DODGERS NOTEBOOK: DODGERS' JORDAN TO DEMAND TRADE.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

After a request for a contract extension was denied over the weekend, the agent for Dodgers left fielder Brian Jordan told the club his client would exercise his right to demand a trade as early as today.

As a player traded in the middle of a multiyear contract, as was the case when Jordan was acquired from Atlanta in January, he can ask for a trade within 15 days of the end of the World Series.

It's not a demand the Dodgers are taking too seriously, and general manager Dan Evans said Monday he has no plans to trade Jordan, who drove in 30 runs in the Dodgers' September playoff push.

``None of this was unexpected and at the same time I don't expect to make a change to his contract,'' Evans said. ``I expect Brian Jordan to be back at Vero Beach (for spring training) and performing at the level he can perform at. We like Brian Jordan on this team.''

Jordan's agent, Jim Turner, spoke to Evans several times the past few days, first to express an interest in a contract extension so Jordan would feel secure in Los Angeles. A two- or three-year extension was rebuffed because of the Dodgers' lack of payroll flexibility and the fact Jordan was coming off significant knee surgery this month, sources said. Turner then told Evans that Jordan would exercise his right for a trade, sources said.

``Brian Jordan clearly understands where the Dodgers are coming from and so do I,'' Turner said. ``Brian and I have a lot to discuss in the next couple of days.''

Jordan is owed $9 million in 2003 and has a $10.5 million club option for 2004. If a trade is made before the March 15 deadline, it comes with a prohibitive cost to Jordan. He would lose his right to be a free agent for three years. If Jordan does not rescind the trade by the deadline and is not dealt, he becomes a free agent. However, officials for Major League Baseball said there was no such case when a player followed through and became a free agent.

--Wallace to Mets? The New York Mets were granted permission by Evans to allow Dodgers senior vice president Dave Wallace, one of the most respected pitching minds in baseball, to interview for the position of pitching coach on new manager Art Howe's staff.

Wallace, a former pitching coach with the Mets who rejoined the Dodgers after the 2000 season, privately expressed a desire to return to a field position. He is expected to interview either today or Wednesday, but a decision will have to be made quickly. The Dodgers gave the Mets until Nov. 8 to speak with Wallace.

``Dave and I had a lengthy conversation (Monday) and he also spoke with (Dodgers president) Bob Graziano, and as an organization we find that if anyone wants to explore an elevation in job status or distinctive change in roles, we're not going to stand in their way,'' Evans said.