A Second Look Favors Wilton Guerrero

The more the Dodgers watch him, the more it’s becoming clear that Wilton Guerrero, only 22 with five games of major league experience, has emerged as the leading candidate to be the everyday second baseman.

“I know I’m ready; I know I can do it,” Guerrero said after the Dodgers’ 4-3 victory over the Montreal Expos on Monday at West Palm Beach, Fla. “I’m doing better than I thought, especially defensively.”

Said Manger Bill Russell: “He just impresses you so much every day. I think he’s carried himself very well. It’s not easy to be trying to win a starting job at such a young age, but he looks so composed out there.”

Guerrero’s dream is to vie for the rookie-of-the-year honors with his brother, outfield prospect Vladamir Guerrero of the Montreal Expos. They say they want to succeed for their older brother, who failed to make the majors as a pitcher in the Dodger organization.

“I think both of us want to get to the major leagues for Albino,” Vladamir Guerrero said. “Sometimes, I feel like playing for him.”

Their first possible meeting in a major league game is May 9 at Dodger Stadium, but Wilton Guerrero has another day in mind: April 1, opening day, against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium.

“If I make the team, my parents will be there to watch me,” Guerrero said. “They told me they would never miss it. I’m hoping so much it comes true.”

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Dodger Vice President Tom Lasorda is scheduled to arrive at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla., tonight on the eve of the Veterans’ Committee Hall of Fame announcement.

“It would be the greatest honor of my life,” Lasorda said if he is elected. “I’d love to enjoy this honor now while I’m alive.”

Other strong candidates include former American League president Lee MacPhail, former commissioner Bowie Kuhn, former Dodger president Walter O’Malley and former St. Louis Cardinal manager Billy Southworth.

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Starting pitcher Hideo Nomo was back in form, giving up only one hit and striking out one in three innings. “Things are going smooth,” Nomo said. “My arm feels great.” . . . Reliever Darren Dreifort pitched two hitless innings and struck out one to earn the save. . . . Expo shortstop Mark Grudzielanek ended his two-day walkout and played for the first time. Grudzielanek, who had 201 hits and made the All-Star team, is angry because the Expos renewed his contract at just $220,000. It also is a split-contract that pays him considerably less if he is sent to the minors. Dodger outfielder Todd Hollandsworth, who has less service time and 104 fewer hits than Grudzielanek, will make $550,000 this year. . . . Dodger reliever Mark Guthrie has yet to pitch in a game because of a strained chest muscle.