Weaver Draws Trade Interest

Pitcher Jeff Weaver figures to be heavily scouted during his start tonight against the New York Mets.

According to baseball sources, the Baltimore Orioles have contacted the Dodgers about trading for Weaver, who is making $9.25 million and will become a free agent after the season.

“It doesn’t faze me, I’ve been through it before,” Weaver said.

Dodger General Manager Paul DePodesta is undecided on whether to get something for Weaver -- which would in effect be throwing up a surrender flag on the 2005 season -- or keep him and continue to pursue the flagging San Diego Padres in the National League West.

A decision probably wouldn’t be made until close to the July 31 trading deadline to give DePodesta a better read on the team’s chances. Outfielder Milton Bradley and the versatile Jose Valentin are expected to come off the disabled list when the Dodgers return home Monday.

Weaver has expressed interest in signing an extension, but that is unlikely because the Dodgers aren’t inclined to match his current salary and Weaver’s agent, Scott Boras, won’t give a hometown discount.

Conceivably the Dodgers could trade Weaver -- saving about $4 million -- then pursue him as a free agent during the off-season.

“I’m going to show up and pitch,” Weaver said. “None of that talk means anything to me.”

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Pitcher Brad Penny was suspended for five games for his altercation with an umpire on July 14, but said he would appeal.

Penny was ejected after throwing his helmet and having a verbal exchange with umpire Rob Drake after he was tagged out at first in the third inning of a 4-3 loss to San Francisco.

Penny is scheduled to pitch Sunday against the Mets.

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Mike Edwards didn’t know the identity of the woman who screamed loud enough for everyone in Citizens Bank Park to hear every time he got a hit.

But he’ll find out. The woman undoubtedly was part of the contingent of Edwards fans who made the short drive from his hometown of Mechanicsburg, Pa. They included his parents, sister and several friends.

“I don’t know who was screaming,” he said. “It wasn’t my mom. She’s quiet.”

Edwards made the folks proud, hitting a double as a pinch-hitter Tuesday and getting two hits in one inning Wednesday.

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Manager Jim Tracy said that hot-hitting Antonio Perez was not playing because he was not proficient at any position. Perez is uncomfortable at third base and too inexperienced to play outfield.

Moving Jeff Kent to first base and playing Perez at second isn’t an option, either, because Perez has been shaky there as well.

“If you don’t make plays in the middle of the field in the major leagues, you get beat,” Tracy said. “He needs work defensively wherever you put him.”

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Catcher Jason Phillips had played nine games in a row and was due for a day off anyway, but he was unavailable because of a bruise caused when he fouled a pitch off his left knee Wednesday.

Because emergency catcher Jason Grabowski was sent to triple-A on Sunday, Mike Rose was the only available catcher.

“Rose doesn’t come out unless the fracture is visible from the bench,” Tracy joked.