DODGERS NOTEBOOK: DODGERS, HUNDLEY HOPE FOR AGREEMENT.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

When the season ends, the Dodgers and representatives of Todd Hundley will sit down and try to reach a deal to keep the power-hitting catcher in Los Angeles.

However, to sign Hundley, the Dodgers probably would have to backload a contract with a hefty signing bonus to be paid in the final year to keep next year's payroll under $100 million.

Dodgers CEO Bob Daly and general manager Kevin Malone have talked with Hundley's representatives about pursuing a deal when the season is done. Hundley can become a free agent after the season.

``What I have said to them all along, and what Kevin said to them is, it's all about term and money,'' Daly said. ``If it's the right deal, we'll make a deal and if it's not, we won't. . . . We've said to his agent, if you're creative we'll find a way to do it. If we can't, we can't.''

Projections have Hundley, who makes $6 million this season, averaging at least $8 million in his next contract because of the power he brings to a lineup. Hundley entered Friday's game against Colorado batting .300 with 62 RBI in 81 games. He's second among National League catchers with 23 homers even though he's missed more than 40 games because of injury.

``Both Mr. Daly and Mr. Malone have never wavered in their desire to sign Todd Hundley,'' said Seth Levinson, Hundley's agent. ``It was always agreed we would not begin negotiations until after the season. Todd has made his desire to remain with the Dodgers known.''

Hundley's attitude, offense and approach have never been questioned, but his defense is another matter. His 12 errors are tied for the most among catchers in the league.

However, some in the organization believe his defense will improve again next season as it did in 2000. This is the first year he's healthy since having reconstructive surgery in 1997 on his right elbow.

A tireless worker who's well-respected in the clubhouse, Hundley worked all offseason and his defense improved as a result, though it's not to the level of backup Chad Kreuter, whom the Dodgers will try to re-sign after the season.

Hundley has thrown out 21 percent (18 of 85) would-be base stealers this season after getting 18 percent in 1999, but pitchers are more comfortable working with him than Kreuter.

The Dodgers' decision as to whether they keep Hundley will be based mainly on money, baseball officials said. The Dodgers have options in young catcher Angel Pena and reserve Paul LoDuca. But Pena's out of minor-league options, his work ethic has been questioned and the Dodgers tried to trade him during the season and are expected to try again in the offseason.

In addition to Los Angeles, Hundley's said Chicago would be a fun place to play because he grew up there. Many officials throughout baseball believe Hundley would be an ideal American League player because he could catch 125 games and be a designated hitter for 35 to 40 games.

``I don't know what the market place is, and I'm not sure (Hundley) knows what the market place is, but at some point we'll sit down and see what makes sense,'' Daly said. ``As far as him as a player, and what he's done for the Dodgers this year, he's a great guy and he certainly delivered for us in a big way. We're interested, but it is about term and money.

``Would I like him to be on the team next year if we can work it out? The answer is yes.''

--Odds and ends: The Dodgers announced utility player Jim Leyritz is done for the season. He'll have surgery Thursday to repair a small tear in his right rotator cuff. The surgery will be done by Florida Marlins team physician Dr. John Uribe and Dr. George Caldwell. Leyritz, a free agent after the season, decided against playing with the tear after being informed it could lead to further damage. . . . The Dodgers have reached an agreement to have their Triple-A affiliate play in Las Vegas.