BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Murray Already Getting Ready for All-Stars

By Thursday afternooon, Eddie Murray had already checked out the names of the American League pitchers in next week’s All-Star game.

“Some of the names were like, ‘Who’s he?’ ” the Dodgers’ All-Star first baseman said with a chuckle. “Not a lot of guys left from when I played over there. I guess that’s the way it is now, every couple of years there’s an overhaul.”

Murray, who becomes one of a select group who has played in All-Star games for both leagues, has not been selected to an All-Star team since 1986 with the Baltimore Orioles. In seven games, he has one hit in 10 at-bats.

“It’s a wonder I was ever selected to the team because usually I come on in the second half,” he said. “Hopefully this year I will still come on in the second half.

“The main thing is, I want to get to that World Series. It’s nice being honored in this league after a couple of years here, but what we’re all thinking about is getting to that Series.”

Juan Samuel played in his only other All-Star in 1987, going hitless in four at-bats. Ramon Martinez threw a scoreless inning last season while winning a duel with Jose Canseco of the Oakland A’s, fooling him into a grounder with runners on base.

Mitch Webster, the newest Dodger who spent six weeks with the Pittsburgh Pirates before Wednesday’s trade, offered a glimpse of what the Pirates think about their possible playoff foes.

“The Pirates view the Dodgers as arrogant,” Webster said. “I don’t know if I would say it’s a rivalry or anything, but there is a lot more yelling and screaming at the Dodgers from the dugout.”

Mike Scioscia took batting practice Thursday for the first time since bruising his right hand June 25, and he pinch-hit in the 12th inning. Jay Howell, the other injured Dodger, said he hopes to begin throwing on the side today. Both players could remain out of full-time action until next week. . . . Lenny Harris, who was left off the All-Star ballot in favor of Jeff Hamilton, received 40,643 write-in votes, the most of any player. . . . Chris Gwynn’s wife, JoAnn, gave girth to a baby girl Wednesday night. Gwynn was not with the team at the start of Thursday’s game.