DODGERS: MARTINEZ IS ZEROING IN ON NO. 5 SPOT.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - The fifth spot in the Dodgers' rotation gained clarity when veteran Ramon Martinez pitched well over the weekend. It could gain finality if he pitches well against Florida today.

Martinez's principal competition for the spot, right-hander Eric Gagne, pitches in a split-squad game against Kansas City today but the Dodgers appear to be set on Martinez as their fifth starter.

Manager Jim Tracy, pitching coach Jim Colborn and general manager Kevin Malone will watch Martinez closely today.

``I think the thinking is multifold,'' Malone said. ``I think you'd prefer a veteran because of the ability to be experienced with days off, (pitching) with more than four days rest, to be used out of the bullpen, if needed. If possible, it would probably be more beneficial if was a veteran just because of the days off and the inconsistent work.''

Until recently, the team had reservations about Martinez because of his poor start. He had 10 walks in nine innings in his first three games while Gagne was accurate and overwhelming in his outings. However, Martinez worked with Colborn and special assistant to the general manager Dave Wallace and tinkered with his mechanics. It resulted in an effective outing against the Yankees.

``I think we kind of know what things each can bring to the table,'' Colborn said. ``We just have to decide which meat we want.''

Martinez, 33, is 0-2 with a 4.15 ERA this spring. Gagne, 25, is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA. However, Martinez spent the first month of the spring getting his arm in shape and working on his delivery, which suffered greatly after shoulder surgery during the 1998 season.

``I think you have to look at (Martinez's) history, first,'' Malone said. ``But also, I think we have to be a little more patient because a lot of veterans know exactly the course they're on and what they need to do to get ready.''

--Where's the D? The Dodgers invested nearly $50 million in their starting rotation, which is built around sinkerball pitchers.

However, there are questions throughout baseball - by scouts, front-office personnel and even players on other teams - as to whether the Dodgers will be able to catch the ball, particularly in the middle of the infield. The Dodgers were second in the National League last season with 135 errors.

``(Expletive) the people throughout baseball,'' Dodgers first baseman Eric Karros said.

Karros added that the Dodgers' defense should be better this season because of changes in personnel and the maturity of players at certain positions.

``Obviously, people look at the numbers last year and how many errors were made,'' Karros said. ``But we should be better just because (Alex) Cora is the starting shortstop from day one, the fact our catching (Paul LoDuca and Chad Kreuter) is improved defensively. The center fielder (Tom Goodwin) can run down balls with anybody and (Mark Grudzielanek) has another year at second base under his belt.

``I think defensively we're going to surprise people.''

--Odds and ends: In his first live game since spraining his right thumb March 2, right fielder Shawn Green went 4 for 13 in two minor-league games. Green led off most of the innings of a Double-A game and Triple-A game. ... Left-handers Onan Masaoka, Matt Whisenant and Todd Rizzo and right-handers Luke Prokopec and Doug Linton were sent to minor-league camp. Masaoka, who spent 1999 and part of 2000 in the Dodgers' bullpen, will start at Triple-A Las Vegas. ... Third baseman Adrian Beltre was released from Centinela Hospital Medical Center. He had abdominal surgery for the second time in two months March 12, and team physician Dr. Michael Mellman said, ``If things go extremely well, we're looking at (Beltre returning) in the month of May. May's a long month. It spans the first to the 31st.'' ... Right-hander Matt Herges, recovering from a sore left knee, pitched two innings and allowed one run in his first action since March 2.

DODGERS (SS) vs. FLORIDA/KANSAS CITY

Time: 10:05 a.m. at Space Coast Stadium, Vierra, Fla.;

10:05 a.m., Baseball City, Haines City, Fla.

Radio: 1150-AM (tape delayed at 3:35 p.m. vs. Florida.)

Matchup: The fifth spot in the rotation should be settled after today as RH Ramon Martinez pitches against the Marlins and RH Eric Gagne starts against the Royals.

Wednesday's result: The Dodgers managed three hits in a 6-0 loss to the Mets. RH Andy Ashby yielded one run in five innings.

-Brian Dohn

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Box: DODGERS (SS) vs. FLORIDA/KANSAS CITY (see text)