Malone Puzzled by Slow Start

Fans are concerned about the Dodgers’ 9-10 record, wondering if this ballclub will disappoint like others in the decade.

General Manager Kevin Malone understands their frustration, because he’s not having fun either. Malone is the architect of the new-look Dodgers, and he didn’t expect the slow start.

“You look at the questions we had coming out of the spring, and those things are going good,” Malone said. “[Third baseman Adrian] Beltre is proving he belongs, E.Y. [leadoff batter Eric Young] is playing great and [shortstop Mark] Grudzielanek only has one error.

“But we just can’t get it done right now. Teams go through phases where they learn about each other, and that’s what we’re going through now.”

The Dodgers are batting only .216 with runners on base, having wasted many opportunities.

They are even worse with runners in scoring position, batting only .195. Their average drops to .184 with two out and runners in scoring position.

Malone acknowledges those numbers won’t cut it, but he remains confident.

“I hate to lose more than anyone, but I’m not concerned [about the hitting] because I look around at the talent we have,” Malone said. “It will all even out.”

Fortunately for the Dodgers, they have 143 games remaining. Malone hopes fans remember that.

“We built this team for the long haul,” he said. “If we’re playing like this in June or July, then I’ll be worried.”

*

The Dodgers could use pitcher Dave Mlicki right now because Chan Ho Park, Carlos Perez and Darren Dreifort are not pitching well.

Park has been reluctant to challenge batters since he ignited a bench-clearing shoving match in his first start against the Arizona Diamondbacks by nearly hitting Matt Williams with a pitch. He is 1-2 with a 7.32 earned-run average.

Perez was temporarily bumped from the rotation because he is 0-3 with a 7.06 ERA. Although Dreifort (3-1) lost for the first time Sunday, he has struggled with his control.

Meanwhile, Mlicki has been outstanding since Malone traded him to the Detroit Tigers in a cost-cutting move April 16. Mlicki is 1-1 in two starts and hasn’t given up an earned run in 11 innings.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Milwaukee Brewers, three games.

* Site--Milwaukee County Stadium.

* Today--4 PDT.

* TV--None.

* Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Records--Dodgers 9-10, Brewers 9-9.

* 1998 record vs. Brewers--5-4.

TODAY

DODGERS’ KEVIN BROWN (1-1, 2.25 ERA)

vs.

BREWERS’ RAFAEL ROQUE (0-1, 5.63 ERA)

* Update--The Dodgers needed to get out of town after being booed during a 2-4 homestand. Brown was signed in the off-season to provide a boost at times like these. The Brewers have won four in a row.

* Wednesday, 4 p.m.--Chan Ho Park (1-2, 7.32) vs. Steve Woodard (2-1, 3.30).

* Thursday, 11 a.m.--Ismael Valdes (2-0, 3.14) vs. Cal Eldred (0-0, 4.50).