Hollandsworth Shines at Right Time

During a time when rookies are supposed to be succumbing to the pressures of a pennant race, Todd Hollandsworth is thriving.

Hollandsworth, who batted .330 with seven homers and 31 RBIs in August and September, entered Monday’s game batting .417 with two homers and four RBIs in September. In Monday’s game he had a single, double and home run.

“Nothing against the other guys, but what he has done in a pennant race has got to make him the front runner [for the rookie-of-the-year award],” Manager Bill Russell said. “I don’t know if the other guys could perform the way he has with the pressure of being in a race.”

Said Hollandsworth: “I’m having too much fun to feel pressure. This is the fun time of the year knowing how every game is so important. for me. I’ve waited my whole life for this.”

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The Dodgers, who have won 26 of their last 35 games, insist third baseman Tim Wallach is responsible for their surge.

“Something happened to this team when he came on the scene,” Russell said. “There’s a different feeling here.”

Said Todd Worrell: “He brings so much veteran leadership to this team, it’s a case where no one is even concerned what he produces. Just his presence on the team is very reassuring for the young players in here.”

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Knuckleballer Tom Candiotti volunteered his services Monday to Russell for the three-game Rockies’ series. Candiotti, scheduled to start Friday against the San Diego Padres, threw only 76 pitches Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals. “I told them if they need me for a few innings, I’m ready to go,” Candiotti said. “I’m not afraid to pitch at Coors Field. This time of year, you make sacrifices for the team.”. . . Paul Konerko, who undoubtedly will be the Dodgers’ minor league player of the year, officially has been moved from first base to third in the Arizona Instructional League. The reasoning is quite simple: The Dodgers have Eric Karros at first base, and they have no prospects at third base higher than Class A. Konerko batted .300 at double-A San Antonio with 29 homers and 86 RBIs. He is scheduled to play in the Arizona Fall League under Manager Davey Lopes, but only at first base.