BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Replacements Greeted Coolly in Visit

The Dodgers were taking batting practice Monday afternoon when the whispers started spreading across the field, causing stares.

The Dodger players needed no introductions. They knew all about them, talked all about them and despised most of them. But for the first time, they encountered them in person.

The Dodgers’ Class A San Bernardino team was invited by management to watch the Dodger-Expo game, and included among that group were three replacement players--Jay Kirkpatrick, Petie Roach and Tom Price.

Kirkpatrick shook hands with right fielder Raul Mondesi as he walked by, but no other player even walked over. When batting practice ended, and most of the San Bernardino players took a tour of the clubhouse, Kirkpatrick stayed outside in the hallway, only peeking inside occasionally.

“It was never about fame and fortune,” Kirkpatrick said. “It was all about playing at Dodger Stadium. I don’t think I did anything wrong, per se. We haven’t encountered any problems, and I don’t foresee anything in the future, either. They’re ballplayers too. If they were in our situation, who knows what they’d do.”

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Montreal pitcher Pedro Martinez knew he pitched the game of his life Saturday night against the San Diego Padres, but only now is he beginning to understand the historical significance of his performance. Martinez pitched a perfect game through nine innings against the Padres before Bip Roberts broke it up with a leadoff double in the 10th.

“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal at the time,” said Martinez, the younger brother of Dodger starter Ramon Martinez. “Now, I realize I’m part of history. I’m surprised what a big deal everyone is making of it.”

Martinez, who was congratulated by the Dodgers and Executive Vice President Fred Claire on Monday, said his biggest thrill was the compliment provided by Padre all-star right fielder Tony Gwynn.

“He walked up to me and said, ‘Congratulations, that was the best game I’ve ever seen in my life,’ ” Martinez said. “That meant an awful lot to me, because I consider him the best hitter in the league.”

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Rookie outfielder Todd Hollandsworth has fully recovered from his broken right hand, and will be sent out today on a rehabilitation assignment with San Bernardino.