O’Malley, Club Split Might Not Be Total

Peter O’Malley, who may be spending his last spring in Vero Beach, Fla., as president of the Dodgers, said that his arrival Friday felt much like any other of the last 48 years.

“I honestly don’t feel any different,� said O’Malley, who started coming to Dodgertown as a teenager when his father, Walter, owned the team. “I’m going to be around as much as any spring. There won’t be any difference.�

Although O’Malley announced last month that he was putting the Dodgers up for sale, he has not precluded the possibility of returning next year as club president.

It’s possible, according to those close to O’Malley, that he will retain a minority interest in the team. That would permit him to pursue an NFL franchise and still be part of the Dodgers.

“I’m committed to making the transition as smooth as possible,� O’Malley said. “And I wouldn’t be surprised if I was here next year when we will celebrate the Dodgers’ 50th anniversary at Vero Beach.�

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Knuckleballer Tom Candiotti was unpacking his bags, looked up at the TV screen and saw his picture. He turned up the sound and listened as yet another reporter said that Candiotti would be traded.

“It was like, ‘What am I even doing here?’ � Candiotti said. “But I’m not bothered by it. It’s like the spring of ‘91, when I was with the [Cleveland] Indians. That’s all we heard: ‘Who’s going to the [Toronto] Blue Jays, me or [Greg] Swindell.’ It turned out to be me.

“I’d love to stay with the Dodgers, but I understand the situation.�

The Dodgers have six starters for five spots, and will try to trade Candiotti and his $3-million salary. Candiotti, who has spent more than 10 years in the majors with five years at Los Angeles, has the right to reject any trade.