BASEBALL / AMATEUR DRAFT : Dodgers Get No. 2 Pick Today

While the Dodgers waited in the No. 2 position, the Seattle Mariners, who have the first pick in today’s amateur draft, reversed their field Wednesday, deciding to take shortstop Alex Rodriguez of Miami’s Westminster Christian High over Wichita State relief pitcher Darren Dreifort, who will now be selected by the Dodgers.

The Mariners had been leaning toward Dreifort as a pitcher who could become the bullpen closer when Norm Charlton possibly leaves as a free agent after the 1994 season. However, a club official said Wednesday that the Mariners were now favoring Rodriguez because of his potential as an everyday player and the physical gamble involved in drafting a pitcher. Roger Salkeld, the club’s No. 1 pick from Saugus High in 1989, had reconstructive shoulder surgery in 1992.

Rodriguez could break the record $1.55-million bonus that Brien Taylor received from the New York Yankees in 1991. He is considered one of the most talented middle infielders in the recent history of the draft. At 17, he is a 6-foot-3, 190-pound Cal Ripken Jr. clone with speed.

Rodriguez has signed a letter of intent with the University of Miami and friends have advised the Mariners that he does not want to play for them and will probably choose to attend either Miami or a community college if they select him.

But a Mariner official said: “Unless we hear that directly from Rodriguez or his adviser (Ron Shapiro of Baltimore), we’re going to take him. It may be a long summer (trying to get him signed), but he’s too talented to pass up, and there’s too much risk taking a pitcher No. 1.”

The Dodgers will take whichever player the Mariners don’t, Rodriguez and Dreifort being the class of a draft heavy with college pitchers. The Angels, who draft third, are expected to select either left-hander Brian Anderson of Wright State or reliever Wayne Gomes of Old Dominion. Terry Reynolds, Dodger scouting director, recently met with Dreifort and his family. Dreifort has a Wichita State career record of 25-5 with 17 saves in 252 1/3 innings heading into the College World Series.