DDOGERS NOTEBOOK: DECISIONS, DECISIONS JOHNSON TAKES A LOOK AT HIS ROSTER.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

VERO BEACH, Fla. - With the organization lacking depth at the minor- league level, Dodgers manager Davey Johnson said he's willing to do the unconventional to protect the depth at the major-league level.

Johnson said he'd prefer to carry six outfielders and six infielders, straying from the usual combination of five outfielders and seven infielders.

He noted that he still intends to carry three players with experience at the shortstop position, providing 24-year-old Alex Cora is the starter.

And with Cora the leading candidate at shortstop, it appears Kevin Elster and the versatile Jose Vizcaino will be backup infielders. In the outfield, F.P. Santangelo and Geronimo Berroa are in line for the fifth and sixth outfielder jobs. Gary Sheffield and Shawn Green are locks in the outfield while Todd Hollandsworth and Devon White remain close in the race for center field.

Berroa, who began his career as a first baseman, impressed the Dodgers with his bat. He's hitting .364 this spring, and could provide power off the bench.

Santangelo was signed to play outfield. He's also played 20 innings at second base this spring and should be Mark Grudzielanek's main backup.

``I know I can't be an everyday player because they already have the outfield,'' Berroa said. ``I prepared myself to be a reserve player. I can be used to give one of those guys a day off, or I can be ready as a pinch hitter. That's what I'm ready for.''

If the Dodgers opt to go with six outfielders and six infielders, including the three shortstops, two catchers and 11 pitchers, it could leave the club with some tough decisions, namely regarding what to do with Dave Hansen.

Hansen was 13 of 48 (.271) as a pinch-hitter last season, and was Johnson's first choice in that role. But the Dodgers added more options off the bench during the offseason, and since the organization lacks outfield depth at the minor-league level, Johnson wants to keep the outfielders with the big-league club.

--Gagne's chance going? Rookie right-hander Eric Gagne has an important start today against Florida. After three miserable outings, Gagne's spot as the No. 4 starter is coming into question. Gagne's allowed 15 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings and opponents are batting .415 against him. He's also walked six.

``I always start slow in spring training,'' Gagne said. ``This is typical. People at home are like, `What's wrong?' But this is how I pitch.

As it's working out, Gagne may be battling Carlos Perez for the final spot in the rotation rather than Orel Hershiser competing with Perez.

Perez has a 10.00 ERA and opponents are hitting .341 against him. Hershiser's ERA is 2.77 and opponents are hitting .239. And only Kevin Brown and Chan Ho Park have thrown more innings than Hershiser, who's thrown 13.

In another twist to the pitching, Johnson said Mike Judd, Jeff Williams and Hershiser would pitch in ``camp'' games beginning today while Perez starts Wednesday against Montreal. Originally, Hershiser was going to start that game with Perez relieving.

--Odds and ends: The Dodgers looked into canceling today's game at Florida because mumps has broken out at the Marlins camp. But after consulting with team doctors, Johnson said the trip will be made. ``The doctor also told me if anybody can't remember if they're vaccinated for mumps, don't go. I don't think I'll tell them that because I wouldn't have anyone to go. But I don't think there's any danger,'' Johnson said. . . . After receiving three stitches in his left pinkie after injuring it on a head-first slide Friday, Sheffield said he sees no problem with being ready for the April 3 opener in Montreal. Sheffield could return to the lineup next week if the swelling dissipates in his finger. . . . The Dodgers optioned pitcher Jamie Arnold, outfielder Kevin Gibbs and catcher Angel Pena to Triple-A Albuquerque. Pena, who has lost 20 pounds since reporting to camp at 262, impressed Johnson. ``Of all the guys in camp, I was impressed with (Pena) and the way he went about his business and the pride he took in his catching and his work ethic. It showed in his performance,'' Johnson said. . . . The club also reassigned left-hander Rick DeHart and outfielder Brent Cookson to minor-league camp.

DODGERS vs. FLORIDA

When/Where: 10:05 a.m., Space Coast Stadium, Viera, Fla.

TV/Radio: XTRA-AM (1150) (tape delay begins 5:30 p.m.)

Today's game: Better check to vaccinations before this trip. Florida's camp is overcome with mumps. Dodgers right-hander Eric Gagne (0-1, 15.58 ERA) starts and is in need of a strong outing. Right-hander Ryan Dempster starts for the Marlins.

Sunday's result: F.P. Santangelo, who had four hits all spring, went 4 for 5 with a homer but the Dodgers lost 9-5 to Montreal to fall to 4-14-1. Right-hander Alan Mills continued to struggle, allowing four runs in two innings.

- Brian Dohn

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Box: Dodgers vs. Florida (see text)