Lo Duca’s Power Surprises Even Him

Paul Lo Duca had a .315 batting average in eight minor league seasons, indicating he might succeed in the majors.

But nothing hinted that the second-year catcher would emerge as a power hitter, providing the Dodgers with unexpected production.

After hitting 30 home runs in 2,418 at-bats in the minors, Lo Duca has 18 in 300 during his first full major league season.

“The only thing that’s surprised me is the home runs,” said Lo Duca, the club’s most consistent player. “I just didn’t think I’d hit this many, but I always felt I could play if I got a shot.

“I felt I could contribute, so that’s why I’m not really surprised. But the home runs, yeah, that’s surprising.”

Lo Duca was two for three with a leadoff homer, his fourth of the season, in Wednesday night’s 9-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.

Batting .337 with 56 runs batted in, Lo Duca hit 12 homers combined in June and July with 10 strikeouts.

He has only 19 strikeouts this season, displaying patience and the fundamental approach that batting instructor Jack Clark has emphasized.

So, what’s the deal with the newfound power?

“I think the reason why I’m hitting more home runs is because I’m not trying to,” Lo Duca said. “In the minor leagues, you try to because you’re trying to get noticed.

“Since I’ve been here, especially batting leadoff, I’m just trying to get on base and the home runs are coming. I got away from trying to hit home runs, and I think that has a lot to do with it.”

Manager Jim Tracy said Lo Duca’s compact swing and plate discipline are also contributing factors.

“The shortness of his swing affords him the opportunity to sit back and really see the ball well,” Tracy said. “He’s hit a variety of pitches out of the ballpark.

“He’s hit curveballs, he’s hit hanging sliders, he’s hit shoulder-high fastballs the other way. I think this guy is going to continue to get better as an offensive player. I really do.”

The Dodgers were again a topic of discussion at a gathering of baseball executives last weekend, but they were applauded for a change.

Many officials attending Hall of Fame induction ceremonies at Cooperstown, N.Y., praised the efforts of interim General Manager Dave Wallace and Dan Evans, interim assistant general manager.

Two National League West executives said Wallace and Evans made three of the best non-waiver deadline deals in acquiring starter James Baldwin and relievers Terry Mulholland and Mike Trombley.

Officials also said Wallace and Evans deserve credit for putting the focus back on the field.

“There are a lot of people all working for the same goal,” Wallace said. “That’s the way it has to be. That’s the only way it can work.”

The Dodgers are considering signing second baseman Quilvio Veras, whom the Atlanta Braves designated for assignment and plan to release today after two injury-marred seasons.

The veteran leadoff batter had been sidelined since July 14 because of a strained rib cage muscle, and sat out the second half of the 2000 season after undergoing knee surgery.

The Braves owe Veras, 30, the remainder of his one-year, $3.9-million salary, and the Dodgers would only have to pay him $200,000.

In 71 games, Veras batted .252 with three homers and 25 RBIs.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

CHAN HO PARK

(11-7, 2.83 ERA)

vs.

PIRATES’

TODD RITCHIE

(8-10, 4.00 ERA)

PNC Park, 4 p.m. PDT

TV--Fox Sports Net 2

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

Update--Park, among the league leaders in most categories, has 142 strikeouts in his last 132 2/3 innings. The right-hander, who can become a free agent after the season, has 77 strikeouts in 71 1/3 innings on the road. Park is 3-4 with a 3.75 earned-run average against the Pirates. Ritchie is 2-1 with a 6.03 ERA against the Dodgers.