BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Piazza’s Pick: Batting Title

Catcher Mike Piazza ran his hands through his hair, looked up and stammered for an answer.

He was asked after hitting two home runs in the Dodgers’ 11-2 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday which would be a greater achievement this season: Being voted the National League’s most valuable player or winning the batting title, last won by a catcher in 1942.

“I think maybe winning the batting title, just because it’s been so long since anyone’s done that,” said Piazza, who raised his average to .359, .004 behind league leader Tony Gwynn. “It would be a great honor.

“But to tell you the truth, I’d trade them both in for a World Series ring.”

Piazza, who has 28 home runs and 80 RBIs in 94 games, has the opportunity to win both awards.

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Third baseman Mike Busch, who was initially ostracized for being a spring-training replacement player, was warmly congratulated by his teammates after his first homer, a two-run shot in the eighth inning.

“Guys are all pulling for each other again,” second baseman Delino DeShields said. “Guys are relaxed. Really, it’s a great feeling.”

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Fred Claire, executive vice president, may be looking for more than a shortstop this winter. He still must make decisions on whether to bring back such key unsigned players as DeShields, third baseman Tim Wallach, outfielders Roberto Kelly and Brett Butler and pitchers Ramon Martinez, Todd Worrell, Tom Candiotti and Tapani.

Martinez remains the Dodgers’ No. 1 priority, but he and Kelly are unrestricted free agents. Candiotti, Worrell and Butler are subjected to repeater rights and must be offered arbitration within 15 days of the World Series or be declared free agents. Wallach has a $1.5-million option. DeShields, Kelly and Tapani must be offered arbitration by Dec. 7.

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Hideo Nomo pitched on the side with his bonded fingernail, and pitching coach Dave Wallace confirmed that Nomo will start Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs.

Martinez, 8-1 in his last 13 starts, will pitch every fifth day. The rest of the rotation will be juggled because of three remaining off days.