Dissatisfied Vizcaino May Be Traded

It appears Jose Vizcaino will be traded by the Dodgers for the second time unless his feelings change about potentially being a reserve.

The Dodgers traded the versatile infielder to the Chicago Cubs for Greg Smith in 1990. Vizcaino returned as a free agent, signing a three-year, $9.5-million contract in December 1997.

But Vizcaino lost the starting shortstop job after he suffered a sprained right ankle in June. The Dodgers acquired shortstop Mark Grudzielanek late last season, and Grudzielanek is expected to start this season, meaning Vizcaino will be a reserve unless an infielder is injured. “I don’t want to do that,” Vizcaino said. “I know I can help this team, but I have to play to do that. How am I going to help the team sitting on the bench?”

Manager Davey Johnson said Vizcaino, who also plays third and second, could play a key role as a reserve. But Vizcaino, considered a better fielder than Grudzielanek, believes he should be in the starting lineup, and he has supporters in the organization. Vizcaino also is a positive force in the clubhouse.

But the top decision-makers apparently prefer Grudzielanek because he has more offensive skills than Vizcaino. A high-ranking team source said General Manager Kevin Malone has received many inquiries about Vizcaino, and Malone is willing to trade him, in part, because Vizcaino says he won’t be happy in a backup role.

Vizcaino will make $3 million this season and $3.5 million in 2000 in the final year of his contract.

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The Dodgers had a day off Tuesday, but Ismael Valdes pitched in a minor league game at Dodgertown. In five innings, he gave up five hits and one run, struck out three and walked none.