELDER NOT TIED TO SIX-YEAR CONTRACT DEMAND.

Byline: Kevin Acee Daily News Staff Writer

Raul Mondesi's new agent said Monday that the Dodgers right fielder's recent demand for at least a six-year contract may not be etched in stone.

``We'd go short, we'd go long, it depends on a lot of things,'' said Adam Katz, who along with partner Tom Reich took over representation of Mondesi about two weeks ago. Katz, who also represents new Dodgers shortstop Jose Vizcaino, was Mondesi's agent earlier in his career.

Mondesi's former agent, Jeff Moorad, said shortly before the two parted ways last month that Mondesi was seeking a contract of six to eight years in length and the Dodgers' failure to meet that demand would result in Mondesi leaving when he was eligible for free agency after the 1999 season. A short while later, Mondesi was quoted in a Dominican newspaper saying he wanted a six-year, $60 million deal.

Katz declined to discuss specifics of what Mondesi is looking for. But asked if Mondesi's stance on the duration of his contract is softer now than three weeks ago, Katz said, ``It might be.''

Arbitration news: Mondesi is one of six arbitration-eligible Dodgers, joining second baseman Eric Young, outfielders Billy Ashley and Todd Hollandsworth and pitchers Darren Dreifort and Darren Hall.

Monday began the 11-day period in which teams and players exchange arbitration figures. As of Monday afternoon, none of those players had filed for arbitration. After a players file for arbitration, the two sides have 72 hours to exchange figures.

The Dodgers rarely have cases actually make the hearing.

``We're optimistic we're going to be able to reach a pretty reasonable agreement,'' said Ken Gurnick, who represents Young. Other representatives echoed that sentiment.

Besides Mondesi, Young's case is the most intriguing and the one with the highest stakes. Young, who made $3.2 million last season, is looking to become one of the game's best-paid second basemen. His numbers warrant such a demand.

Mike Lansing recently signed a four-year contract with the Colorado Rockies that will pay him about $5.9 million a season. In his five-year career, Lansing has a .276 average, 340 runs, 265 RBI and 49 home runs in 2,565 at-bats. Young, also about to begin his sixth full major-league season, has batted .294 over the past five years, amassing 406 runs, 243 RBI and 32 home runs in 2,274 at-bats.

Ashley, who the Dodgers are trying to move, made $275,000 last season. Hollandsworth, pegged as the starting left fielder for the coming season, made $550,000. Dreifort, who will compete in spring training for the fifth starting spot, made $220,000, and set-up man Darren Hall made $365,000 in 1997.

Next Chan Ho? The Dodgers are close to signing Korean pitcher Seok Chung, the 24-year-old right-hander's agent confirmed Monday.

``I would hope by the end of next week we will be able to announce something,'' said Steve Kim, who also represents Dodgers starter Chan Ho Park.

Kim would not reveal terms, but it is believed Chung will receive a $1 million signing bonus. Park signed for $1.2 million in 1994.

Chung, who unlike Park has already fulfilled his military obligations in Korea, was pitching for the Korean national team. In contrast to the hard-throwing Park, Chung is a control pitcher with a strong changeup and curve.

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Photo

PHOTO Eric Karros takes batting practice during the Dodgers' first winter workout.

David R. Crane / Daily News