DODGERS NEED TO MAKE A DEAL.

Byline: STEVE DILBECK

Help is out there, and now Paul Depodesta has to bring it in.

Help is out there, and now as promised Frank McCourt has to shell out for it.

Help is out there, and do the Dodgers ever need it.

The front office has determined it will not be selling as the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline approaches, but buying. McCourt has figured out that much about life in L.A.

In Los Angeles, dumping players to focus on next year doesn't fly in July. Particularly in this season's Weak, Weak West. As sadly pedestrian as the Dodgers have been, they very much remain alive in the West.

Yet there is little reason to hope they will overtake the San Diego Padres as currently constructed. Even if completely healthy - and what team truly ever is? - theirs is an offense that needs a serious infusion.

Help can be had, but it comes at a real cost. Likely several bright prospects and some shiny coin.

``I think we're in pretty good shape on both of those fronts,'' said general manager DePodesta. ``I certainly think we have a lot of good prospects from which we can deal.

``And we made it a point this winter to go into the season leaving a pretty significant amount of dry powder so we could do something at the deadline or even at any time during the course of the year.''

Time to pack the powder and fire. Time to prove to players and fans alike that the organization is serious about winning this season.

Even at four games under .500, even going 26-40 since their 12-2 start, this feeble division refuses to let the Dodgers go. With over half the season left, the playoffs remain remarkably attainable.

If DePodesta does his job, and doesn't shirk away from pricey offers. And if McCourt gives him the OK, even if the cost lifts the payroll over the $100 million mark.

The Dodgers' payroll is estimated at $88 million, including the $10 million they're paying Shawn Green to play for Arizona.

``It's currently a lot higher than has been reported, but we still have pretty significant room,'' DePodesta said.

He won't, however, say what the payroll is. But McCourt said when he took over the team last year he would keep the payroll around $100 million, and thus far that hasn't happened. The Dodgers need a significant bat, need a veteran who can drive in runs besides Jeff Kent.

Time is ticking in more ways than one. How long will teams continue to pitch to Kent? Better question: Why didn't they stop a long time ago?

Kent has 58 RBI, rather remarkable when you consider who has hit around him in the cleanup spot.

The Dodgers' No. 5 hitters have combined to hit .268 with 13 home runs and 42 RBI (tied for 13th in the National League). Their No. 6 hitters are at .253 (15th) with five home runs (14th) and 36 RBI (14th).

And most of their damage in the fifth hole came from Milton Bradley (.298, 10 HR, 26 RBI).

The Dodgers need a reliable bat to protect Kent. They need a solid No. 5 hitter, or assuming Bradley actually returns from his torn finger ligament, a No. 6 hitter.

``In an ideal world that is probably about what we'd be looking for,'' DePodesta said. ``I don't think we need to go out and find a three, four guy.

``Milton is certainly a three- , four-type hitter who hits in the five hole for us when he's healthy. I do think Jayson Werth is sort of rounding back into form after missing all of spring training and the first two months of the season.

``Those spots - somewhere five, six, seven - where Kent and (J.D.) Drew have already done their thing and are standing out there on the bases, we have someone else coming in to help drive those guys in.''

And the sooner the better. If you're committed to making a move, best to make it now and hopefully begin reaping the benefits.

DePodesta said that's his goal, the trouble being too many teams are again in their division races and are undecided about trading expensive veterans for prospects.

DePodesta said he's spoken to almost every club, and the refrain has become familiar.

``Unfortunately of all the teams we've talked to, most of them want to wait,'' he said. ``A lot of them want to wait until after the All-Star break.

``I'd much rather make a deal sooner rather than later, but I have to get a trade partner to agree with me on the timing.''

There have been several names bandied about in the media as trade possibilities, proving to DePodesta one thing:

``That they don't have a tap on my phone.''

Players, known or unknown to be available, can be had for the right price. Time for it to be paid. Time for the Dodgers to help themselves.