Wallace Bides Time in Talks

With the Dodgers playing well, interim General Manager Dave Wallace is patiently evaluating trade proposals.

Scouts are observing many starters and middle infielders; and Dan Evans, interim assistant general manager, is working the phones.

Wallace hopes to bolster the pitching staff and acquire another infielder before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline--but not at any cost.

Manager Jim Tracy has the Dodgers in a good position despite major injuries, Wallace said, and they can wait for the right deal.

“You’ve got to be creative, and we’re hoping there is a way to do that,” said Wallace, accompanying the team on the trip.

“If that’s too idealistic, so be it. Like we’ve always said, we’ve got some pretty good young players. And you know what? It’s just not panic time.”

Wallace and Evans have focused their efforts on the rotation because Andy Ashby and Darren Dreifort underwent season-ending surgery, and Kevin Brown might not pitch again in 2001.

Chairman Bob Daly is supporting Wallace and Evans, agreeing to “spend a few extra bucks,” increasing an industry-high $110-million payroll to acquire an impact pitcher.

But teams are requesting right-handers Eric Gagne, Matt Herges and Luke Prokopec in most proposals.

Herges, who might be the closer next season, is not available, and the Dodgers would only trade Gagne or Prokopec for a No. 1-type starter.

That’s why Wallace is stressing creativity.

“We’ve got a long way to go,” Wallace said. “If the worst thing that happens is that we go through this and some young guys get experience, then that’s a good thing.

“I’m not saying everything is off. But you have to be prudent when you confront these situations.”

The New York Yankees are not coming to Dodger Stadium after all.

Under next season’s revised interleague play format, the three-time defending World Series champions were scheduled to play their first non-exhibition series at Chavez Ravine since the 1981 World Series.

But the series has been canceled because the commissioner’s office wants to maintain the format of six-game intracity series, such as Yankees-Mets, which were supposed to be reduced to three games.

“We were extremely excited when we heard the Yankees were coming to L.A.,” senior vice president Derrick Hall said. “Apparently that has changed, which is disappointing. Dodger fans would have enjoyed seeing them and it would have been a matchup of truly national interest.”

Gary Sheffield’s left knee was still badly swollen two days after Milwaukee Brewer starter Allen Levrault hit him with a pitch, and the all-star left fielder’s severely sprained left index finger has not completely healed.

But Sheffield said he is having his most fun since joining the Dodgers because of an improved clubhouse atmosphere and winning attitude.

“The thing is, we’ve got a chance to win,” Sheffield said. “It’s fun to come to the park when you know you don’t have to be the guy every single night. That’s mentally tough, and it’s mentally draining, where four months in the off-season doesn’t cure that.

“It’s one of those things where it’s easy to come to the park, and it’s easy to relax your mind.” . . . The Dodgers are interested in Detroit Tiger starter Chris Holt. . . . Knuckleballer Dennis Springer will start Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.

TODAY

DODGERS’ ERIC GAGNE

(2-4, 5.23 ERA)

vs.

ROCKIES’ DENNY NEAGLE

(6-3, 4.50 ERA)

Coors Field, 1 PDT

TV--Channel 11. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330)

Update--Gagne, coming off consecutive strong starts, has given up three runs in his last 14 innings. The right-hander has given up 30 hits and 16 earned runs in 18 1/3 innings against the Rockies.