DODGERS NOTEBOOK: LITTLE IN SEARCH OF REAL FURCAL.

Byline: RICH HAMMOND Staff Writer

The Dodgers broke in a new third baseman Thursday night, and they'd like to see a new shortstop. That's not to say that Rafael Furcal, the incumbent shortstop, will lose his job, but manager Grady Little would like to see a significant change in Furcal's mind-set and approach at the plate.

``We haven't seen Rafael Furcal here in LosAngeles yet, but we have 90 games to go,'' Little said.

Furcal, playing alongside former shortstop and new third baseman Cesar Izturis, entered Thursday's game with 10hits in his past 56at-bats, which dropped his average to .248. Furcal, the leadoff hitter, also had only four walks during that span, which is what has raised Little's concern.

``Earlier in the year, he was taking a lot more pitches and getting more walks, and that's when he scored the majority of his runs,'' Little said of Furcal, who dealt with nagging injuries in April. ``Now he's healthy and maybe he's trying to make up for the (lack of) hits with a little more anxiousness.''

Usually remarkably consistent -- he has hit between .275 and .284 in each of the past five seasons -- Furcal has taken to studying video of his at-bats in previous seasons. Little has pledged his support to Furcal even though Izturis, a former Gold Glove shortstop, has returned to health.

``He knows what kind of player he is, and we know what kind of player he is,'' Little said of Furcal. ``When a guy gets himself into a hole and tries to dig himself out too quickly, it doesn't work.''

Just a precaution: Brett Tomko was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday after he fouled a ball off his foot during batting practice Wednesday. Tomko will start today against Pittsburgh.

``It's bruised and red, but it didn't really swell up,'' Tomko said. ``It hurts a little to walk around. I probably could have gotten through it (Thursday), but it's better to take an extra day.''

High honor: Head athletic trainer Stan Johnston will represent the Dodgers at next month's All-Star Game in Pittsburgh. Johnston is in his seventh season in his current role and has been a member of the Dodgers organization since 1985. This will be his first time working the All-Star Game.

Injury report: Jason Repko, out since May 9 with a high ankle sprain, said he started a running program Wednesday but pronounced himself only 65 percent healthy. Repko was transferred to the 60-day disabled list last week. ... Bill Mueller, who had knee surgery last month, is undergoing treatment that includes therapy work in a pool, but it remains unknown whether Mueller will return this season.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

FURCAL

Box:

DODGERS vs. PITTSBURGH

- Rich Hammond