DODGERS NOTEBOOK: STEALING A NEW WEAPON.

Byline: TONY JACKSON Staff Writer

HOUSTON - The Dodgers entered Monday night's game with the Houston Astros in the strange position of leading the National League in stolen bases, something they haven't done over a full season since the days of Maury Wills more than 35 years ago.

While manager Grady Little conceded the amped-up running game is partially the result of a lull in run production during the club's just- completed homestand, it also is a product of having more speed in the lineup than the Dodgers have had in recent seasons.

"When you have (Rafael) Furcal and (Kenny) Lofton at the top of the order, you definitely look at doing some running as long as it makes sense," Little said. "If (Jason) Repko gets on base, it can make sense for him, too, when he gets the opportunity."

Of the Dodgers' 20 steals, Furcal and Repko have accounted for five each, with Lofton and Jose Cruz swiping three apiece.

First-base coach Mariano Duncan, who is in charge of baserunning instruction, said Furcal, Lofton and Repko are the only Dodgers players who have the so-called green light to steal anytime they want. But Little reserves the right to put stop signs on them in situations that dictate it. Duncan said he also thinks J.D. Drew has sufficient speed to steal an occasional base, something Drew has done once this season.

"If you look at our ballclub, we have a lot of flexibility, and we have to find different ways to beat other teams," Duncan said.

--Ross traded: The Dodgers traded outfielder Cody Ross to Cincinnati for a player to be named, with that player certain to be a low-level minor leaguer. Ross was designated for assignment April 17.

Ross was expected to be cut when the Dodgers left spring training, but he got a reprieve when Lofton began the season on the disabled list. When Lofton returned on April 14, Ross got another last-minute stay when Yhency Brazoban went on the DL. Three days later, though, something finally had to give when club management decided it needed another infielder and recalled Oscar Robles from Triple-A Las Vegas.

The next hurdle for Ross will be the impending return of Ken Griffey Jr. from the DL. The Reds' other backup outfielder, Quinton McCracken, is 10 years older than Ross and doesn't have Ross' power at the plate.

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