FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Increasingly frustrated by his projected role as well as a lack of communication from the Orioles front office, backup catcher Lenny Webster reiterated his desire to be traded yesterday, a move he acknowledges he can't force but hopes to influence in a face-to-face meeting with general manager Frank Wren.

"I just don't see how this is going to be a good situation here for me. I don't see how it's going to work," said Webster, who hopes to prod the Orioles to deal him to a club that can assure him a starting role or at least a more equitable time share. "I want to play. I think I deserve to play based on what I've done the last two years. I know somebody can use me."

While Wren insists he feels no compulsion to deal Webster, there are indications of momentum building toward a move.

Webster's agent, Ron Shapiro, spoke with Wren last week about his client's situation and yesterday was scheduled to meet in Vero Beach with Los Angeles Dodgers general manager and ex-Orioles assistant general manager Kevin Malone. The Dodgers are increasingly concerned about the availability of starting catcher Todd Hundley, who underwent reconstructive elbow surgery last season and recently suffered a setback that prevents him from catching.

San Diego Padres catcher Carlos Hernandez also suffered a ruptured Achilles' tendon last week and is lost for the season. Wren insisted yesterday that no team has inquired about Webster.

Asked if the club might accommodate Webster's wish, Wren would not rule out a trade but at the same time refused to classify it as a priority.

"We would consider something that worked for this club," said Wren. "I wouldn't classify Lenny as untouchable. As with most players, if the right deal came along we would consider it. But to make a deal for the sake of making a deal. I don't see that happening."

Wren has intentionally kept a low profile within the clubhouse. He has met individually with many players, but Webster is among the few exceptions. The two are tentatively scheduled to meet this week when Webster will state his case, as will Wren.

"Lenny's a valuable guy," said Wren. "You don't just give him away. Let's put it this way: Anything's possible, but right now it's not our focus."

To make a deal, the Orioles must receive catching in return, according to a club source. Despite receiving praise from manager Ray Miller, Tommy Davis and Jim Foster are not considered ready to take over in case of injury to starter Charles Johnson. However, the Dodgers' backups to Hundley -- Paul LoDuca and Angel Pena -- have a combined 27 major-league at-bats and one RBI.

"I'm not going to stand in the way of a deal," said manager Ray Miller, "but I don't think we should weaken ourselves, either."

Webster concedes his contract status contributes to his sense of urgency. He is a pending free agent and realizes his playing time this season will directly affect his value next winter.

Webster, 34, is coming off his career-best season in which he batted .285 with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs. Since joining the Orioles two years ago, Webster has appeared in 206 games. He had previously never appeared in more than 127 games in consecutive seasons. Last December's trade for Johnson virtually assures a much-diminished role.

"It would be frustrating to not be able to catch more than 30 games," Webster said before yesterday's exhibition against the Minnesota Twins. "Physically and mentally, that would be tough. From a physical standpoint, I know I can handle a [starter's] load. From a mental standpoint, I know I can contribute if I'm given an opportunity to play.

"It messes with you when you sit around and aren't allowed to contribute to something. You don't feel a part of it. I've been through that. And I don't like that feeling."

Webster had an enhanced role the last two seasons because of a string of injuries to Chris Hoiles. In 1997, he stepped in for Hoiles after the starter suffered a knee injury blocking the plate in June.

"I don't think that we make the playoffs in '97 if I'm not here," Webster said. "When Hoily was out, I played every day and kept our pitching staff together. Pat Gillick and Malone told me if I hadn't been there we might not have made it. Those are two people I respect."

Last season, Webster actually received a majority of time because of Hoiles' chronic hip and back soreness.

Wren reacted last November by trading closer Armando Benitez to the New York Mets and in return from the Dodgers in the three-team deal got Johnson, a four-time Gold Glove winner projected to play about 130 games this season. Miller has suggested that Webster could also serve as an occasional right-handed designated hitter if Hoiles does not make the club. Regardless, Webster isn't overwhelmed.

"I can't make them do anything," Webster said. "It's not that I'm angry about playing for the Orioles. But it's a business."

Though the Dodgers remain hopeful Hundley will be able to catch Opening Day, Malone has long been a Webster backer. Webster played with the Twins from 1989-93 when Malone served as the club's East Coast scouting supervisor. Webster then landed with the Montreal Expos in 1994 during Malone's term as Expos general manager.

Pub Date: 3/22/99