Tomko Can Feel Right at Home Now

Brett Tomko has been up, down and all around the National League in nine seasons, but the Dodgers hope he regains the form of Oct. 2, 2004.

That was the day the Dodgers won the National League West with a 7-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants on a ninth-inning grand slam by Steve Finley at Dodger Stadium.

But it was also a day Tomko pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings for the Giants, holding the Dodgers to four hits. The outing capped perhaps the best stretch of Tomko’s career -- he was 5-1 with a 1.43 earned-run average in his last eight starts.

Tomko, 32, passed a physical Thursday and finalized a two-year, $8.7-million deal with the Dodgers, his sixth team and fifth in sixth seasons. Yet he feels at home pitching in Dodger Stadium.

“I think it’s a confidence thing, a fact of being comfortable,” he said. “My first year, I had a great start against Hideo Nomo, and ever since then it felt like home. Every time I stepped on the field, I felt like I’d have a good game.”

He is 4-2 with a 2.93 ERA at Dodger Stadium, including seven scoreless innings and a victory for the Cincinnati Reds in that 1997 outing against Nomo.

Tomko would be the No. 4 starter if the season began today. However, General Manager Ned Colletti is trying to acquire another front-line starter. And so far this off-season, Colletti has gotten what he wants.

“I think adding Brett is a huge plus,” Colletti said. “He gives us four starters capable of going 180 to 210 innings. He’s won a lot of games. We have a staff that will accentuate his strengths. I think he has more upside than he’s shown. I’d like to add one more starting pitcher if I can. I’ve been having daily conversations. If there is something that appeals to me, I’m not afraid to go into the trade market and do it.”

Re-signing Jeff Weaver remains a possibility. Although the Dodger payroll has eclipsed $90 million, Colletti said he has permission from owner Frank McCourt to continue spending. “I’ve kept everybody in the loop every step of the way,” he said. “I’m telling them I want to add another starter, so ... “

He also wants to add a relief pitcher, preferably a left-hander. The Dodgers have not traded any prospects, but starter Odalis Perez, shortstop Cesar Izturis, first baseman Hee-Seop Choi and third baseman Willy Aybar are expendable.

Tomko likes the way Colletti has shaken up the roster so far.

“It definitely is a lineup that will put up runs,” he said. “And there is a strong bullpen, a tremendous closer and a great starting staff.”