DODGERS NOTEBOOK: HOFFMAN LEARNING HOW TO JUGGLE.

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Staff Writer

Glenn Hoffman went from Dodgers manager to bullpen coach during the winter and sometimes it is hard to tell which is the more important job.

Hoffman is responsible for monitoring the arms and the psyches of the Dodgers relievers. He said Alan Mills, who allowed a game-winning grand slam Friday night, has developed the resolve to shake off a poor performance.

``Early in the year, he had a really bad outing and that stayed with him for a little while,'' Hoffman said. ``But he was new to the team and he didn't have the confidence he has now. He knows there are going to be nights like that. I also know he is more comfortable being here.''

Until Friday night, the April 9 game vs. Colorado was the only time Mills allowed a run. He pitched two-thirds of an inning that night and gave up two hits.

Mills entered Friday's game with nine consecutive scoreless innings. Until Antonio Osuna can pitch regularly after developing more bone spurs in his right elbow, Mills is the only hard-throwing right-hander in the bullpen.

``That's why Antonio is so important,'' said Hoffman, a former shortstop who also managed five seasons in the minors. ``He gives us the option of using two hard throwers and a left-hander before we get to (Jeff) Shaw. The most important thing out there is that guys know their roles. It's a juggling act during a season, so there has to be a lot of communication. I never worked with pitchers this directly. It's a great education.''

Starting time: Jose Vizcaino acknowledges he struggled in spring training after learning Mark Grudzielanek had been given the starting shortstop job. Vizcaino had it last year until a badly sprained right ankle ended his season June 21.

But with Eric Young (right calf) sidelined for the fourth consecutive game Saturday night, Vizcaino played second, his sixth straight start and 12th of the season.

``We need E.Y. in there, but I am ready when they need me,'' said Vizcaino, who is 15 for 46 (.326) at the plate in games he starts. ``When I am not playing, I still stay ready and I think that preparation has helped me the most.''

Quick hits: Todd Hundley doubled in the fourth inning to extend his hitting streak to seven games. During that stretch, Hundley is batting .417 (10 for 24) and has raised his average from .141 to .231. He also has five doubles and two homers. But none of it has come from the right side. The switch-hitting Hundley is hitless in nine at-bats right-handed this season. . . . Dodger Stadium always has been a pitchers' park but not this season - 40 home runs were hit in the first 13 games, an average of 3.1 per game. That is up from 1.8 in 1998.

DODGERS vs. FLORIDA

Time: 1:10 p.m. at Dodger Stadium.

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

Matchup: In the series finale, Chan Ho Park (3-2, 4.86) faces left-hander Jesus Sanchez (0-3, 6.33). Park is looking for his third consecutive victory after defeating Montreal last Monday 7-0. Park, 3-1 lifetime vs. Florida, allowed five hits in seven innings. Like Dennis Springer, who pitched for Florida on Friday, Sanchez enters the game without a victory. In his last start, he allowed five hits and four runs in five innings against Milwaukee.

- Matt McHale

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Box: DODGERS vs. FLORIDA (See text)