DODGERS REPORT : Dodgers’ Interest Disturbs Piazza

New York Met catcher Mike Piazza appeared perturbed by the revelation that the Dodgers have twice this season tried to reacquire him.

Word emerged Friday that Dodger General Manager Kevin Malone has made overtures to Met General Manager Steve Phillips in hopes of trading for the seven-time all-star catcher, whom the Dodgers traded to the Florida Marlins last May 15. Piazza does not want the news to become a distraction for the playoff-contending Mets.

While speaking with reporters covering the team Saturday, Piazza stressed he wanted to put the issue aside quickly.

“I think I’ll just cut it short and say no comment,” Piazza said before the Mets’ 6-2 victory at Dodger Stadium. “There’s just nothing to say.

“Obviously, we have a very important last couple of weeks. It [the Dodgers’ pursuit of him] is completely irrelevant to what we’re trying to accomplish.”

*

The Dodgers have conducted more team meetings than they care to remember this season, but something positive finally occurred during their most recent closed-door session Sept. 4 in Chicago.

At least one veteran player encouraged Manager Davey Johnson to communicate more with the team, something a management source said Johnson needs to do, and Johnson was receptive to the suggestion. Johnson cleared the air with second baseman Eric Young, whom he considered benching in late July, acknowledging that he could have handled that situation better.

And Johnson seems to have convinced the Dodgers that they have to do things his way to succeed. Johnson said things have been much better in the clubhouse since the meeting.

Now, the Dodgers only have to work on their performance.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

ERIC GAGNE

(0-0, 0.00 ERA)

vs.

METS’

KENNY ROGERS

(4-0, 3.15 ERA)

Dodger Stadium, 5

TV--Fox Sports West 2

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

* Update--Gagne is making his debut at Dodger Stadium. The Canadian rookie right-hander was outstanding in his major-league debut Tuesday during a 2-1 loss to the Florida Marlins at Pro Player Stadium. Gagne worked six scoreless innings in the no-decision. He gave up only two singles while striking out eight with one walk. Rogers, acquired from Oakland in a July 23 trade, has been the Mets’ best starter recently. He is coming off a four-hit shutout over the San Francisco Giants in his last outing.

* Tickets--(323) 224-1HIT.

DODGER ATTENDANCE

Saturday: 47,747

1999 (70 dates): 2,726,165

1998 (70 dates): 2,728,045

Total decrease: 1,880

1999 average: 38,945

1998 average: 38,972

Average decrease: 27