DODGERS NOTEBOOK: BRADLEY'S PROPHECY UNFULFILLED.

Byline: Tony Jackson Staff Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Five days after Milton Bradley predicted he would be back in the lineup by the end of this week - and two days before his prediction expires - the Dodgers center fielder appears no closer to returning. Bradley, who has a torn ligament in his right ring finger, still isn't swinging at pitches.

``I can't see it happening within the next few days,'' Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said of Bradley's return. ``First, we have to get him swinging the bat at baseballs and get to where not only we feel comfortable with where he's at, but more importantly he feels comfortable.''

--Ups and downs: The Dodgers' Double-A Jacksonville affiliate has received two new players to help its efforts to win a first-half division title.

Third-base prospect Adam LaRoche was promoted from Single-A Vero Beach after hitting .333 with 21 homers and 51 RBI, helping Vero Beach to the first-half title in the Florida State League East division. Joining LaRoche was top pitching prospect Edwin Jackson, who came down from Triple-A Las Vegas, where he was a disappointing 3-7 with an 8.62 ERA.

--Dessens starts: Right-hander Elmer Dessens, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday, will fill the vacant fifth starter's spot on Saturday night in Chicago. Dessens got the nod over rookie Derek Thompson because Thompson has a tender left elbow, something he's had to deal with since undergoing Tommy John reconstructive surgery in 2003.

--More signings: The Dodgers have signed third-round draft pick Sergio Pedroza, an outfielder out of Cal State Fullerton, and verbally agreed to terms with fourth-rounder Josh Bell, a third baseman out of Santaluces (Fla.) High School. Terms were not disclosed, but Pedroza is believed to have received a signing bonus of $325,000, with Bell set to receive $210,000.

Meanwhile, second-round pick Josh Wall, a right-hander out of Central Private (La.) High School, is in Los Angeles with his family for a visit to Dodger Stadium, but club officials are bracing for tough negotiations with Brian Murphy, the agent who is advising Wall.