Tracy Likes What He Sees From Brown

Pitcher Kevin Brown had another pain-free bullpen session Monday, continuing a spring-training program that appears to be ahead of schedule.

The right-hander, coming off back surgery, threw 45 to 50 pitches while Manager Jim Tracy watched. The Dodgers are proceeding cautiously because Brown has been sidelined most of the last two seasons because of elbow and back problems. Even Tracy, however, acknowledged that things were looking up.

“Well, we definitely like what we’re seeing with some of the things he’s doing out there,” he said. “Anyone who knows this man knows he’s going to do everything he can to help this team, because that’s just the type of individual he is.

“We’re still not at a point where I’m going to be nailed down about when we can expect to see him take it to the next level [facing batters] .... But is it fair to say that the program is producing some very encouraging results? Without question.”

Brown had hoped it would while working with specialists in the off-season.

“They had to be expecting a little bit less, probably just because of the way things wound up last year,” said Brown, in the fifth season of a seven-year, $105-million contract. “Heck, when I walked out of L.A. at the end of the year, I couldn’t stand up straight, and I’m pretty sure that’s what they remembered.

“It’s nice for everyone to see that’s not the way it is now. No one was with me the whole time in the winter, and it was getting better day by day. That’s why, if someone had a problem with me coming in when I did, or was uncomfortable with it or whatever, they really just didn’t know what they were talking about.”

Brown was bothered by media criticism and rumblings within the organization about his reporting to Dodgertown later than some would have preferred.

“I pitched with my muscle hanging from a thread in 2001 to try to help this team get to the playoffs, and the only thing in it for me was the possibility of an elbow injury that could have finished my career,” he said. “I couldn’t stand up straight last year and I tried to do the same thing, so I don’t know what more I could do ... “

The Dodgers want to see Brown fielding groundballs and covering first base before he faces batters.

“I wouldn’t do anything if I wasn’t ready,” Brown said. “After the last two years, I just want to wind up right where I want to be.”

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Left-hander Wilson Alvarez, trying to revive his career after reconstructive shoulder surgery, has made a good impression. He gets another chance today, starting in an intrasquad game at Holman Stadium. Right-hander Darren Dreifort will be the other starter.

Said Alvarez: “They’ve given me a chance since Day 1. Now it’s up to me to go out there and to do it.”

Dave Wallace, club senior vice president and former pitching coach, is among those encouraged. “The look in his eyes, the curveball, the changeup and the fact that he’s throwing a couple of days in a row on the side are all positive,” he said.

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Closer Eric Gagne, scheduled to pitch in Thursday’s Grapefruit League opener against the Detroit Tigers, is eager for competition.

“You need games to get ready,” he said, “and I’m not quite ready yet.”

Gagne, who said he’s probably throwing about 93 to 94 mph “with effort,” knows he’s ready when his fastball is clocked at 96 to 98 mph “with minimal effort, which should be about two weeks” before the season starts. “I can just feel it in my arm,” he said.

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Right fielder Shawn Green (left shoulder tendinitis) and left fielder Brian Jordan (left knee soreness) did not participate in full workouts.... Chairman Bob Daly is expected to arrive at Dodgertown today.