Strange Not to See Lasorda

Just as it was strange for the Dodgers not to have Manager Tom Lasorda around Tuesday night, the Chicago Cubs said it was a peculiar feeling looking into the dugout and not seeing Lasorda.

“It’s definitely different,” Cubs Manager Jim Riggleman said. “People like Tommy, Don Zimmer, Whitey [Herzog], guys like that are good for the game. The game’s gotten full of guys like myself [who] always say the politically correct things or do the politically correct things. We need guys that just speak off the cuff.

“This game needs Tommy.”

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It may have taken 13 years, but finally after being drafted in 1983 by the Dodgers, outfielder Wayne Kirby made it to Dodger Stadium.

Kirby, 32, acquired off waivers Monday, found himself starting in center field Tuesday night because outfielder Roger Cedeno was sick with the flu. Kirby batted second and was hitless in three at-bats.

Yet, it felt good just putting on the Dodger uniform again, Kirby said.

“It was a dream when I first signed in ‘83, and now I’m here. I’ve just taken the long route,” Kirby said. “It feels good to be wanted. When you don’t play much, you wonder whether you still have it, or don’t have it.”

Kirby was placed on waivers last week when the Cleveland Indians activated pitcher Greg Swindell. He had only had 16 at-bats. When you’ve got a starting outfield of Albert Belle, Kenny Lofton and Manny Ramirez, there’s not a whole lot of playing time.

“I came to the ballpark ready to play every day,” Kirby said, “but it’s a hard thing to cope with. I think this will be good for me. It’s time to start smiling and having fun again in the game.”

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The Dodgers signed their first two draft picks for less than $1 million. The Dodgers paid infielder Damian Rolls, their No., 1 pick, a $695,000 signing bonus; catcher Josh Glassey, the No.2 pick, was paid $290,000. . . . Dodger pitcher Pedro Astacio, whose turn was skipped to allow knuckleballer Tom Candiotti to avoid pitching in Coors Field this weekend, will start Thursday. . . . Dodger pitcher Chan Ho Park was sick with the flu and unavailable to pitch.