DODGERS NOTEBOOK: BROWN'S COMEBACK TONIGHT.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

PHOENIX - A different, yet perhaps familiar, Kevin Brown pitches for the Dodgers tonight in the series finale against Arizona.

Different in that Brown's immediate health isn't a concern for the first time since 2001. Familiar in that the right-hander believes a return to his dominant 2000 form is possible.

``I think I'm to the point now where I'm healthy enough and have had a chance to work enough now to start expecting myself to be my old self again,'' Brown said. ``Hopefully, this is just the beginning. It's the end of one phase and the beginning of another phase. It was the phase of getting to the point where I could get into competition.''

After pitching much of the past two seasons in pain - beginning with neck problems early in the 2001 season, then a torn flexor muscle in his pitching elbow and back surgery last June - Brown is again free and easy throwing the ball.

After bullpen sessions and spring-training outings, Brown experienced no pain in areas that previously ailed him.

Brown, who made 29 starts the past two seasons, admitted his expectation level rose as he went through spring training. His control was impeccable and the movement on his pitches was electric. In 26 1/3 innings, he struck out 34 and walked three. Brown's ERA was 1.03.

``I appreciate the fact that I'm not hurting, but from a pitching standpoint I don't think it's going to be a lot different,'' said Brown, who averaged more than 33 starts and was 82-41 with a 2.51 ERA from 1996-2000. ``Hopefully, I can do it without the pain I've had for this period of time. It's just a matter of doing it, and, sure, that's a question mark in everybody's mind. You don't go through stuff like that and not have question marks. And the only way you fill them is to continue to go out there day-in and day-out and do well.''

--Clark to be released: Dodgers batting coach Jack Clark was moved from the intensive care unit to a private room and is expected to be released from an area hospital today, four days after he broke at least six ribs and suffered cuts and scrapes to his head in a motorcycle accident.

Clark said he will continue to ride motorcycles, but from now on he will always wear a helmet. He added he watched Monday's season-opening 8-0 victory and was moved by how many members of the organization called and visited him the past few days.

However, Clark is uncertain when he will return as batting coach.

``I had a hard time breathing sometimes,'' Clark said. ``Sitting up and sitting down is a lot of pain. (Dodgers chairman Bob) Daly and Jim Tracy told me a couple of times to just get yourself better. I wanted to come out (Tuesday), but I don't think I could get my uniform

on with my rib cage. I don't know. I hope to return soon.''

--Odds and ends: Arizona manager Bob Brenly and left-hander Randy Johnson met to clear the air about comments Johnson made after Monday's opener. Johnson questioned Brenly's motive for visiting the mound, and on the next pitch Brian Jordan homered. ``That's a nonissue,'' Brenly said. ``Randy and I had a chat today. And there's nothing more to be said.'' ... Suspended Dodgers right-hander Guillermo Mota threw a batting-practice session to keep sharp.

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DODGERS vs. ARIZONA

- Brian Dohn