Third Catcher Possible

The Dodgers are so concerned about the offensive production from catchers David Ross and Paul Bako that Manager Jim Tracy is considering carrying a third catcher on the roster.

Ross, a right-handed hitter, batted .170 in 165 at-bats last season. Bako, a left-handed hitter, is a career backup who batted .203 in 138 at-bats last season with the Chicago Cubs.

Tracy is anticipating the need to pinch-hit for the catcher in the middle innings of games and perhaps pinch-hit again for the substitute catcher in the late innings. That would mean the third catcher could be behind the plate in pressure situations.

“The question is whether we need a third catcher who we can rely on to do the job when Yhency Brazoban or Eric Gagne is on the mound and we are trying to win a ballgame, or whether we just need an emergency third catcher,” Tracy said.

Much will depend on how well Ross and Bako hit during the spring. In 2003, Ross hit a respectable .258 with 10 home runs in 124 at-bats. Bako, a seven-year veteran, has never had more than 234 at-bats in a season.

“I think David Ross is going to come in with something to prove,” pitcher Jeff Weaver said. “His competitiveness will take over. I think he’ll have a breakout season. Bako has caught good pitchers in his day and he’s a good addition.”

None of the other four catchers in camp are ideally suited to be a reliable third catcher. Dioner Navarro, 21, and Russell Martin, 22, are top prospects, but Tracy would rather have them playing every day in the minors than sitting on the Dodger bench. Mike Rose, 28, is a career minor leaguer and Jason Grabowski, 28, is primarily an outfielder who batted .220 in his first Dodger season.

Tracy will take his time making a decision.

“I want to see all these guys in ballgames,” he said. “Then we’ll decide what is really necessary.”

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For many years, little was riding on Scott Erickson’s first spring training start. He was a fixture in the rotation of the Minnesota Twins from 1990 to 1995 and the Baltimore Orioles from 1995 to 2003.

Every opportunity counts as a non-roster invitee, however. Erickson will start today’s Grapefruit League opener against the Florida Marlins.

“I always approach every start as if I’m trying to win a job,” Erickson said. “To make the team, you have to pitch good.”

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Pitcher Derek Lowe received permission from the Dodgers to accompany his former Boston Red Sox teammates today to be honored at the White House. But he had second thoughts after Pedro Martinez told him that he wasn’t planning to go.

“I’ll just have to win the World Series with the Dodgers and get to the White House that way,” Lowe said.

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The Dodgers will begin selling rubber wristbands similar to the yellow ones originated by cyclist Lance Armstrong to raise cancer awareness.

The Dodger wristbands are blue and cost $2, with proceeds going to the Dodger Dream Foundation.

The wristbands will be sold at today’s Grapefruit League opener at Holman Stadium and will be available at Dodger Stadium during the Freeway Series and on opening day.