BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Bullpen Begins to Earn Respect

No matter how well Dodger relievers do, it will take some time to erase their bad image. Having blown 20 of 39 saves, the relievers might never be able to undue the perception. The Dodgers’ 19 saves are the fewest in the league.

But the Dodgers have won six of their last eight games, increasing their lead to four games over the San Francisco Giants, and the bullpen has played a large part. During the last seven-game home stand, relievers gave up only four runs in 20 1/3 innings. In the seven games, the bullpen was 2-1 with one save.

Todd Worrell has converted eight of his last 10 save opportunities after getting two in his first seven opportunities. He has given up no runs and three hits in his last five outings spanning six innings, during which he has pitched four perfect innings and converted both save opportunities.

“It’s hard to explain, but it’s a contagious thing, just like with hitting,” said Mark Cresse, bullpen coach. “When the group as a whole is struggling it’s like a snowball that keeps getting bigger. Worrell has been pitching well and Valdes, other than the times he was injured (blisters and sore back) has been solid and Roger (McDowell) got that big double play that helped us win the other day. But the key to the bullpen is Worrell.”

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Eric Karros, who opened his batting stance and hit well, then closed it and slumped somewhat, has opened his stance again. He is batting .311 with four home runs and 11 runs batted in his last 12 games. So why would he change it? “After a while you just gradually go back to your old habits, but Reggie (Smith) was working in the (batting) cage and wanted me to open up again so I changed,” Karros said.

Smith said that sometimes hitters believe a change is temporary. “With Karros, opening up helps him accomplish the things he needs to do to see the ball and clear his hips out of the way.”