DODGERS NOTEBOOK: ROOKIE DOES MORE THAN HIT MITT.

Byline: Rich Hammond  Staff Writer

When Yhency Brazoban climbed the mound for his first time ever two years ago in a Florida rookie-league game, his coaches probably hoped that he would simply hit the catcher's glove.

In his first professional inning with the Gulf Coast League Yankees, Brazoban did a little better.

``I struck out the side,'' a smiling Brazoban said Friday through an interpreter. ``Everything was fine after that.''

Brazoban's learning curve has remained steep. In just his second full season as a pitcher, Brazoban is in the majors and could end up playing an important role out of the Dodgers' bullpen by the end of the season. He is 23 years old with a upper 90s fastball that already has opened eyes.

In his major-league debut Thursday, Brazoban retired all three batters he faced in the eighth inning.

``I was very encouraged by a young man who pitched his first inning in the major leagues and did nothing but pound the strike zone,'' manager Jim Tracy said. ``Even when he missed, he didn't miss by much. We will look for more opportunities for this guy.''

Brazoban, acquired last December in the trade that sent Kevin Brown to the Yankees for Jeff Weaver, was signed as an outfielder in 1998 and remained a full-time position player until 2001, when the Yankees first looked into making him a pitcher.

``I still thought I could (play the outfield),'' Brazoban said, ``but I would work hard at any job they gave me. It felt very strange at first because I'd been in the outfield for my entire career.''

Minor-league manager Billy Masse worked extensively with Brazoban, who made six rookie-league relief appearances in 2002, armed with a fastball and slider. Lear year, Brazoban was promoted twice during the season, eventually to Double-A Trenton (N.J.), and this year he made an even steeper climb.

Brazoban had a 2.81 ERA and 12 saves in 35 appearances for Double-A Jacksonville (Fla.), then in July was promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas, where he struck out 17 and walked one in 12 1/3 innings.

Against Pittsburgh on Thursday, Brazoban's fastball topped out at 97 miles per hour. The hope within the clubhouse is that Brazoban can grown into a late-inning setup role, sooner rather than later.

``He could work his way in that direction,'' Tracy said. ``Will you get a commitment out of me right now? No. Could he work his way deeper into our plans? Yes, he could.

``He showed a lot of poise for somebody who pitched his first major- league inning. It was pretty apparent that he has the ability to throw strikes.''

--Getting close: Edwin Jackson (strained forearm) threw 62 pitches in a bullpen session and reported no discomfort. He will throw another bullpen Tuesday in Cincinnati.

``The strength is back,'' Jackson said. ``Now it's just a matter of mechanics and consistency.''

Barring a setback next week, Jackson will likely receive a minor-league rehabilitation assignment. His return to the Dodgers remains cloudy, and he would most likely pitch out of the bullpen.

``I'm not an egotistical person,'' Jackson said. ``Whatever I'm asked to do, I'll do it.''

--Family affair: Randy Wolf (El Camino Real High of Woodland Hills) pitched for Philadelphia on Friday night, and his brother Jim was the third-base umpire. Jim is not allowed to be the home-plate umpire when Randy pitches.

--Running on empty?: Since the Dodgers traded Dave Roberts, who had a team-high 33 stolen bases, they had attempted only one steal in five games entering Friday.

Cesar Izturis, who inherited Roberts' leadoff spot, now leads the Dodgers with 17 steals but has been caught eight times. Tracy rejected the suggestion that the trade made the Dodgers less aggressive.

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- Rich Hammond