Butler’s Comments Unite Team

Brett Butler accomplished in retirement what he couldn’t as a player, uniting the Dodgers.

They say the signs are already apparent, and they owe it all to the former outfielder. But the Dodgers are united against Butler for critical comments he made about all-star catcher Mike Piazza, so they won’t be thanking him.

“One thing we don’t want is to have things separate and distract us,” third baseman Todd Zeile said. “So I was glad to hear guys saying things and voicing their opinions. We’ve been talking among ourselves in the clubhouse, so this is something that could help.”

An undercurrent of resentment lingered at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla., on Tuesday, as the organization tried to move past the controversy surrounding Butler. The Dodgers were deluged with interview requests, and they continued to strongly support Piazza.

“We’re totally behind Mike,” second baseman Eric Young said. “We’re not going to let anybody from the outside just say something like that without us saying how we feel. Mike Piazza is our leader.”

Piazza said Butler had not contacted him.

“I mean, for what reason would I need to talk to him?” Piazza said. “I’ve already moved on, and I think everyone is kind of laughing about it.

“I’m really stoked by my teammates’ support. The things they’ve been saying have been emotional for me. It’s times like this when you really find out who your friends are.”

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Antonio Osuna, the front-runner for the closer job, agreed to a two-year, $1.5-million contract. The club holds two option years that could make the package worth $5.5 million for Osuna, who made $300,000 last season.