BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Cleveland Looks Pretty Good Now

After laying awake for most of Friday night after the Dodgers tied a team record with seven errors, Tom Candiotti finally said what many veterans have only been thinking.

“This is the low point of my career,’ Candiotti said Saturday. “I’ve never been so discouraged. I sat up all night fuming. It’s never been this bad.”

Candiotti was the losing pitcher in Friday’s 7-3 defeat to the San Francisco Giants. He did not help himself with two walks and a hit batter that led to two runs during his five innings.

But he is also tired of being constantly burned by poor defense.

“It’s embarrassing to be a part of games like Friday’s game,” Candiotti said. “I mean, I was really embarrassed.”

He said if the situation does not improve next season, “I would not rule out asking for a trade. Without a doubt.”

Candiotti said things are so bad, former Cleveland Indians’ teammates Chris James and Bud Black walked across the field from the Giant dugout Saturday and offered pity.

“They said, ‘Man, I really feel sorry for you,’ ” Candiotti said. “Hopefully, moves are made this winter so we can put a major league club on the field next year.”

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The answer to the Dodgers’ third base problems might be Billy Ashley, their top outfield prospect. Ashley played third base as a sophomore and junior in high school and has the sort of strong arm that would be perfect for the position. “I don’t know, though,” he said. “When I was in high school, I owned the seats behind first base.” Ashley, 6 feet 7, 220 pounds, has been impressive at the plate with two home runs and a .280 average in 25 at-bats. He has been told that he will probably end up playing left field for the Dodgers, meaning he could have a chance next spring if Eric Davis is not there. . . . Jeff Brantley will make his third career start, and first since 1989, when he replaces Dave Burba today for the Giants in the series finale. . . . Brett Butler was not in uniform for a second consecutive day because of dental problems.