Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president, told Hershiser in an hourlong meeting at Dodger Stadium on Thursday that he will not be tendered a contract by Sunday's deadline for unrestricted free agents.
"There are moments for Orel that nobody will ever take away," Claire said, "and history will always reflect that. I recognized, and he recognized, the good things that have happened here, and focused on the positive things."
The Dodgers now lose all rights to Hershiser, and forfeit the opportunity to get draft choices if he signs with another team. It's possible under the new system that Hershiser could later sign with the Dodgers, but certainly not for the $3 million he was scheduled to earn in 1994.
The Dodgers, who probably will retain free-agent center fielder Brett Butler by tendering him a $3.5 million contract, have trimmed nearly $9 million from their 1994 payroll. They also did not offer a contract to free agent Cory Snyder, saving $550,000. Hershiser, 36, said that eight to 10 teams are interested in him. The Cleveland Indians and Colorado Rockies have discussed contracts with him.
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