Green’s Comfort Level Growing

Converted right fielder Shawn Green said Thursday he is becoming more comfortable in his first season as an everyday first baseman.

“The more days you spend there the better,” the nine-year veteran said. “You get more confident and you make some plays, but I’m still realistic.

“I know it’s going to take time and there’s going to be some mistakes. I’m just trying to build off of the good games.”

Manager Jim Tracy says he believes Green could eventually become as good defensively as Seattle’s John Olerud, a three-time Gold Glove Award winner.

“His athleticism as a first baseman, and his hands and everything else, they all point toward the fact that he can be very good at that position,” Tracy said. “He’s already made some plays that you can feel very comfortable about.

“Just after the first couple of times that I saw him [at first base], I really started to recollect who he would remind me of ... and the first name that comes to mind is Olerud. That’s how capable I think he is of becoming a very good first baseman.”

Green said he’s not there yet.

“To be compared to Olerud would be a big compliment because he’s one of the best,” said Green, who won a Gold Glove as an outfielder in 1999. “I know I’m not.”

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Leadoff batter Dave Roberts was on the disabled list twice in 2003 because of hamstring injuries, playing in only 107 games after being named an everyday player for the first time.

Tracy said he wants to help Roberts “stay healthy and keep his legs,” which probably means fewer at-bats against left-handers in a reduced role. Tracy said Roberts might not play Sunday when the Dodgers face Colorado left-hander Shawn Estes.

“You want to be in the lineup every single day,” Roberts said. “At this point of the season, my body feels great. Last year, I think it was a freak injury. I don’t think I got hurt because of fatigue.

“We were a month into the season when it happened. Obviously, Trace makes the lineup and I’ll respond accordingly. Whatever he thinks is best to help this team win, then that’s what I’m in favor of.”

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ON DECK

Opponent -- Colorado Rockies, three games.

Site -- Dodger Stadium.

TV -- Fox Sports Net 2 tonight, Channel 13 on Saturday and Sunday.

Records -- Dodgers 2-1, Rockies 1-2.

Record vs. Rockies (2003) -- 12-7.

Tonight, 7 -- Kazuhisa Ishii (0-0, 0.00) vs. Scott Elarton (0-0, 0.00).

Saturday, 7 p.m. -- Hideo Nomo (0-1, 12.60) vs. Denny Stark (0-0, 0.00).

Sunday, 1 p.m. -- Odalis Perez (0-0, 6.35) vs. Shawn Estes (1-0, 1.29).

Tickets -- (323) 224-1448.