Drew Sputters in St. Louis; Gagne Is Sharp in Minors

J.D. Drew had a tough series in the ballpark where he spent the first five years of his career. He missed the first game because of illness, then went one for 14 in the next three, dropping his batting average to .248.

He also made two throwing errors, although he did make an outstanding play in the second game, robbing Einar Diaz on a sliding catch.

Drew has had problems hitting with runners in scoring position. He drove in a run on a groundout in the third game, but is two for 25.

“I have no worries about J.D. driving in runs,” Manager Jim Tracy said. “He’s been robbed of hits several times with men on base. It’ll all even out.”

The Dodgers loaded the bases with none out after scoring two runs in the second inning. However, Cesar Izturis flied out to short center field and Oscar Robles and Drew struck out.

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In what should be his last rehabilitation appearance for triple-A Las Vegas, closer Eric Gagne retired the six Memphis batters he faced in two innings, striking out two. Gagne did not allow a baserunner in four innings over three appearances and could be activated today.

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The Kansas City Royals are looking for a manager and Tracy has a few names they can include in their search -- Glenn Hoffman, Terry Collins and Jim Riggleman.

“Any of them would be marvelous,” Tracy said.

All have managerial experience and all have Dodger ties. Hoffman, who posted a 47-41 record in 1998 after Bill Russell was fired, is the Dodger third base coach. Collins, the Dodger director of player development, was 444-434 as manager of the Angels and Houston Astros.

Riggleman, Tracy’s bench coach from 2001-2004, is the Cardinal minor league field coordinator. He had a record of 486-598 as manager of the San Diego Padres from 1992-94 and the Chicago Cubs from 1995-99.

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Norihiro Nakamura cleared waivers and will report to Las Vegas today, creating a crowd there at third base. Antonio Perez has until Tuesday to finish his rehabilitation assignment and return to the Dodgers. The regular third baseman at Las Vegas has been top prospect Willy Aybar, who can also play second base.... Cardinal shortstop David Eckstein, a former Angel, singled, doubled and tripled and was 11 for 16 in the series.

ON DECK

Opponent -- Atlanta Braves, three games.

Site -- Dodger Stadium.

TV -- FSN West 2 tonight and Sunday, Channel 13 Saturday.

Radio -- 980, 1330.

Records -- Dodgers 20-14, Braves 21-13.

2004 record vs. Braves -- 3-4.

Tonight, 7:30 -- Jeff Weaver (4-2, 5.23) vs. Horacio Ramirez (2-2, 3.68).

Saturday, 7 p.m. -- Odalis Perez (4-3, 4.50) vs. Mike Hampton (4-1, 2.05).

Sunday, 1 p.m. -- Scott Erickson (1-3, 7.26) vs. Tim Hudson (3-2, 3.40).

Tickets -- (866) 363-4377.