Ventura Is Wanted Back

Reserve infielder Robin Ventura has considered retiring at the end of the season, but the Dodgers want him to return in 2005 because of his influence on the field and in the clubhouse.

“I know Robin hasn’t made a decision on what he wants to do yet, but there’s no question that he adds an awful lot to this clubhouse,” General Manager Paul DePodesta said. “Robin is a great fit. Any team would benefit from having him on it.”

The 15-year veteran hit his 17th grand slam Sunday in a 10-2 victory over the New York Mets. Ventura, the majors’ active leader in grand slams, is batting .222 with four home runs and 20 runs batted in, and .286 as a pinch-hitter with two go-ahead homers, a game-winning single and seven RBIs.

And Ventura, 37, is revered in the clubhouse because of his selfless approach and dedication to teammates.

“To have a player of this guy’s magnitude, and have other players see how he allows himself to be managed, how he’ll do whatever you ask him to do, you can’t put a price tag on that,” Manager Jim Tracy said. “Those people are invaluable to a successful club.

“You have someone that is as unselfish as he is, who sets an example for other young people to follow and still has something to offer to the club.”

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ON DECK

Opponent -- Arizona Diamondbacks, three games.

Site -- Bank One Ballpark, Phoenix.

TV -- FSN2.

Radio -- KFWB (980), KWKW (1330).

Records -- Dodgers 76-54, Diamondbacks 41-90.

Record vs. Diamondbacks -- 11-2.

Tonight, 6:30 -- Jeff Weaver (12-10, 3.71 ERA) vs. Randy Johnson (12-12, 2.78)

Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. -- Hideo Nomo (3-10, 8.06) vs. Brandon Webb (5-14, 3.67).

Thursday, 6:30 p.m. -- Odalis Perez (6-4, 3.09) vs. Casey Fossum (3-12, 7.29).