DODGERS NOTEBOOK: FURCAL'S PROGRESS RIGHT ON SCHEDULE.

Byline: Tony Jackson Staff Writer

VERO BEACH, Fla. - Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal said on Sunday that his surgically repaired right knee continues to improve despite the fact his daily running program always begins with a noticeable limp.

Both Furcal and manager Grady Little reiterated their belief that the newly signed leadoff hitter will be 100-percent healthy by Opening Day.

``I'm feeling better every day,'' Furcal said. ``I'm doing about seven sprints a day, and the first three usually bother me a little. But as soon as I get loose, it gets much better.''

Little said that while Furcal won't be ready for the club's Grapefruit League opener on Thursday against Atlanta, he will get enough at-bats later in the spring to adequately prepare himself for the season.

``He's on pace,'' Little said. ``There are no surprises. He won't make it to the post that first day, and I don't know yet exactly when he will. But I have no worries about him getting ready. He'll have plenty of time.''

General manager Ned Colletti backed up Little's claim by saying trainer Stan Johnston has assured him Furcal is right where he should be on his program.

Elsewhere on the injury front, shortstop Cesar Izturis (Tommy John surgery) continues to throw lightly, making about 50 tosses Sunday from 60 feet. But while he is progressing remarkably quickly, he still isn't expected back before midseason.

``It feels great,'' Izturis said. ``Every day, I put a little bit more on it. I have thrown three days in a row now and haven't felt sore at all. But we'll just take it nice and easy. I won't push it at all or force it at all. I don't know when I'll start throwing hard.''

--Rainy day: For the first time this spring, the Dodgers lost a workout to Florida's notoriously finicky weather. Intermittent rainfall, which at times came down in sheets, began on Saturday and continued into Sunday morning, forcing all the club's activity to the indoor batting cages.

``We were going to run cutoffs and relays, but we'll work that into our program (this) morning,'' Little said. ``The weather is supposed to be good.''

Eric Gagne threw off a mound in the cage, but did not face hitters. Several other pitchers also threw indoors. Today is the final full-squad workout before the club plays an intrasquad game on Tuesday at Jacksonville, home of the Dodgers' Double-A affiliate. But a handful of position players and several pitchers will stay behind that day and work out as usual.

--Sick bay: A stomach virus has been going around Dodgertown, infecting players, staff and club employees alike. Non-roster infielder Ramon Martinez was hit harder than most.

Martinez woke up Friday night feeling so dehydrated that he went to a local hospital, where he was hooked up to an intravenous tube.

``I was getting dizzy because I hadn't eaten anything in about 24 hours,'' said Martinez, who was released from the hospital Saturday evening. ``I still feel a little weak.''

Despite that weakness, Martinez participated in Sunday's drills, including batting practice.

The illness knocked Nomar Garciaparra and Danys Baez out of action for one day each, and Kelly Wunsch worked out one day despite having the illness. Brett Tomko briefly suffered from the virus, which also sidelined assistant clubhouse manager Jerry Turner for a day.

Tony Jackson,[phone]

tony.jackson(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal said that his surgically repaired right knee is feeling better by the day.

Rick Silva/Associated Press