Bonilla Lashes Out at Lasorda, Dodgers

The Dodgers and Bobby Bonilla broke up because of irreconcilable differences, ending their stormy relationship after about six months.

Trading the outspoken Bonilla was among the Dodgers’ top off-season priorities, and the longtime infielder-outfielder was pleased to leave town.

But Bonilla, who was dealt along with $1 million to the New York Mets for pitcher Mel Rojas, did not leave quietly.

In his first interview since the trade, Bonilla told The Times he believes senior vice president Tom Lasorda is a divisive presence in the organization and intimated the Dodgers might soon encounter major problems with newly anointed franchise player Gary Sheffield.

Contacted while attending a charity event in Puerto Rico, Bonilla spoke candidly about his unpleasant Dodger experience.

“I guess I was the reason for all of the problems [the Dodgers] had, so everything should be great now that they got me out of there,” Bonilla said sarcastically. “I expected this [because] someone out there [Lasorda] doesn’t like me too much.

“Tommy didn’t want me around because he knew I wouldn’t listen to all of his [talk]. I saw right through all of that, and he knew he better turn around when we saw me [in the clubhouse]. He didn’t like that, he wants everyone to just sit there and listen to him, and we all know what I’m talking about.”

Bonilla said Lasorda was considered an unwelcome presence in the clubhouse by many players after he succeeded executive vice president Fred Claire as general manager June 22. Bonilla said it was widely believed in the organization that Lasorda hastened the firings of Claire and manager Bill Russell by often criticizing their performances to team President Bob Graziano and former owner Peter O’Malley.

“Everyone knew what he did,” Bonilla said. “He would be up there [in the owner’s box] because that’s the way he is. But what’s going to be interesting is the first time he tries that with [Manager] Davey [Johnson]. . . .

“I know Davey, I played for him [with the Baltimore Orioles], and Davey won’t take that, there’s no doubt about it. And they better hope that Davey’s wife [Susan] doesn’t hear him up there. Trust me, it will be ‘on’ then.”

Lasorda, who was out of town Sunday and unavailable for comment, has repeatedly denied undercutting Claire and Russell. Recently, Lasorda praised the efforts of General Manager Kevin Malone and Johnson: “Kevin Malone is doing a great job, and he’s hiring great baseball people. And I’ll tell you this: Davey Johnson is going to help the Dodgers get back to where we belong.”

Bonilla said the Dodgers also should be concerned about the Sheffield situation. Bonilla and the all-star outfielder are close friends, and Sheffield said he agreed to waive his no-trade clause with the Florida Marlins on May 15, permitting the seven-player Mike Piazza trade to occur, in part because Bonilla was included in the deal. Before Bonilla was traded, Sheffield said he would be unhappy if Bonilla did not return next season.

The Dodgers recently signed outfielder Devon White, another of Sheffield’s former Marlin teammates and friends, to play center field.

“Well, I guess we know why they signed Devo,” Bonilla said. “Gary can talk to Devo because he has a lot of years in this game, and he can relate to some of the things Gary will go through.

“But I know what to say to Gary because I was with him [in Los Angeles]. Let’s put it this way: I expect to get a lot of late-night phone calls.”

Bonilla said it would be in the Dodgers’ best interest to keep Sheffield informed of their moves. “Gary is a hell of a player, and the fans of L.A. are going to love Gary Sheffield,” Bonilla said. “But Gary is also very smart, and Gary is going to be very interested in what the Dodgers are doing to win.

“The Dodgers don’t have anything left in the farm system, Tommy traded away what they did have [during the just-completed season], and Gary knows you can’t build a winner unless you have a farm system. Gary and I have our [World Series championship] rings, Gary wants to win keep winning and they need Gary to be happy.”

The Dodgers are trying.

Graziano, Malone and Johnson recently had what Malone called a “productive” dinner meeting with Sheffield and his agent during the general managers’ meetings in Naples, Fla.

“We shared some of our future plans for the Dodgers with Gary and Gary expressed some of his ideas and opinions,” Malone said. “Gary and Bobby are friends, but Gary understands we have to do what we feel is in the best interest of the Dodgers.”

Of the five players the Dodgers received from the Marlins in the Piazza trade, only Sheffield and catcher Charles Johnson, whom the Dodgers also are eager to move, remain.

“They trade their best player to get us [Bonilla, Sheffield, Johnson, Jim Eisenreich and Manuel Barrios], but they don’t give the team a chance to come together,” Bonilla said.

Those who know Bonilla best believe his upcoming return to the Mets will be much better than his first tour of duty with them. “Bobby has been looking forward to this ever since it looked like he might be going back to New York,” said his agent, Danny Horowits. “We’ve talked a lot about it, and Bobby knows this is a great second chance for him.

“He really didn’t get to show the fans in L.A. what he could do because he wasn’t healthy, but he’s been working hard to get ready for next season. He’s ready to take care of business.”