BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Park Makes Bid for Rotation

Perhaps a year ago, Dodger pitcher Chan Ho Park wouldn’t have comprehended this.

He knew no English. Had no professional experience. Didn’t realize what it took to become a major league starter.

One year later, Park had no trouble understanding Sunday that he suddenly has emerged as a candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation.

Park, throwing a fastball that consistently reached 95 m.p.h. on the speed gun, dazzled the Montreal Expos, yielding one hit and striking out five in four innings in Vero Beach, Fla. The lone hit was a home run by rookie infielder Mark Grudzielanek.

While Japanese pitcher Hideo Nomo still is considered the front-runner, and Omar Daal continues to pitch well, Park is clouding the picture.

When asked if Park still needs experience at triple-A Albuquerque, Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda said: “When you can throw stuff like he can throw, you don’t need experience. (Jim) Abbott made the Angels the first year, and he didn’t need any experience.”

Park, 21, 5-7 with a 3.55 earned-run average in 20 starts last season at double-A San Antonio, is drastically improved from a year ago, scouts say. He has more poise, more confidence, and is throwing his curveball for strikes.

“There’s a big difference between Park now and the way he was last year,” one scout said. “If he can get his breaking ball over, he’ll be all right. I’m not sure if he’ll be ready by opening day, but I’d be surprised if you didn’t see him in the big leagues pretty quick.”

Said Park: “This year, I know how to pitch. Last year, I just threw. There’s a big difference.

“I feel now, I have a chance. Maybe a good chance.”

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Former Dodger great Sandy Koufax stopped by Dodgertown, causing a commotion among the players who wanted his autograph and the coaches who wanted his counsel.

In between autographs, new pitching coach Dave Wallace sought out advice from Koufax. “I’m pretty much a pain in the neck to him,” Wallace said.

Koufax, who rejected an offer to become the Boston Red Sox’s pitching coach, offered his analysis on various pitchers. Yet he predicts that Wallace will do fine.

“Dave is bright enough,” Koufax said. “He probably has a bit of a feel for everybody right now. He should do well.”

Does he have any advice for Wallace?

“If (a pitcher) is going well, and listens to you,” Koufax said, “then he’s crazier than you are. If he’s going good, just be very good about patting him on the back.”

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The Dodgers, who have initiated exploratory trade talks with the Expos in an attempt to acquire Grudzielanek, saw his value skyrocket before their eyes.

Grudzielanek, 24, playing second base and shortstop, hit two home runs, including the game-winner in the 10th inning of the Expos’ 4-3 victory.

The Expos are asking for a top pitching prospect in return for Grudzielanek, according to a source familiar with the negotiations, but the Dodgers are reluctant. Grudzielanek’s natural position is shortstop, but he also plays third base and second.

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The Dodgers are leaning toward naming Henry Rodriguez their starting right fielder instead of rookie Todd Hollandsworth. Rodriguez is batting .429 this spring with two homers and three RBIs. . . . Third baseman Tim Wallach took batting practice in a simulated game and is scheduled to play Tuesday night against the New York Mets. . . . Nomo will make his first start today against the New York Yankees.