BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Fans React Strongly to the Players’ Treatment of Busch

The Dodger front office was deluged Wednesday with several hundred angry telephone calls and faxes from fans complaining about the players’ harsh treatment of replacement player Mike Busch.

In an attempt to defuse the hostile situation, Dodger President Peter O’Malley summoned veteran center fielder Brett Butler to his office. Manager Tom Lasorda later had a team meeting with his players and implored them to quit discussing the issue.

Bud Selig, acting baseball commissioner, said he was alarmed by the reaction toward Busch.

“I’m sorry when we have something that has a negative detraction on the game,” Selig said. “I can understand all points of views. I understand the players’ view, and I obviously understand the club’s point of view.

“But my God, these people [replacement players] are human beings.”

O’Malley said he was surprised by the players’ severe reaction but said the fact there still is no basic agreement fueled the hostilities.

“It was another sad chapter in absence of a civil relationship between management and players,” O’Malley said. “We’ve got to put the past behind us and move ahead. We’ve got to solve this animosity between players and management. The fans have had it. Their patience is exhausted.

“Everybody on both sides has to do everything possible to establish a partnership. I’m not banging anybody. Both sides are responsible for exhausting the patience of fans.”

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The Chicago White Sox are demanding outfielders Todd Hollandsworth and Roger Cedeno in exchange for third baseman Robin Ventura, according to sources close to the negotiations. The Dodgers might be willing to part with Cedeno and triple-A outfielder Karim Garcia, or perhaps Hollandsworth by himself, but sources say the Dodgers will not meet the White Sox’s demands.

The Dodgers will probably play the final month of the season with a platoon of Dave Hansen and Busch at third base.

“As far as any moves outside the organization, I’m not anticipating any and I don’t believe anything will happen.” said Fred Claire, executive vice president.

It may have been a moot point anyway, because Ventura was unsure whether he would provide permission to waive his no-trade clause. However, the no-trade provision expires upon conclusion of the World Series, when the Dodgers again are expected to pursue Ventura for 1996.

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The Dodgers called up outfielder Karim Garcia and left-handed reliever Joey Eischen from triple-A Albuquerque after the game, optioned pitcher Jim Bruske to double-A San Antonio and designated outfielder Rick Parker for assignment. Bruske will rejoin the team Friday when rosters expand, but Parker will not. Bruske and Parker refused to become replacement players this spring and were held as heroes by their teammates.