FSN Picks Up Channel 13 Slack

With the Dodgers committed to Channel 9 next year, Channel 13 has cut its Dodger broadcast schedule this year from 50 games to 25.

“Because this is our last season of carrying the Dodgers on KCOP, we wanted to lessen the impact on our network and regular program schedule,” spokesman John Frenzel said Friday via e-mail, “so we reduced the number of games.”

FSN West 2 has agreed to carry an additional 25 games this season, for a total of 125, Dodger owner Frank McCourt said. FSN will revert to 100 games next season and Channel 9 will air 50, McCourt said.

“This is a transition year for us,” he said. “Our fans still get to watch all the games.”

In what McCourt called “more of a what-if scenario” than a full-fledged proposal, the Dodgers had inquired about jumping to Channel 9 this year.

“We made clear we had a full slate of Angel games and our relationship would start in ‘06,” said Patrick McClenahan, Channel 9 senior vice president and station manager.

*

Manager Jim Tracy said he would like two left-handers in the bullpen. If General Manager Paul DePodesta agrees, that could mean Mike Venafro or Kelly Wunsch would make the team, or both if Wilson Alvarez is needed to start. Venafro gave up six hits in one-third of an inning during a simulated game Friday.