DODGERS NOTEBOOK: FLIGHT ATTENDANT SUES TEAM FORMER PITCHER PEREZ AT CENTER OF LAWSUIT.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

SAN DIEGO - Former Dodgers left-handed pitcher Carlos Perez might be gone, but he continues to create headaches for the Dodgers.

In a lawsuit filed against the Dodgers on Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, a Delta Air Lines flight attendant alleges Perez roughed her up and threatened to shoot her during a charter flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles last season.

According to the lawsuit, Sandra Komine, 45, also was badly injured and required spinal surgery after an unidentified player crashed into her as the plane landed. The suit says Komine asked the player to buckle his seat belt before landing, but he ignored the instructions.

The suit also says while on the runway before the July 2, 2000, flight, Perez ``shook her head violently side to side,'' and grabbed her hair, and again shook her when she asked him to turn off his cellular telephone during the landing.

After takeoff, Perez threatened to shoot more than one attendant with a .45-caliber handgun in his carry-on bag, the suit alleges.

The police never were contacted, but Dodgers management was made aware of the incident.

Komine is seeking unspecified damages from the Dodgers, Perez and dozens of unidentified defendants. The suit claims negligence, assault and battery, negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress and loss of consortium because she cannot perform spousal duties. If the case goes to trial, players could be called to testify.

``We are aware of the serious allegations that have been made by Ms. Komine against Carlos Perez and the Los Angeles Dodgers and we sincerely regret any injuries she may have sustained while working on a Dodger charter last season,'' Dodgers senior vice president Derrick Hall said in a statement. ``However, it would be inappropriate for us to respond to, or even discuss, those allegations publicly at this time.''

Perez, who is in the Dominican Republic, could not be reached for comment. He was released by the Dodgers on May 4 but is being paid $7.5 million. His two-plus seasons with the Dodgers are littered with off-the- field incidents, including an arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol, that constantly have embarrassed the Dodgers.

Komine added she hasn't been able to work since the flight and could be permanently disabled.

--Dissecting Darren: Since Chan Ho Park teamed with catcher Chad Kreuter last season and turned into a dominating pitcher, there's been near-constant discussion outside the clubhouse of teaming Kreuter with struggling right-hander Darren Dreifort, who starts today. He signed a $55 million deal in the offseason but hasn't lived up to expectations.

However, pitching coach Jim Colborn said the idea hasn't been mentioned in the clubhouse. And perhaps there's a good reason why.

In the seven starts when Paul Lo Duca is the starting catcher, Dreifort is 1-4 with a 4.23 ERA. In the four starts Chad Kreuter's made as Dreifort's battery mate, Dreifort is 1-2 with a 7.40 ERA, including the eight-run, two-plus innings he pitched in a loss to Arizona earlier this month. Aside from that loss, Dreifort's ERA is still 4.34 throwing to Kreuter.

Surprisingly, Dreifort performed at his best with Angel Pena behind the plate. Dreifort was 2-1 with a 4.13 ERA in four starts with Pena, who was outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas two weeks ago.

--Yankees, Boston coming: The Dodgers have a preliminary 2002 schedule, and their interleague opponents, other than Anaheim, is the American League East. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are scheduled to play in Los Angeles while the Dodgers would travel to Baltimore and Tampa Bay. The Dodgers wouldn't play Toronto.

--Odds and ends: As expected, second baseman Mark Grudzielanek was activated from the 15-day disabled and Jeff Branson was sent to Triple-A Las Vegas. ... First baseman Eric Karros returned to the lineup after missing five games with a stiff back, but batted sixth rather than fifth.

DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO

Time: 7:05 p.m., at Qualcomm Stadium.

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net 2; 1150-AM, 1330-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: Dodgers RH Darren Dreifort (4-7, 4.94 ERA) is 1-3 with an 8.38 ERA in his last four starts and opponents are batting .304 against him in June. He is 0-7 with a 5.11 ERA in his career against the Padres. San Diego RH Adam Eaton (8-3, 4.29) threw his first complete game Sunday in beating the Dodgers. He's already bettered his 2000 win total of seven.

-Brian Dohn

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DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO (see text)