DODGERS NOTEBOOK: BALDWIN ALREADY `BATTLE TESTED'.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

The Dodgers will get their first look at right-hander James Baldwin tonight against the Colorado Rockies. But they already like his resume.

Even though Baldwin had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder after the 2000 season, he was an integral part of the Chicago White Sox's run to last year's AL Central title.

Baldwin finished last year 14-7, the fifth time in five seasons he recorded double figures in victories. However, Baldwin always has had a lofty ERA. Three times he has allowed an average of more than five runs a game.

``The one thing that is so great about him is that he is battle tested,'' Tracy said. ``Twelve months ago with the White Sox he was in the same situation we are in right now, battling for a playoff spot.''

Baldwin, who arrived Friday night in Los Angeles, said the shoulder is fine after some early-season tenderness. He also acknowledged he struggled early this season because of distractions over trade rumors.

After the speculation died down, Baldwin went 5-1 in his last six starts with the White Sox. Then, he was traded.

``That stuff can weigh on you,'' Baldwin said. ``But I was able to refocus and have fun again. The shoulder felt good, and I was able to contribute.''

--Green on the money: Shawn Green's second-inning homer was his 30th of the year, making him the first left-handed hitter in Los Angeles Dodgers history to reach that mark. Darryl Strawberry held the previous record of 28 in 1991. Three left-handed hitters have done it in all-time Dodgers history: Duke Snider, Adolph Camilla and Babe Herman.

Last season, Green tied Strawberry's L.A. record for lefties with 99 RBI. With 84 this year, Green should become the first Dodgers left-handed hitter to reach 100 RBI since Snider in 1956.

``Hitters go through highs and lows and right now everything feels very good,'' Green said.

--Brown update: Two weeks ago today, right-hander Kevin Brown suffered a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow. Brown said he hoped to know more about his future after two weeks, but physical therapist Pat Screnar said Brown has not begun even light tossing. The club is hopeful Brown can be back by Sept. 1.

``He is still doing strengthening exercises and they are going well,'' Screnar said. ``But there is no timetable on his return. It is way too soon to get into that.''

--Decisions, decisions: With two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the ninth, why would Colorado manager Buddy Bell bat Alex Ochoa instead of his best player, Larry Walker, against Jeff Shaw, trailing 10-6?

Because Ochoa came in batting .400 (4 for 10) lifetime against Shaw. Walker is 1 for 14. Ochoa, once a top prospect of the New York Mets who has revived his career in Colorado, flied to right to end the game.

For Shaw it was his league-leading 32nd save. His 11 saves in July is tops in the majors.

--Quick hits: In his past five games, Dodgers shortstop Jeff Reboulet has nine hits in 14 at-bats. Five of his past seven hits have been for extra bases. His third-inning home run was his first in 44 games. ... Saturday marked the fourth time this season the Dodgers had seven extra-base hits in one game. ... With the victory, Chan Ho Park is 8-1 with a 1.67 ERA at home this season. ... The Dodgers have 23 victories in their past 30 games, something they haven't done since starting the 1977 season with a 24-6 record. ... Former UCLA catcher Adam Melhuse, who had one at-bat for the Dodgers last season, started behind the plate for the Rockies and went 0 for 3. He is batting .158.

DODGERS vs. COLORADO

Time: 5:10 p.m., Dodger Stadium

TV/Radio: No TV; 1150-AM, 1330-AM (Spanish)

Matchup: In the finale of the four-game series with the Rockies, RH James Baldwin makes will make his Dodgers debut against rookie RH Shawn Chacon (6-5, 5.42 ERA). Baldwin was 7-5 with a 4.61 ERA in 16 starts with the Chicago White Sox before Thursday's trade for three minor-leaguers. But he also won five of his last six starts. Chacon has been particularly effective in his last three starts. He is 2-0 and has allowed five earned runs in the past 20 innings.

- Matt McHale

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DODGERS vs. COLORADO (see text)