Beltre Is Wallach’s New Pupil

The Dodgers have been at their wits’ end with third baseman Adrian Beltre for two seasons.

Beltre’s inconsistency stirred anger in the front office last season, prompting officials to privately rip him to reporters.

But new batting instructor Tim Wallach has a clean slate with Beltre and is determined to help him.

“Last year is in the past, and I haven’t been here until now,” Wallach said. “There’s no question that he has tons and tons of ability, we just need to figure out what it takes for him to be ready from the first day.”

Although not quite 25, Beltre is beginning his sixth full season in the major leagues. He can become a free agent after this season, so he needs to show something quickly.

“I’ve heard all the same questions and I’m [over] that now,” said Beltre, who batted .240 with 23 home runs and 80 runs batted in last season.

“I want to be [more consistent]. Yeah, I do. I can’t explain what happens, all I can do is try to do better this year.”

Wallach cites Beltre’s age in preaching patience.

“Regardless of the fact that he’s been here [five] years, he’s young,” Wallach said. “But he’s not by any means beyond having time to find [the right approach]. I didn’t figure that out until I was probably 28 or 29.”

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Second baseman Alex Cora said he expects to begin fielding grounders Monday after X-rays revealed his broken right forearm has healed faster than anticipated. Cora is not cleared to throw.

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The Dodgers will hold an open house Sunday for potential season-ticket buyers from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dodger Stadium. Fans who purchase season seats at the open house will be invited to take batting practice on the field in April.