Dodgers need to raise on-base percentage

VERO BEACH, Fla. (AP) - The Los Angeles Dodgers traditionally pride themselves on pitching, but they won't end a six-year playoff drought without getting on base more often.

The team's .320 on-base percentage last season ranked 15th out of the 16 National League teams, ahead of only the also-ran Pittsburgh Pirates (.319).

Blame it on a lack of patience, as the Dodgers' 428 walks were 58 fewer than any NL club. The Detroit Tigers were the only major-league team to walk less often.

All-Star right fielder Shawn Green, who drew 93 free passes, was the only Dodger with at least 50 walks.

``It took its toll at the end of the season,'' Dodgers catcher Paul LoDuca said. ``I was as guilty as anyone. I didn't walk as much as I should have.''

The Dodgers have preached patience at the plate this spring.

``We've made it a major point of emphasis throughout our organization from the first day of spring training,'' Dodgers general manager Dan Evans said. ``The better teams get more pitches and go deeper in the count. That results in more quality at-bats and more use of the bullpen by the opponent.''

The Dodgers instead have drained their own bullpen by playing 106 one-run games the past two years.

``Would they all have to be that way if we took an extra walk or two?'' Dodgers manager Jim Tracy asked.

The Dodgers' offseason moves could provide some help. Fred McGriff (.353 on-base percentage last year) replaces Eric Karros (.323) at first base, and the trade of second baseman Mark Grudzielanek (.301) should create more playing time for Alex Cora (.371) and Joe Thurston (.372 at Triple-A Las Vegas).

``We're not looking for an absolute one-year improvement,'' Evans said. ``We're looking for gradual improvement throughout a player's stay here.

``It's a mindset. It's something that has to be practiced and preached all the time. When you look at the better ballclubs, they're laden with guys who have high on-base percentages.''< ^Notes:@ RHP Darren Dreifort and LHP Wilson Alvarez will be the starting pitchers Tuesday in the Dodgers' first intrasquad game. Most of the starting position players won't participate in the intrasquad games Tuesday and Wednesday. Dodgers manager Jim Tracy instead wants to look at prospects and potential reserves. RHP Kevin Brown threw 45-50 pitches in his second bullpen session of the spring Monday and continued to feel no pain as he recovers from back and elbow surgery. ... OF Brian Jordan sat out part of Sunday's practice with mild soreness in his left knee, which was operated on two years ago. ``It's nothing to be concerned about,'' Tracy said. ``It's nothing that's going to hold him back.'' ... Tracy said the Dodgers showed remarkable year-to-year improvement in how they got through the first day of relay and cut-off drills. He remembered being extremely disappointed last year. ``It was like night and day,'' Tracy said. ``There was focus. It was done right. People were where they were supposed to be.''

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)