Dreifort’s Big Chance Is at Hand

The competition between Darren Dreifort and Dennis Reyes for the fifth spot in the Dodger rotation is among the most intriguing of the spring.

In one corner is Dreifort, the hard-throwing, former No. 1 draft pick (second overall in 1993) and management’s choice. In the other is the left-handed Reyes, who’s a candidate because he’s a left-hander.

Although things are only beginning, signs are the job is Dreifort’s to lose. Team officials are all but saying as much by their actions, such as their gleeful expressions Wednesday as they watched Dreifort throw briefly off the mound.

Dreifort appeared in good form, throwing hard from the outset. He’s aware of the opportunity he has this season--and he’s determined to seize it.

“[Starting] is something that I’ve wanted to do for the last few years, but the opportunity hasn’t been there,” said Dreifort, who’s working on a changeup to complement his fastball and sinker. “The last couple of years, there were too many good guys going for that spot.”

Chan Ho Park won the job last season by outdueling Tom Candiotti, now with the Oakland Athletics. Dreifort pitched out of the bullpen, getting an audition at closer late in the season and going 5-2 with four saves and a 2.86 earned-run average in 48 games.

But Dreifort doesn’t want to pitch out of the bullpen any longer, in part because of the toll relieving takes on arms. He missed the 1995 season after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his throwing elbow, and would much prefer to start.

Reyes was selected the Dodger minor league pitcher of the year last season, going a combined 14-4 at double-A San Antonio and triple-A Albuquerque.

When Reyes started a game July 12, he ended the Dodgers’ major league-record streak of 681 consecutive games started by right-handers. He went 2-3 with a 3.83 ERA in 14 games and five starts for the Dodgers.

“Reyes is going to get every opportunity,” Manager Bill Russell said. “You’d like to have some lefties against certain clubs, but you go with your best. We’ll just have to see.”

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Workouts with the full squad begin today. However, several projected starters arrived early Wednesday, including first baseman Eric Karros, second baseman Eric Young and third baseman Todd Zeile.