Konerko’s Ready to Fill Void

VERO BEACH, Fla. —  With the uncertainty surrounding the status of Eric Karros, rookie Paul Konerko is preparing to open the season at first base.

Konerko doesn’t have much to learn, because that is his best position. But he does have to focus more on playing there after primarily working in left field throughout spring training.

“I’m ready for whatever happens,” said Konerko, who started at first base in the Dodgers’ 7-4 victory over the Montreal Expos on Saturday.

“I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do to help. The important thing is to get yourself mentally ready for playing anywhere.”

Karros returned to Los Angeles on Friday to have his sore left knee examined Monday. If arthroscopic surgery is required, Karros could be sidelined indefinitely.

Konerko, who had two hits and a run batted in against the Expos, has been among the Dodgers’ most productive players this spring. Although nothing has been announced, Konerko is assured of making the 25-man roster.

The Dodgers have been trying to find a position for Konerko to play regularly because they were determined to have him in the lineup this season.

Until Friday, it appeared as though Konerko might be the left fielder on opening day because of hamstring injuries that have sidelined outfielders Roger Cedeno and Todd Hollandsworth.

It’s ironic that he might start at first base, because the Dodgers have been unwilling to trade Karros to create an opening there for him.

“The good thing is that I’ve had to learn to get myself ready quickly to play different positions,” said Konerko, who has started seven games in left, six at first and one at third. “It doesn’t worry me.”

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Billy Ashley is still a Dodger, which isn’t good for him or the Dodgers.

The club is trying to accommodate him with a trade, but with only seven games remaining in spring training the Dodgers haven’t completed a deal for the power-hitting outfielder.

“All I can do is try to make the most of my opportunities and hope for the best,” he said. “I just have to wait and see.”

Ashley was once among the organization’s most promising prospects, but he hasn’t been able to hit effectively during three full seasons with the team.

Ashley is poor defensively, making him best suited to be a designated hitter. The Dodgers had talked with the Boston Red Sox about Ashley, but couldn’t complete a deal.

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Right-hander Ismael Valdes, who missed his last start because of soreness in his pitching elbow, pitched two scoreless innings against the Expos. Valdes gave up one hit, and didn’t experience pain.