DODGERS NOTEBOOK: PARK NOT EXPECTED TO RETURN NEXT YEAR.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

SAN FRANCISCO - The more folks talk around the Dodgers, and the more the past few months are analyzed, the more apparent it becomes right-hander Chan Ho Park won't be back next season unless feelings are mended and the price is extremely right.

Weird vibes have existed between Park and the Dodgers for the past few months, dating back to Aug. 19 when he was publicly criticized for his approach following a loss to the New York Mets. He went 4-2 with a 5.15 ERA thereafter, culminating in four horrific innings Friday in which he allowed a season-high eight runs and homers No. 71 and 72 to Barry Bonds.

If body language could be heard, it wasn't a strong message sent by Park, who complained of lower-back spasms early in the start and in no way resembled a pitcher with 26 quality outings in 35 starts.

Park, a free agent after the season, finished the year 15-11 with a 3.50 ERA. But after going 8-5 with a 2.80 ERA to earn an All-Star appearance, he went 7-6 with a 4.40 ERA afterward.

But where does the blame lie?

``I will use the word `disappointed' in that this organization allowed this to go on so long because this just didn't happen overnight,'' said Dodgers left fielder Gary Sheffield, a staunch Park supporter. ``It's something that could have been fixed a long time ago. If you're worried about somebody's demeanor or his approach to pitching or the way he looks, you could have worked on that a long time ago.

--Shaw sets mark: Lost in the Bonds whirlwind, closer Jeff Shaw set the Dodgers' franchise record with the 128th save of his career in Friday's win. Shaw, who added his 43rd save Saturday, passed Todd Worrell.

``It's like I always told you before, if you give me 50 opportunities, there's going to be 42 (saves),'' said Shaw, who has 203 career saves. ``If that's not good enough, they're going to have to find somebody else. I just missed it this year by one opportunity. It took me 51 times to get to 42.''

DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO

Time: 1:05 p.m., at Pac Bell Park

TV/Radio: Ch. 5; 1150-AM, 1330-AM (Spanish)

Matchup: Another season ends without a playoff berth, meaning the Dodgers spent about $300 million the past three seasons to fall short of the postseason. Dodgers RH Dennis Springer (1-0, 3.75 ERA) was given the start ahead of LH Terry Mulholland because manager Jim Tracy wanted to pay back the knuckleballer for the service he gave the club this season. Giants left fielder Barry Bonds is 1 for 7 (.143) in his career against Springer. LH Kirk Rueter (14-12, 4.52) starts for the Giants.

-Brian Dohn

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DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO (see text)