BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Nomo Brings Back Fernando Memories

He knows he cannot openly root for Dodger pitcher Hideo Nomo, particularly now that he’s a Padre, but Fernando Valenzuela is pulling for him to succeed.

Maybe it’s impossible for Nomomania to surpass Fernandomania, but the originator would love to see it happen.

“Baseball needs him,” said Valenzuela, who faces the Dodgers today. “I remember in my rookie year, we had the strike in 1981, and what I did was very important for baseball.

“Well, now that we had another strike, we need somebody else to come through. We need Nomo. Maybe he can get people to come to the park again. Maybe he can be that attraction like I was.”

Valenzuela, who like Nomo came from a different culture and did not know a word of English when he joined the Dodgers from Sonora, Mexico, says the language barrier actually might be beneficial.

“That way, he doesn’t have to talk to you (reporters),” Valenzuela said, laughing. “Seriously, it’s good for him to be that way right now. It allows him to be a little more relaxed, to concentrate on his pitching.”

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Valenzuela, who no longer is a gate attraction--drawing only 13,370 fans to Jack Murphy Stadium on Cinco de Mayo--may be at the crossroads of his career.

Valenzuela, (0-1 with a 7.45 earned-run average) must have a strong outing today, according to Padre officials, to avoid being released Monday when teams reduce their roster to 25 players.

“For me, it’s just another game,” said Valenzuela, who’s 1-1 in his two career starts against the Dodgers. “I’m not going to try to do too much just because it’s the Dodgers. I still have special memories there. It’s a time I’ll never forget.”

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Dodger third baseman Tim Wallach’s back continues to improve, and says he will be ready to play Friday in the first game of their homestand against the St. Louis Cardinals. Nomo is the scheduled starter Friday against Danny Jackson.