Tracy Has Plenty of Supporters

First-year Manager Jim Tracy is considered a strong candidate for the National League manager-of-the-year award because the surprising Dodgers have overcome major injuries, deficiencies and off-field distractions.

Tracy has helped unite a formerly fractured clubhouse, stressing team unity and personal responsibility for a change.

Players appreciate Tracy’s open-door policy and respect his calm approach, following his lead without question.

“No question, Trace has done an outstanding job,” second baseman Mark Grudzielanek said. “You look at the stuff this organization has gone through the last few years, and it definitely hasn’t been easy.

“Then with some of the things this year, and all the injuries, I’m sure most people didn’t think we would be where we’re at right now. We’ve had guys step up and play well filling in for guys, that’s been a key, but you can’t say enough about the job Trace has done keeping it together.”

Said left fielder Gary Sheffield: “I don’t know what more you could ask of the man with all this.”

Starters Andy Ashby and Darren Dreifort underwent season-ending surgery, and starter Kevin Brown might not pitch again in 2001.

In addition, Tracy has been forced to shuffle the batting order frequently because of injuries.

But Tracy and the Dodgers keep going.

“Tracy really seems to be the right fit for them,” San Diego Padre General Manager Kevin Towers said recently. “He’s getting a lot out of those guys.”

That’s what Chairman Bob Daly hoped when he promoted the former bench coach despite concerns about an inexperienced manager handling a $110-million club.

Tracy credits players with the team’s dramatic turnaround, saying they should be the focus.

“It’s gratifying that they have the confidence in me that I’m going to put any individual aside, and do what I feel is best for this club in any given situation and or any given day,” he said.

Marquis Grissom returns to Milwaukee today for the first time since being traded Feb. 25 from the Brewers for Devon White.

Injuries slowed the veteran outfielder in three seasons there, but Grissom is not bitter about the disappointing experience.

“It’s going to be fun,” said Grissom, whose six-game suspension ends Tuesday. “I look back on all the places I’ve played, and Milwaukee is a place where I think I learned a lot.

“I’m looking forward to going back there and seeing my old teammates. I’m looking forward to getting three Ws more than anything.”

ON DECK

Opponent--Milwaukee Brewers, three games.

Site--Miller Park.

Tonight--5 PDT.

TV--Fox Sports Net 2 today; ESPN on Wednesday.

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

Records--Dodgers 56-43, Brewers 43-54.

Record vs. Brewers--3-0.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

CHAN HO PARK

(9-6, 3.00 ERA)

vs.

BREWERS’

ALLAN LEVRAULT

(4-4, 4.98 ERA)

Update--Park enjoys pitching against the struggling Brewers, who have dropped nine in a row. The right-hander had victories in his previous two starts this season, and did not give up a run while striking out 16 in 16 innings. Overall against Milwaukee, Park is 5-0 with a 2.48 earned-run average.

Tuesday, 5 p.m.--Dennis Springer (0-0, 9.00) vs. Jamey Wright (8-5, 3.38).

Wednesday, 11 a.m.--Luke Prokopec (6-5, 4.33) vs. Ben Sheets (10-7, 4.22).