BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Offerman More Confident

Jose Offerman is tied with Royce Clayton for the league high with 14 errors, but he is playing with more confidence. In Friday’s 5-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves, Offerman made two great plays. He saved a run in the first inning and turned a double play in the ninth fast enough to nail Deion Sanders to end the game.

“He’s had more game time, more experience and is gaining the confidence out there,” said Joe Amalfitano, the Dodgers’ infield coach.

“Even his facial expression tells me he is more comfortable. His teammates are acknowledging him, and that’s always a plus. Jody Reed and Tim Wallach are the first guys to pat him on the back. And when Jose does have a misfire, he knows what is causing it now.”

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Entering Saturday’s game, Offerman had a batting average of .290 and led the team with a .442 average with runners in scoring position (19 for 43). Hitting second behind Brett Butler, Offerman has 20 runs batted in, has scored 20 runs, stolen seven bases, has six sacrifice hits and has walked 20 times. After 52 games last season, Offerman was batting .241 with nine RBIs and one stolen base.