Graziano: Signals Are Clear

Bob Graziano said he really enjoys his new job, but the Dodger president and chief executive didn’t expect so much attention so soon.

But such is life when your franchise player is unhappy, and is questioning the organization’s credibility. The fallout from catcher Mike Piazza’s recent comments have kept Graziano unexpectedly busy.

So much for his adjustment period.

“Well, yes, I have some things to deal with,” Graziano said Thursday. “But the situation with Mike is something that is very important to me personally and to the organization. This has been a significant focus of our energies, and will continue to be.”

Piazza has expressed anger about the lack of progress in negotiations on a multiyear contract extension he has sought since October. He said the team is sending mixed signals about its commitment to him, and he has been especially critical of Graziano and team counsel Sam Fernandez, the Dodgers’ lead negotiator.

“I’m not quite sure of the signals he’s getting,” Graziano said. “I think from our perspective, we’ve been very consistent. He’s our franchise player, he’s very important to our team, and he’s very important to baseball. There shouldn’t be any other signals coming from me, other than we hope we can reach a deal that is mutually acceptable.”

Graziano acknowledged the situation could become a distraction to Piazza--and the team--if it continues.

There have been no negotiations since last Friday, but team sources said the Dodgers will make an offer to Piazza early next week. He is seeking a seven-year package, for more than $100 million.

“I think we need to have a resolution soon,” Graziano said, “so that it doesn’t come to that point.”

*

Trenidad Hubbard’s fifth-inning home run ended the Dodgers’ 13-inning scoreless streak. The 1970 team set the record by failing to score in its first 14 innings.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Cincinnati Reds, three games.

* Site--Cinergy Field, Cincinnati.

* Today--4 p.m. PST.

* TV--Channel 5 Saturday and Sunday.

* Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

* Records--Dodgers 1-1, Reds 1-2.

* 1997 record vs. Reds--5-6.

TODAY’S GAME

DODGERS’ HIDEO NOMO (14-12, 4.25 ERA)

vs.

REDS’ DAVID WEATHERS (1-3, 8.42 ERA)

* Update--Nomo is making his debut after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his throwing elbow in the off-season. He struggled during the exhibition season, going 2-1 with a 7.41 ERA in five starts. The Reds are without all-star shortstop Barry Larkin, who may sit out the first month of the season after disk surgery.

* Saturday, 10:15 a.m. PST--Ismael Valdes (10-11, 2.65) vs. Brett Tomko (11-7, 3.43).

* Sunday, 10:15 a.m. PDT--Ramon Martinez (0-1, 7.71) vs. Mike Remlinger (0-1, 1.82).