DODGERS NOTEBOOK: MILLS REASSURED.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

VERO BEACH, Fla. - In an attempt to ease Alan Mills' mind, manager Davey Johnson told the right-handed relief pitcher that the Dodgers weren't going to trade him.

``I told him, `First of all I enjoyed having you pitch for me the last few years. I love you, man, but you're not going anywhere,' `' Johnson said. ``And I didn't mean `Yet.' ''

It's Johnson's way of settling down a potential distraction. Since the end of last season Mills has been mentioned in trade speculation for the past six months, and that figured to intensify after right-hander Mike Fetters pitched later in the day against the Mets. The Dodgers' bullpen is already crowded with right-handed set-up men, and Fetters' return further complicates the issue.

But Johnson elected to talk to Mills after he threw only a bullpen after making Wednesday's road trip.

Johnson explained that he wanted Mills to get his work in, and that Mills would pitch two or three innings today. Mills admitted the talk with Johnson eased his mind, but he didn't want to speak in depth about it. < Several Dodgers officials said they thought the consistent trade talk bothered Mills, though minimally. He is 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA this spring.

``My job is to make (the available players) fit into 25 men to give me coverage in any area I need,'' Johnson said. ``That is my job, to have them play to the best of my ability. I don't trade them. I may recommend, but I don't trade them.''

That job belongs to general manager Kevin Malone, who figures to do something before the Dodgers break camp. The Dodgers plan to carry 11 pitchers, though that can change quickly.

After the starting five, it leaves Jeff Shaw, Terry Adams, Gregg Olson, Mills, Onan Masaoka and Fetters. Orel Hershiser could be the fifth starter if Carlos Perez continues to falter. Otherwise, he'll be in the bullpen.

But there's also the issue of adding a left-hander to the bullpen. The Dodgers have Masaoka, but Johnson prefers two, so Jeff Williams is also getting a look.

--Fetters feels fine: The answer as to whether Fetters could cover first base unfolded on his first pitch of spring training. David Lamb grounded to F.P. Santangelo at second and Fetters had to cover first. He did it with no problem.

``When he's right, he's filthy,'' Johnson said. ``When he's throwing the ball with that sink, he gets a lot of ground balls and doesn't get in much trouble.''

Fetters threw 10 pitches in a perfect inning, and afterward said it's the best he's felt in years.

``My location was good, arm felt strong, and now it's all about the leg,'' Fetters said. ``I think I've proven to the guys upstairs my arm is sound and I'm ready to pitch again. I feel about as good as I've felt in my career.''

--Perez's preference: The Dodgers rotation could take a decided shape today. Perez and Hershiser are scheduled to pitch, and Johnson said he will continue with five starters (rather than the six he's been using) for the rest of the Grapefruit League. That could spell trouble for Perez, who has a 14.40 ERA in his first two outings. Johnson said he wants to see progress from Perez.

``I don't know what they have in mind, but I want to be there,'' Perez said. ``No matter if they use me as fourth, fifth in the rotation, I want to be there ... I'm not going to be happy if they make me go (to Triple-A Albuquerque). Maybe we can do something else. I'm not going to be happy, and I don't want to go back.''

Meanwhile, Nicole Menz, assistant state attorney of Indian River County (Fla.), said she will decide today whether to file charges against Perez, who was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol late Saturday.

``I will talk to the arresting officers (today) and then make a decision,'' Menz said. ``He'll probably be charged.''

Perez's arraignment is set for April 18 in Indian River County Court.

--Odds and ends: Right-hander Antonio Osuna, coming off elbow surgery, threw breaking pitches on the side for the first time and said he experienced no pain. However, Osuna said it's doubtful he'll pitch in a spring training game ... right-hander Gregg Olson, bothered by a sore elbow, pitched for the first time since March 7. He allowed one run in one inning ... Rick DeHart, one of three left-handed relievers still in camp, is out indefinitely with a sprained ligament in his elbow.

DODGERS vs. ST. LOUIS

--When/Where: 10:05 a.m., Holman Stadium, Vero Beach, Fla.

--Radio: XTRA 1150 AM (tape delayed at 5:30 p.m.)

Today's game: It's a huge day for Dodgers left-hander Carlos Perez as he tries to remain in the hunt for a starting spot. Perez, who has a 14.40 ERA after two spring outings, will be followed by right-hander Orel Hershiser against the Cardinals. Hershiser is the Dodgers' next option if Perez doesn't make the staff. Right-hander Darryl Kile pitches for St. Louis.

Thursday's result: The Dodgers hit five homers, including the first of the spring by Shawn Green, in a 9-3 win against the Mets. Devon White, F. P. Santangelo, Paul LoDuca and Angel Pena also homered. The Dodgers are 3-12-1.

- Brian Dohn

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Box: DODGERS vs. ST. LOUIS (see text)