DODGERS NOTEBOOK: DAAL MAINTAINS DESIRE TO BE DEALT.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

PITTSBURGH - In the next few days, Omar Daal's agent will call Dodgers general manager Dan Evans and reiterate the left-hander's request to be traded.

And perhaps Daal's value is increasing as he took Kevin Brown's spot in the rotation for a second time and pitched another sensational game, allowing one run and striking out six to lead the Dodgers past Pittsburgh 5-1 Wednesday at PNC Park.

Daal's agent, Peter Greenberg, said he will not relent on the demand because Daal is a free agent after the season. The agent does not want his pitcher to be labeled as a reliever. Greenberg said circumstances regarding Daal's outstanding start and the expected recovery of Kevin Brown dictate him asking Evans to reconsider.

Daal, 3-0 with a 1.31 ERA, was told he would return to the bullpen when Brown was activated from the 15-day disabled list. That's expected to happen Tuesday so Brown can start against Cincinnati.

``Were probably going to reiterate a trade demand,'' Greenberg said. ``If (Daal) goes out and pitches well, it's going to hold a little more weight. This is Omar's career. He has a wife and kids and a future to think about.''

Daal is 2-0 with a 0.73 ERA in two starts. He was 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA in four relief appearances, but his success in both roles is making him a hotter commodity to the Dodgers.

``Our stance hasn't changed at all,'' Evans said. ``We still have two guys (Brown and Andy Ashby) recovering from surgery. The most difficult thing to acquire in baseball is starting pitching when you have someone who can't go, and we don't have enough depth in our farm system to alter where we are. The fact that we've been able to (start) Omar twice now just displays the value of having a guy like him.''

Evans said the organization reserves the right to change its mind. He might wait until July's trading deadline to increase Daal's value, particularly since right-hander Darren Dreifort could be back by then and would slot into the bullpen.

``I really appreciate the fact that (Daal) has been so up front, and I really do understand where he's coming from, but at the same time we have to do what's right for us,'' Evans said. ``If we ever reconsider it, he'll be one the of the first people to know, but we're not there right now.''

--Root, root, foot for: Dodgers senior vice president Tommy Lasorda is used to being cheered heartily and booed mightily, and he will likely get both come Saturday in Chicago.

Lasorda will be at Wrigley Field to lead the traditional seventh-inning stretch rendition of ``Take Me Out to the Ballgame,'' but with his own little twist during the Dodgers-Cubs match.

``When they root, root, root for the Cubbies, I'm going to say root, root, root for the Dodgers,'' Lasorda said. ``I could never say root, root, root for the Cubbies. If they don't like it, they can kiss my (butt).''

Lasorda said being invited to sing was an honor, and added he has a special place in his heart for Cubs fans. He also is making his second singing appearance behind the microphone at Wrigley Field. Lasorda sang during the 1999 season.

``They asked me to come back,'' Lasorda said. ``If they ask you to come back to make a speech, they say that you did such a good job they want you back again. I guess I did such a good (job) the last time.''

--Odds and ends: Eric Karros went 2 for 3 with two doubles and an RBI to increase his average to .319 and is 4 for 6 with three RBI in the first two games of the series, but he will sit today. Paul Lo Duca will play first base and Chad Kreuter will catch, Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said. Dave Roberts will start in center field. ... Brown (elbow inflammation) experienced a decrease in swelling in his right elbow after a semi-vigorous bullpen session Tuesday and played catch in Los Angeles. ... Former Dodgers farmhand Adrian Burnside, traded to Pittsburgh last season, was the starting pitcher in a minor-league no-hitter for the Double-A Altoona Curve. He pitched five hitless innings.

DODGERS vs. PITTSBURGH

Time: 9:35 a.m., PNC Park.

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

Matchup: Dodgers RH Hideo Nomo (2-2, 2.55 ERA) has embodied consistency since his season debut; he is 2-1 in his past three starts with a 1.25 ERA. Nomo is 5-3 with a 3.67 ERA in nine games against the Pirates, but C Jason Kendall is the only Pirates player with extensive experience against Nomo, hitting .267 (4 for 15) with two RBI. Pittsburgh RH Josh Fogg (2-0, 1.89) makes his fourth career start and first against the Dodgers. Both of his victories came against Chicago. He allowed three runs in five innings but didn't get a decision in his last start against Philadelphia.

- Brian Dohn

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DODGERS vs. PITTSBURGH (see text)