BASEBALL/ DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Dreifort’s Delivery to Be Analyzed

Darren Dreifort’s pitching mechanics have deteriorated to the point that pitching coach Ron Perranoski is breaking down Dreifort’s delivery.

“His mechanics were so screwed up (Saturday) that we talked it over and we are starting from scratch,” Perranoski said. “The only opportunity I had to work with him before was in spring training on the strings. This season, his ball moves so much he was able to get away with it. But he has bad angles (which results in) no consistency. And once the hitters got to know him and started hitting him, he started pressing and became more of a thrower.”

Perranoski said the areas Dreifort needs work in are the same he initially saw in spring training. He also said he still believes Dreifort can make the adjustments at the major league level.

Perranoski said he is also working individually with the other relievers. “It may mean they have to sit out a day or two,” he said.

*

Catcher Paul Konerko, the Dodgers’ top draft pick, signed a contract with the Dodgers worth $900,000--not bad for an 18-year old from Chaparral High in Scottsdale, Ariz. The signing bonus is believed to be $775,000 and a college tuition package to Arizona State valued at $125,000. Konerko batted .578 as a senior, with 15 home runs and 56 runs scored. He struck out only four times in 97 at-bats. He is expected to play for the Dodgers’ rookie team at Great Falls, which opens its season Friday. . . . Eric Karros’ 14-game hitting streak ended Sunday. Ryne Sandberg, who is one for 28, was benched for the second consecutive day.