DODGERS NOTEBOOK: HUNDLEY'S ELBOW FINE, BUT WILL LEGS HOLD UP?

Byline: Brian Dohn Daily News Staff Writer

Todd Hundley understands it's management's decision whether to carry three catchers or two when the season begins Monday.

After catching five innings against St. Louis on Tuesday, Hundley said he's prepared to handle the bulk of the Dodgers' catching duties.

``It feels good enough to go,'' Hundley said of his reconstructed right elbow. ``I can go four or five times a week. Or as much as I can. (Monday) we threw a lot, and we threw hard. That was a test, to test it out and see how it responded.''

Hundley said it responded well. Dodgers manager Davey Johnson said he still has some reservations. He'll talk with Hundley about it, but added, ``I trust him.''

Today is another big test for Hundley. He's slated to catch against the Houston Astros, marking the first time this spring he'll catch on back-to-back days.

``He hasn't gone back-to-back,'' Johnson said. ``His legs could cramp up.''

For the last week the legs, and not the elbow, have been the question with Hundley. The rigors of catching can take a toll and Hundley said he's still not 100 percent. Hundley also said he isn't concerned because he's done of lot of conditioning drills to strengthen his legs.

``We did a lot of running, the legs are getting better,'' Hundley said. ``There's no reason for (the elbow) not to feel 100 percent now. (Monday) it felt fine. You actually do more throwing in practice than games.''

Gettin' in a groove: After a slow start, Dodgers right-hander Darren Dreifort is rounding into form. He had his best outing of the spring against the Cardinals, striking out six in a scoreless six innings.

``I was real impressed with Darren,'' Johnson said. ``The last time out he went five innings, this time he went six and could have gone seven pretty easy. It looked like he was more confident hitting his spots. (He was) crisp.''

Dreifort, though, wasn't pleased with his control. He allowed three hits and walked three. In 23 innings this spring, Dreifort has walked 16.

``It was good accept for the walk on four straight pitches to (Eli) Marrero,'' Dreifort said. ``We had some good plays to get me out of some tough spots.''

Nice try: Kevin Brown's private planes are being treated as plain old cash as far as the commissioner's office is concerned, and the team will have to pay an extra $204,000 in luxury tax this year.

The commissioner's office has proposed adding $600,000 to Brown's listed salary in each season of his $105 million, seven-year contract. That's because Brown's contract contains a unique clause allowing the use of a team-paid private jet - estimated to be worth $50,000 per round trip - 12 times a year so his family can travel from L.A. or Macon, Ga.

Balks, walks and chalk: Recently disabled right-hander Antonio Osuna pitched a perfect inning for the Dodgers' Single-A San Bernardino team against the Cardinals' Single-A squad. He threw nine pitches and experienced no pain. . . . Right-handers Chan Ho Park and Dave Mlicki will both throw in minor-league games today. . . . Raul Mondesi earned a rare assist Tuesday. St. Louis pitcher Darren Oliver lined the ball to right, Mondesi one-hopped it and threw Oliver out at first. And it wasn't close. . . . Dodgers left fielder Gary Sheffield went 1 for 3, raising his average to .115 this spring.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

DODGERS UPDATE

Tuesday's recap: Raul Mondesi tripled, scored and singled in a run as the Dodgers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0 Tuesday in Jupiter, Fla. Darren Dreifort (3-0) pitched six innings and struck out six.

Today's game: In their last Grapefruit League game of the season, the Dodgers host the Houston Astros at 9:15 a.m. Kevin Brown makes his final start before opening day.

TV/Radio: No TV; XTRA-AM (1150).

- Brian Dohn

CAPTION(S):

Box

BOX: DODGERS UPDATE (see text)