DODGERS NOTEBOOK: DREIFORT PLEASED FOR TEAMMATES.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

You'd think it would be difficult for Darren Dreifort to watch.

The Dodgers starting rotation, that is. Everyone is gushing over the six-member staff, which is a combined 15-7 with a 2.51 ERA, the lowest in the majors. From left-hander Odalis Perez and spot starter Omar Daal, who filled in when Kevin Brown went on the disabled list, the Dodgers are simply dominant.

Dreifort was once part of that rotation - until last July, when he had his second surgery in six seasons on his right elbow.

But Dreifort has enjoyed watching the Dodgers shut down opposing batters. In fact, he says the pitchers' success has helped in his rehabilitation.

``It's a lot easier because those guys are so fun to watch,'' Dreifort said. ``It's hard to sit, but at the same time this is a fun ballclub to watch. If I felt like an outcast, it might be a lot harder. Even when the team is on the road, I still talk to several of them.''

Dreifort, who will turn 30 on Friday, is limited to playing catch and throwing off a flat mound. There's no timetable for his return.

``It's slow and steady progress,'' he said. ``It's not going leaps and bounds. It's been a steady progression. There's no set schedule as far as when I get to the mound. And once I do that, how many bullpen sessions? I just come in every day and see how it is.''

Dreifort is 43-52 with a 4.38 ERA in seven major-league seasons and has held opposing batters to a .252 batting average.

Of course, he'd like to get back on the mound. But he's found benefits to staying home.

``I get to spend every afternoon and evening with my family, which is great,'' Dreifort said. ``It sucks not being with the team, but I've got a great support group at home.''

That includes his wife, Ann, and son Jacob, who is almost 8 months old.

``All the guys told me for years that it doesn't matter what kind of day you have; you go home and there's a smile on your kid's face because they're just happy to see you,'' Dreifort said. ``It just brightens up your day. It's fun.''

--Back to basics: The Dodgers, who were 16-9 and tied for first place in the National League West before Tuesday's game, won eight of their previous 10 games.

From starting pitchers to closers and defense, it seems the Dodgers can do no wrong. Even though their hitting is inconsistent, their pitching and defense has been a consistent recipe for success.

``We're just getting big hits and the pitching staff has been phenomenal,'' catcher Paul Lo Duca said. ``Last year, it seemed we were pressing a lot.''

Marquis Grissom wasn't even aware the Dodgers had won eight of 10 games before Tuesday.

``We're feeling better about ourselves and we're confident, but we still have a long way to go,'' Grissom said. ``But we're proud of ourselves. I know I am.''

--Izturis shines Dodgers shortstop Cesar Izturis, a relative unknown 22-year-old on opening day, is giving Dodgers fans reason to believe they might have a shortstop for the long term.

He's batting .281 with 10 doubles and seven RBI and has made just two errors all season, both in the same game.

``I'm playing every day now,'' Izturis said. ``Every day I feel better, better, better. I just want to keep doing my job.''

--Mota optioned: Pitcher Guillermo Mota was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room for Kevin Brown, who was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday.

DODGERS vs. CINCINNATI

Time: 7:10 p.m., Dodger Stadium.

TV/Radio: FSN2; 1150-AM, 1330-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: RHP Hideo Nomo (2-3, 2.35 ERA) is 4-3 with a 4.81 ERA lifetime against the Reds. In his last start, Nomo scattered three hits and walked five in a 3-2 loss Thursday at Pittsburgh. He has 22 strikeouts and 18 walks. RHP Joey Hamilton (1-1, 3.30 ERA), who was the opening-day pitcher for the Reds, has allowed at least one baserunner in 27 of 30 innings. He's given up just one home run in five starts.

- Jill Painter

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DODGERS vs. CINCINNATI (see text)