DODGERS NOTEBOOK: ROTATION LEAVES MANY QUESTIONS.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Lefty Carlos Perez is perilously hanging onto a slim hope of making the Dodgers' starting rotation, and even without pitching, the opportunity seems to be shrinking. But Perez isn't the only Dodgers starter having a doozy of a time this spring.

Rookie right-hander Eric Gagne, a near-lock for the fourth spot in the rotation, is still breathing heavy, still trying to calm down and still trying to prove his worth while runners circle around him on the bases.

For the third time in three spring outings, Gagne gave up a bundle of runs, this time against the Mets. But he also showed Johnson why he deserves some slack. Gagne's strike zone shrunk a few inches on both sides of the plate in the early innings, but he remained composed and just kept pitching.

``Umpires are going to test you,'' Johnson said. ``You're going to throw the ball over the plate and they're going to see how you react, and he didn't react. For him to hang in there and not let it bother him, that's a good sign.''

Gagne gave up a homer to Edgardo Alfonzo after he appeared to throw a perfect strike. He followed that by striking out Mike Piazza on a wonderful slow breaking ball.

``As long as I keep improving, that's all that matters right now,'' said Gagne, who's ERA actually dropped to 15.58. ``I'm trying to get ready for a season. Like Davey says, it's only spring training, you don't worry about it. You always want to do good. I hate losing. Hate losing.

``When you're a rookie, you don't get the corners like Piazza gets. That's all right, though. They've been around. They deserve it.''

--Blue chip again: Catching prospect Angel Pena, who entered camp at 262 pounds, has lost 15 pounds and looked so good lately that manager Davey Johnson gave him back his top-prospect tag.

Pena will start the season in the minors, but his progress will be closely monitored since catcher Todd Hundley is a free agent after the season. Pena, hitting .308 this spring, is the heir apparent.

``I'm really proud he's taken it on his own this spring to start working out,'' Johnson said.

Pena disappointed the Dodgers because he was out of shape last year, wasn't working hard during his time with the big-league club and then was suspended for a week when he had trouble with the coaching staff.

--Odds and ends: Scott Boras, agent for third baseman Adrian Beltre, and Bob Daly, Dodgers managing partner and CEO, continued to talk on the phone and both sides remain hopeful an agreement on a three-year deal can be worked out by Friday. . . .

Hundley continues to be slowed by back spasms. He missed his fourth consecutive game, but manager Davey Johnson said the issue is not serious. Hundley remains day-to-day. ``That's nothing compared to what we through last year,'' Johnson said. . . .

Right-hander Mike Fetters is scheduled to pitch today and Johnson said right-hander Gregg Olson (inflammation in right elbow) should also be available. . . . The club gave infielder Craig Counsell his unconditional release and he can sign with any team. Counsell hit .259 in 50 games for the Dodgers last season.

DODGERS vs. N.Y. METS

--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: Right-hander Darren Dreifort starts for the Dodgers, but management will be looking at righty Mike Fetters more closely. Fetter is set to make his first appearance of the spring after missing the last two weeks with a leg injury. Lefty Mike Hampton starts for the Mets.

Wednesday's result: For just the third time this spring, the Dodgers didn't lose. But they didn't win, either. Instead, their game with the Mets ended in a 6-6 tie after 10 innings. Geronimo Berroa had 3 RBI for the Dodgers.

- Brian Dohn

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Photo: With his off-field problems, Dodgers pitcher Carlos Perez could have trouble making the rotation when the team breaks camp.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer