BASEBALL DAILY REPORT

The Dodger players aren’t trying to be critical, or show disrespect to two of their teammates, but they’re beginning to question whether they can win the National League West without trading for a leadoff hitter or everyday third baseman.

And right now, the Dodger management says no trade is imminent, and it’s entirely possible that none will be consummated before the July 31 trading deadline.

Detroit Tigers special assignment scout Joe Klein has been following the Dodgers the last five days doing his routine coverage, and Mel Didier of the Dodgers is in Seattle scouting the Tigers and Seattle Mariners. There are no proposed offers on the table, the two sides said, although there have been exploratory discussions.

The Dodgers have varied interest in All-Star third baseman Travis Fryman of the Tigers, but the cost is exorbitant. Fryman is scheduled to earn $6 million in 1997 and $6.5 million in 1998.

“We’re not looking to move him,” Tiger General Manager Randy Smith said, “but would we listen? Sure. It can’t hurt.”

The Dodgers inquired about Milwaukee Brewer third baseman Kevin Seitzer, but the Brewers are asking for center fielder Roger Cedeno or outfield prospect Karim Garcia. Center fielder Brian McRae of the Chicago Cubs might be a perfect fit, but the Dodgers aren’t sure if the Cubs really want to move him.

So it goes, with five days remaining until Wednesday’s 9 p.m. deadline, the Dodgers are playing with a third baseman, Mike Busch, who was in the minors two weeks ago. They’re playing with a center fielder, Wayne Kirby, who was rotting on the bench until released by the Cleveland Indians. And they’re hoping that third baseman Tim Wallach, who was released last week by the Angels, can be a savior.

“I know people are going to have their doubts, but I’d like to think we’ll at least have a chance to show what we can do,” Kirby said.

Said Busch: “All you want is an opportunity. That’s all anyone can ask.”

The trouble, however, is that Busch struck out seven times in eight at-bats before flying out in the sixth inning. And Kirby has one hits in his last nine at-bats.

*

The Dodgers have informed teams that while they are interested in making a trade, they won’t strongly consider trading Cedeno or Garcia.

Left fielder Billy Ashley, utilityman Chad Fonville and left-handed reliever Joey Eischen are available, but interest is limited. The Mariners are interested in Fonville and Eischen, and the Brewers would like Eischen. No team has shown interest in Ashley, who has made it clear he would prefer to be traded than stay on the bench.

The Dodgers were hoping to have a match with the Mariners in an attempt to acquire catcher Chris Widger, who’s considered one of baseball’s top catching prospects. Yet, a Baltimore Oriole executive said the Orioles are on the verge of acquiring Widger in exchange for starter David Wells.

*

Phil Regan, manager of triple-A Albuquerque, has surfaced as a possible managerial candidate for the Boston Red Sox, sources say, if Boston fires Kevin Kennedy at the season’s conclusion. . . . Right fielder Raul Mondesi, who left four runners in scoring position in his first two-bats Saturday, has just two runs batted in since July 4. . . . The Dodgers failed to draw a walk Friday for the first time since June 22, the last time they faced the Astros.