DODGERS NOTEBOOK: MORE TIME FOR CHRISTENSEN?

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

DENVER - McKay Christensen's Dodgers debut earned him not only another start but a move from the eighth spot in the batting order to leadoff Sunday.

And given what he's displayed in his first two games, Christensen could work his way into a platoon with center fielder Marquis Grissom, who is scheduled to return from a six-game suspension Tuesday.

With Tom Goodwin on the disabled list with a pulled right hamstring and the Dodgers believing he'll be out much longer than 15 days, Dodgers manager Jim Tracy is considering Christensen.

A platoon would seem to be logical, given Grissom's production of late. Grissom batted .299 (38 for 127) with 10 homers and 24 RBI in the first two months of the season, conjuring up thoughts of a Comeback Player of the Year bid. But since June 1, Grissom is batting .211 (27 for 128) with five homers and 19 RBI.

``I'd like to see (Christensen) play some more, very definitely,'' Tracy said. ``I think we're going to see that his defensive skills are going to speak for themselves.''

Christensen had three hits, three runs scored, four RBI, a walk and was hit by a pitch in his debut. He was on base five times. Goodwin was on base five times in his last 34 plate appearances.

For his encore, Christensen went 4 for 5, stole two bases and scored twice, though there were a few rough moments. He misplayed a grounder that led to a pair of unearned runs in the second inning and was called out on an appeal play by second-base umpire Lance Barksdale, though replays suggested Christensen waited for the ball to be caught before leaving the bag.

Even so, it didn't diminish what Tracy thought of the 25-year-old.

Christensen's arrival also is a tribute to the front-office tandem of interim general manager Dave Wallace and his top assistant, Dan Evans, and the communication process they established. The Dodgers spent a month trying to acquire Christensen from the White Sox. Evans was familiar with Christensen from his days as assistant general manager of the White Sox.

The Dodgers needed a center fielder. Tracy, who hadn't seen Christensen play before Saturday, used the recommendation of Wallace and Evans and plugged him into the starting lineup.

``Is that the way it's supposed to work?'' Tracy asked. ``...

Yes, that is the way it is supposed to work, because if it's going to be a successful situation, every cog in the wheel has to be afforded the opportunity to do his job. And there has to be a trust there, an open line of communication.

``And I think that is something that we have going on here. Not only from upstairs to (the manager), but from this office out there to the clubhouse. That's definitely something that's going on.''

--Familiar surroundings: Grissom returned to the team after spending three days with his wife, Daphne, who gave birth Friday to Marquis Deon Grissom Jr. He weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces.

However, it'll be a few more days before Grissom returns to the Dodgers lineup, which likely will be when he is in Milwaukee for the first time since the February trade that brought him to the Dodgers.

Grissom's six-game suspension for his July 4 run-in with an umpire ends Tuesday.

``For me, it's going to be fun,'' Grissom said. ``It's a place I learned a lot. I look forward to going back and seeing my old teammates again. But I'm looking forward to going back and getting three W's more than anything.''

Devon White, who went to the Brewers in the deal, is batting .281 with 11 homers and 36 RBI.

--Bocachica not close: Even though Hiram Bocachica is eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday, Tracy said the infielder was progressing but wasn't close to returning.

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

MARQUIS GRISSOM

Outfielder scheduled to return from suspension Tuesday could wind up in platoon in center field.