Shaw Mentoring Herges as Closer

Interim General Manager Dave Wallace has rejected trade proposals involving Matt Herges because the Dodgers have big plans for the reliever.

The hard-throwing right-hander is expected to become the closer next season if Jeff Shaw does not return, and Shaw is preparing Herges to succeed him.

Shaw counsels Herges daily on the nuances of the high-pressure job, teaching the second-year pitcher as former closer Jeff Brantley taught him.

Herges hopes Shaw returns in 2002, but he’s ready to fill the void if the all-star retires.

“I have to have confidence that I could do it or I’m in the wrong business,” Herges said. “That’s something that I would definitely love to have offered to me.

“Nothing is going to be given to me, but I would like the chance to do it. The opportunity to try would be great.”

Herges, 31, was the club’s biggest surprise as a rookie in 2000 and is having another strong season.

In 43 games, he is 8-6 with a 3.48 earned-run average. Herges--who relies on a 95-mph fastball--leads the bullpen with 64 2/3 innings.

Shaw, 35, is among the majors’ leaders in saves and appearances and was an all-star selection for the second time in his 10-year career, but he wants to spend more time with his family.

The Dodgers have a $7.05-million option, or a $1.5-million buyout, in Shaw’s contract for next season. Shaw can reject the option, reducing the buyout to $1 million.

Herges has a one-year, $250,000 contract. Under the current labor agreement, he will be eligible for salary arbitration after next season.

“I’ve had the opportunity to watch him, he’s a total professional, so I don’t think I could have a better example,” Herges said. “He keeps telling me, ‘You’re going to be a closer.’ He’s in my ear a lot about it and I appreciate it.”

Gary Sheffield hit home runs Nos. 300 and 301 in Saturday’s record-setting 22-7 victory over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

The left fielder is focused on his next 300.

“I never thought about 500 or 600 home runs, but I think I can do that pretty easily,” said Sheffield, inspired by the performance of Barry Bonds, one of his closest friends.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

TERRY ADAMS

(5-3, 4.68 ERA)

vs.

ROCKIES’

PEDRO ASTACIO

(6-11, 5.14 ERA)

Coors Field, 5 p.m. PDT

TV--ESPN. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

Update--Adams, making his 10th consecutive start, is coming off his best outing in a victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Astacio is 3-4 in 10 starts against his former team. The Dodgers are among many teams pursuing the right-hander.