DODGERS : Fear of Fehr, Union Has Players Confused

VERO BEACH, Fla. —  Donald Fehr, executive director of the Major League Players Assn., has announced that anyone who played in an exhibition game, either at a major league training site or elsewhere if admission is charged, would be considered a strikebreaker, causing consternation Monday in the Dodgers’ spring training camp.

“Wow, I don’t know what to say,” said utility player Casey Candaele, who a few days ago was saying he would not be a replacement player. “(The union) is putting us in a very awkward position. I really can’t say what I’m going to do now.”

The Dodgers, who have 16 players receiving major league benefits, will begin asking players this week if they will become replacement players. “We’re in a no-win situation,” said pitcher George Tsamis, 27, who is receiving major league benefits. “If you play, you’re considered a scab. If you don’t play, you don’t have a prayer of making the team.”

Said pitcher Tom McCarthy, 33, who has pitched professionally since 1979: “I’ve never been so confused in my life. When I was in Puerto Rico this winter, Fehr told us he didn’t care if we played in spring training. Now that this stuff is getting to the nitty-gritty, the rules have changed on us.”

Teams are discussing ways to avoid conflict, said Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president, but no one has a ready solution. Even if someone devised a plan to accommodate both sides, the union could establish a new set of guidelines for strikebreakers.

“Let’s see, if we play the New York Yankees at Ft. Lauderdale High School and don’t charge. . . “ Claire mused. “I can’t tell you who will be playing March 2. . . . I don’t know where this is headed. . . .

“Never in our wildest dreams (did I) imagine we’d be here without more movement and without our players in camp.”