DODGERS NOTEBOOK: DAAL SAYS HE'S THROUGH WITH DODGERS.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

Left-hander Omar Daal proved to be a valuable asset for the Dodgers this season, especially given the injuries that limited Kevin Brown to 10 starts.

But after beginning the season as a reliever and asking for trades numerous times in the first month of the season, Daal becomes a free agent after the World Series and has no plans to re-sign with the Dodgers.

Daal, who was 11-9 with a 3.90 ERA, made 23 starts and was asked whether everything turned out all right.

``Not really, because I was a reliever entering the season and I wanted to be a starter, but at least they gave me the opportunity to start some games,'' Daal said. ``I know I'll get another chance to be a starter next year somewhere else.''

Daal, who made $5 million this season, said he is looking for a multiyear commitment in the offseason.

``I don't want to pitch for one year,'' Daal said. ``I'm looking for a multiyear deal. I don't know how many, but I don't want one year. I think I deserve more than one.''

Dodgers general manager Dan Evans stuck to his policy of not commenting on the status of potential free agents.

--Dreifort eyes return: Dodgers right-hander Darren Dreifort hasn't thrown a meaningful pitch since June 29, 2001, but he already is eager for next season, when he believes he will be ready to return to the starting rotation.

Dreifort, who underwent a second elbow-reconstruction surgery in July 2001 and had knee surgery in late July, said he expects to be a starter.

``The key for us is we know we're going to have a healthy Darren Dreifort next year,'' Evans said. ``I don't want to forecast his role, or his exact contribution, because I don't think that's fair to him. He hasn't been on the mound in a year-and-a-half, but I know one thing: he'll be healthy, and he has a tremendous desire. Right away, our pitching staff is better because I know he's going to be healthy.''

Dreifort said he would take the next month off from conditioning and rehab and begin weight work and cardiovascular activity in November. He will begin a throwing program in December and take part in many of the January winter workouts at Dodger Stadium.

``It's been a long time,'' said Dreifort, who noted his family helped him get through this season. ``If I didn't have my wife and my kid, I'd probably be a basket case right now. Hopefully, I'll get my first opportunity to get back up on a mound (in spring training) and be close to getting in a ballgame.''

--Odds and ends: Catcher David Ross, who will be given a chance to make the roster as a backup next season, was scheduled to play winter ball next month, but those plans were put on hold when X-rays revealed a break in the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. He will be fitted for a cast next week and will be in it for five weeks. If all goes well, Ross will begin playing winter ball in December. ... San Diego Padres right-hander Brett Tomko set the unofficial club record by being scratched from a start for a third consecutive day. He was bothered by a sore neck. ... Dodgers reliever Paul Quantrill pitched the ninth inning, his career-high 86th appearance. He will lead the majors in games pitched. ... Dodgers officials said those who bought playoff tickets either can be reimbursed or have it applied toward next season.

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