Players Bristle Over Criticism of Character

VERO BEACH, Fla. — The Dodgers shot back Sunday at San Diego General Manager Kevin Towers for his comments attacking their character.

Players expressed anger about Towers’ quotes, which labeled them as underachievers, in Saturday’s edition of The Times, saying that he should stick to evaluating the Padres.

“He’s not in our locker room, and he doesn’t know anything about our character,” said catcher Paul Lo Duca, the de facto clubhouse spokesman. “He doesn’t know me, and I didn’t say anything about his character, so you could take it personal.”

Responding to reporters’ questions about the National League West, Towers said the Dodgers should have accomplished more in recent seasons.

“You always think they’ll be good, and they end up finding a way to not finish in first place,” Towers said in Tempe, Ariz. “They could be the most dangerous club in the division because of their spending ability. You’re always waiting for them to make the big move.

“If they added a couple of bats to the lineup, they’d be tough to beat. I’ve never been able to put my thumb on it. They just don’t seem to play well as a team. They’ve always had a lot of talent, but for some reason, when you play them, they don’t seem to play well together. It seemed like it was more character than anything.”

The Dodgers believe that the Padres are emboldened because of their excitement about moving into Petco Park this season, saying that Towers now faces the pressure of higher expectations.

“He has all the resources he needs now, so he should have them contending every year now,” first baseman Robin Ventura said. “He should be in there [the playoffs] every year now.

“He knows it’s not that easy. So go ahead and let’s see.”

New General Manager Paul DePodesta took the high road.

“I wasn’t around last year, so I’m not going to get hung up on what’s gone on here in the past,” DePodesta said. “We’re all looking forward now.”

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DePodesta is focused on acquiring a left-handed batter for the bench because non-roster player Jeremy Giambi, the only in-house candidate for the left-handed pinch-hitter role, has suffered another back injury.

Giambi, who has recovered slowly from shoulder surgery in August, has been slowed because of disk problems in his lower back this spring. He aggravated his back in Saturday’s 9-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers and underwent an MRI exam Sunday, the results of which were negative, Manager Jim Tracy said.

Giambi is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of exhibition play.

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Setup man Guillermo Mota, who has pitched only two innings in major league games because of a sore triceps, returned to the mound and worked a scoreless inning in a minor-league game against the Florida Marlins.

“I was a little out of balance, but I tried to make my adjustments,” Mota said. “I don’t think I’m too far away from being 100%.”

Mota threw fastballs, changeups and sliders in the brief appearance. He said he needs five more innings in big-league games to be ready to start the season.

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Struggling starter Jeff Weaver had his best outing in Sunday’s 12-2 rout of the St. Louis Cardinals at Holman Stadium. Weaver, who had an 8.47 earned-run average beginning play, pitched six strong innings and hit a three-run home run.

Scott Rolen’s two-run homer was among nine hits Weaver (2-2) gave up while lowering his ERA to 7.04.

“Jeff Weaver threw the ball great today,” Tracy said. “You have to be really encouraged by this.”

Wilson Alvarez continued his strong spring performance, pitching three scoreless innings. Alvarez has a 2.45 ERA.

Closer Eric Gagne was unavailable because of flu-like symptoms, Tracy said.

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Several clubs plan to pursue Derrick Hall, senior vice president of communications, after he leaves the Dodgers on April 13, baseball officials said.

Hall, considered among the industry leaders in his field, is high on the list of clubs seeking front-office help.

Clubs interested in interviewing Hall, however, won’t act until he leaves because of concern that owner Frank McCourt might seek compensation.