DODGERS NOTEBOOK: PLAYERS APPROVE OF TRADE.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

The Dodgers already had plenty to be happy about.

Being in contention in the NL West, despite a ridiculous number of injuries, was more than enough to justify smiles in the clubhouse. But when word spread Thursday about the trade that brings Chicago White Sox right-hander James Baldwin to the Dodgers for three minor-leaguers, things looked even better.

Not only do they acquire a starting pitcher, which they so desperately need, they get the feeling the Dodgers organization is willing to make the necessary moves to keep the team playofound.

``Definitely, once I heard that news it gave me a lift. It boosted me,'' outfielder Shawn Green said. ``Not only just to get him but that the organization is going to do what it takes (to win).''

``We can always use another arm,'' pitcher Kevin Brown said.

The Dodgers had won 20 of their last 27 games and 10 of 12 before beginning a 10-game homestand Wednesday and went 4-2 on their last road trip. They lost starters Andy Ashby and Darren Dreifort to season-ending injuries, and Brown is on the disabled list with a torn muscle in his right elbow. Still, the Dodgers were just 1 1/2 games behind Arizona in the NL West when they made the trade.

Baldwin, who has won five of his last six decisions and was 7-5 with a 4.61 ERA for Chicago, will help immediately. He was scheduled to start for the White Sox on Thursday but had to make travel plans instead. He will start for the Dodgers on Sunday. The Dodgers are off Monday, so they might shuffle the starting rotation.

McKay Christensen, recently acquired in another trade with the White Sox, answered plenty of questions about Baldwin from teammates Thursday.

``I know him pretty well,'' Christensen said. ``I've played with him the past three years. He's a great guy and that's what I've told everyone. He's a really easy-going guy. He's always happy. He jokes around a lot, but he takes his job seriously.''

--Roster moves: Pitcher Dennis Springer was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas and infielder Hiram Bocachica (right ankle) was activated from the disabled list on Thursday. Springer is expected to start for the 51s on Monday.

Springer was 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in 11 innings. His demotion wasn't as a result of the trade for Baldwin. Baldwin won't be activated until Sunday, at which time another move must be made.

``Somebody had to go down,'' Springer said. ``(It's disappointing) because I pitched decent enough to be here. I don't want to go, but what can you do? I can't go down there and gripe. I'll go down there with a good attitude. You never know what can happen.''

--Also in the trade: The Dodgers traded minor-league outfielder Jeff Barry and pitchers Onan Masoka and Gary Majewski, plus cash considerations for Baldwin. Barry was batting .290 and Masoka was 8-4 with a 5-5 ERA for Las Vegas. Majewski was 4-5 with a 6.23 ERA for Vero Beach.

--So far, so good Brown hasn't experienced any pain from the torn muscle in his right shoulder, but he hasn't tested it either. On Thursday, Brown said he might try to play catch in about a week and a half.

``It's not hurting, but I'm just sitting here,.'' Brown said. ``The idea is just to leave it alone.''

--Streak continues: Green made his 366th consecutive start on Thursday, the longest streak in the major leagues.

DODGERS vs. ROCKIES

Time: 7:10 p.m. at Dodger Stadium.

TV/Radio: FSN 2, 1150-AM, 1330-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: Dodgers RHP Terry Adams (6-3, 4.90) will make his 11th start since joining the rotation June 5. In his last start, he got the win as the Dodgers beat the Rockies 9-8 on Sunday. He scattered six runs on 11 hits and hasn't allowed a home run in three consecutive starts. Rockies RHP Pedro Astacio (6-12, 5.53 ERA) will make his fourth start against his former team. He is 3-5 in 11 starts against the Dodgers. He's also just 3-7 with a 4.24 ERA on the road this season.

- Jill Painter

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DODGERS vs. COLORADO (see text)