Tracy Receives Praise, Not Blame

Despite the Dodgers’ poor performance, club executives are supportive of Manager Jim Tracy.

They said Tracy deserves credit for holding the undermanned team together despite a rash of injuries and numerous on- and off-field distractions.

Moreover, the Dodgers have made major roster mistakes under Fox and lack prospects at double- and triple-A, leaving Tracy with few options to replace unproductive players.

The Dodgers are paying Carlos Perez, Gregg Olson and F.P. Santangelo, all dumped this season, $10.1 million.

“Jim Tracy’s status should not even be an issue,” said Derrick Hall, senior vice president. “We are very pleased with the job he is doing, and I’m sure that his staff and players would agree with that.”

Said left fielder Gary Sheffield: “With all this going on, he’s done about as good as you can do. What more could you want?”

The Dodgers have a sense of urgency because management might lose patience with the $110-million club.

“I think this is the year we have to [qualify for the postseason],” Sheffield said. “When you don’t win, you can’t look for things to remain the same, no matter who you are.

“They [decision-makers] might feel like they’ve gone as far as they can go [with the current roster]. And they’ve still got to pay Chan Ho [Park].”

Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek said players feel pressure.

“Is there pressure to win? No question, there’s pressure on everybody in here,” Grudzielanek said. “With the kind of team we have, we should win.

“If that doesn’t happen, whatever types of moves they made wouldn’t surprise me. I’ve been here since ‘98, I came over here to win, and it hasn’t happened yet.”

Some officials believe Park will become baseball’s next $100-million player and first $20-million pitcher.

But will the Dodgers pay Park’s price?

The club already owes $80.175 million to only 15 players next season, including Kevin Brown ($15 million), Shawn Green ($12.75 million), Sheffield ($9.5 million) and Darren Dreifort ($9 million).

The Dodgers might try to acquire a leadoff-hitting center fielder, pitching and bench help.

In order to sign Park, retain core everyday players and address deficiencies, the Dodger payroll probably would increase to about $130 million next season, officials said.

Grudzielanek (sprained left ankle) began a running program and will rejoin the team Thursday in San Diego.

Grudzielanek, second among regulars with a .311 batting average, can be activated from the disabled list today, but the Dodgers might wait to make a roster move because of first baseman Eric Karros’ stiff lower back.

Karros took batting practice at Dodger Stadium and will be evaluated today.

If his back improves, Karros would also meet the club Thursday in San Diego. If it does not, the Dodgers might put Karros on the disabled list and activate Grudzielanek.

TODAY

DODGERS’

TERRY ADAMS

(2-2, 5.33 ERA)

vs.

GIANTS’

LIVAN HERNANDEZ

(6-9, 6.22 ERA)

Pacific Bell Park, 4

TV--Fox Sports Net 2

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

Update--Adams has 24 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings spanning four starts this month. Opponents are batting .256 against him after batting .351 in May. Hernandez has victories in his previous two starts and has worked at least seven innings in his last six.