DODGERS UPDATE: KARROS HAS HEARD IT ALL BEFORE DODGERS WANT TO PROVIDE HELP AT FIRST BASE.Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer Dodgers first baseman Eric Karros Responding publicly for the first time to comments made by Dodgers general manager Dan Evans on the subject more than a month ago, Karros said he wasn't surprised or offended of·fend v. of·fend·ed, of·fend·ing, of·fends v.tr. 1. To cause displeasure, anger, resentment, or wounded feelings in. 2. despite the timing of the message sent to the public. Hours after Karros underwent shoulder surgery Oct. 4 to clear out scar tissue scar tissue n. Dense, fibrous connective tissue that forms over a healed wound or cut. , Evans said the club needed more production from first base. This year, Karros batted .271 with a career-low 13 homers and 73 RBI RBI abbr. Baseball runs batted in Noun 1. rbi - a run that is the result of the batter's performance; "he had more than 100 rbi last season" run batted in but played the second half of the season with pain in his shoulder. ``This wouldn't be the first winter things have been said,'' Karros said Wednesday after handing out new duffel bags filled with goodies good·y 1 Informal interj. Used to express delight. n. also good·ie pl. good·ies Something attractive or delectable, especially something sweet to eat. to more than 60 foster children at the Hollygrove Children's Home children's home n → centro de acogida para niños children's home n → foyer m d'accueil (pour enfants) children's home n . ``I think it's probably happened more often than it hasn't happened. ``The organization is going to do everything it feels it needs to do to put a team out there to win. If that's a situation they feel they need to address, that's not in my control. The only thing I can do is go out and play and do the best that I can do and make their decision. Basically, I make their decision for them.'' The belief exists the Dodgers will not allow Karros, a Dodger his whole career, to amass the 500 plate appearances he needs to trigger a $9 million option for 2004. If he didn't reach 500, he would become a free agent. The message that the Dodgers were searching for help at first base was sent to Karros by a member of the organization's front office through Karros' agent, Jeff Moorad Jeff Moorad is currently the Chief Executive Officer, minority owner and managing partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is also a co-owner of the Hall of Fame Racing NASCAR team. For many years, he was a player agent, and representing many baseball and football players. , late in the season, sources said. Evans is trying to acquire a left-handed-batting first baseman and also is shopping Karros. However, the market for Karros - coming off two disappointing seasons and shoulder surgery and making $8 million - is all but nonexistent non·ex·is·tence n. 1. The condition of not existing. 2. Something that does not exist. non . Karros, who turned 35 this month, hit 28 homers and averaged 68 RBI the past two seasons. That spurred Evans to say more production was needed, and the lack of offense ``puts a burden on the rest of the lineup. We can't afford that.'' Before injuries limited his output, Karros averaged 31 homers and 104 RBI over six seasons. ``I would love for Eric to return to the form he showed a couple of years ago and be an outstanding offensive player,'' Evans said by cell phone. ``I have the utmost respect for him.'' Karros said he hasn't talked to Evans since the final day of the season, and left it at that. ``I can't control what Dan Evans says,'' Karros said. ``My focus is getting myself ready and going through the rehab process and getting myself prepared for the 2003 season.'' |
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