BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Hansen Gets Closer to Pinch-Hit Mark

When Dave Hansen isn’t pinch-hitting or filling in at third base or playing his guitar or practicing his swing, you can find him doing crossword puzzles in the clubhouse.

“This is a crossword-doing team,” Hansen said, “so I thought I might give it a try and try to broaden myself. “

Hansen has earned new respect this season by becoming the Dodgers’ premier pinch-hitter. His two-run double in the seventh inning Saturday night blew the game open and gave him 15 pinch-hits this season, only two shy of the Los Angeles Dodger single-season record set last season by Mitch Webster.

“It’s awesome,” Eric Davis said of Hansen’s feat. “I couldn’t do it, and I don’t know too many who can. You have to be mentally strong, and he has shown that and accepted it as his role and takes a lot of pride in it.”

Hansen, who at one time was the Dodgers’ third baseman of the future, said accepting the role and working at it have made it easier for him to stay positive about being on the bench this season.

“I don’t plan on doing this for years to come, and I am never going to lose site of my goal as an everyday player in the big leagues,” said Hansen, who is 15 for 42 with 13 runs batted in as a pinch-hitter. “But at the same time, I’m not getting down.”

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Manager Tom Lasorda was furious at his longtime pal, Mike Fratello, when Fratello suited up in a St. Louis Cardinal uniform and shagged balls before Friday’s game. Lasorda, seriously, told his players and coaches not to talk with Fratello. Lasorda even said he would never talk to Fratello again. So to make amends, Fratello, coach of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, had to go before the entire Dodger team Saturday to apologize and explain why he “defected.” The team voted to let him back in Lasorda’s good graces. “He gave a good speech,” said Orel Hershiser, “but a lot of the stuff he said you can’t print.”

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Eric Davis’ stiff neck is doing better, and he was available to play Saturday. But Webster started in left field instead.

ANGELS

Butcher’s Elbow Will Be Examined

With two pitchers already placed on the disabled list this month, the Angels are taking the cautious route with reliever Mike Butcher. Today, Dr. Lewis Yocum will examine Butcher, who left Thursday’s game because of a muscle cramp near his right elbow.

Butcher said he felt good enough to pitch Saturday, but agreed with the decision to wait to see Yocum to get clearance. Starters Hilly Hathaway, out because of tendinitis in his left shoulder, and Russ Springer, sidelined because of a back strain, are currently on the DL.

“I know for a fact that nothing is wrong,” said Butcher, who is 1-0 with six saves and a 3.16 earned-run average. “I’m happy with how it’s feeling right now. If I had to go out and pitch (Saturday) I could. With a full 24 hours off, it feels pretty good.”

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Manager Buck Rodgers remains a staunch supporter of Luis Polonia, hoping the club looks past a down year and re-signs the left fielder this winter. “I’m a Luis Polonia guy,” Rodgers said. “I’d like to re-sign Luis. I’d like to re-sign Chili Davis, too. Those are guys who can help us win.

“Right now, (Polonia’s) batting average is 30 points lower than it should be. But the big thing is his runs scored and walks are off.”

Polonia is batting .264 with 32 walks and 53 runs. Last season, he hit .286 with 45 walks and 83 runs.

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Umpire Larry Barnett complained of chest pains when he arrived at Anaheim Stadium and was sent to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange. Tests were negative and Barnett is expected back in uniform today. . . . Rodgers said the club hasn’t decided when to recall first baseman J.T. Snow from triple-A Vancouver, where he is batting .438 in his past 15 games. It could happen as soon as Tuesday. . . . Rodgers on Phil Leftwich, who gave up only two runs and four hits in a nine-inning no-decision Friday: “He’s passed about four people (for a possible spot in the rotation next season). I haven’t seen enough of him yet, but he certainly gets your attention.”