BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Ashley a Sign of Good Things to Come

Billy Ashley, a 23-year-old outfielder who is tearing up the Pacific Coast League, is one reason Executive Vice President Fred Claire is happy with the way the Dodger organization is developing.

Ashley is batting .373 for the Albuquerque Dukes.

“The young players from our system are helping us now, and we have several more who will eventually be Dodgers,” Claire said. “That’s the way we want to go. It just makes sense economically, and there is the thrill of seeing a player we developed playing at Dodger Stadium.

“That isn’t to say we won’t ever sign a free agent. . . . But I’d much rather see a Billy Ashley make it than sign a $20-million free agent.”

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Garey Ingram, a converted outfielder, started at second base against the Pittsburgh Pirates because DeLino De Shields (finger) and Jeff Treadway (jammed left wrist) are injured. . . . Also out of the starting lineup was catcher Mike Piazza, bruised in a plate collision with Glenallen Hill on Wednesday. Piazza is expected to return tonight.