DODGERS NOTEBOOK: THREE-WAY TRADE TO ACQUIRE ROYALS' BELTRAN APPEARS DEAD.

Byline: Tony Jackson Staff Writer

SAN FRANCISCO - A rumored three-team trade that would have brought Kansas City outfielder Carlos Beltran to Los Angeles, with Dodgers reliever Guillermo Mota going to Oakland, appears to be dead. One source with knowledge of the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said it was never really that close to being done, anyway.

The Dodgers reportedly aren't as interested in Beltran, or any other outfielder, as they are in landing a starting pitcher to replace struggling Hideo Nomo in their rotation. But with the trading deadline still more than five weeks away, there is no sense of urgency.

Moreover, Dodgers officials are reluctant to alter what statistically is the best bullpen in the majors. Although Oakland general manager Billy Beane was said to covet Mota, who went into Tuesday with a 1.83 ERA, the Dodgers are unlikely to deal him or any other frontline reliever without getting a significant player in return, one who is guaranteed to stay with the Dodgers beyond this season.

There have been reports, apparently accurate, that the Dodgers are interested in Seattle right-hander Freddy Garcia, the biggest name among several players the Mariners want to trade to shed payroll. Garcia reportedly is one of several pitchers the Dodgers are looking at who figure to become trade bait in the coming weeks. Baltimore's Sidney Ponson and Pittsburgh's Kris Benson probably are also in that group.

--Green down: After batting .500 (14 for 28) during a seven-game hitting streak that ended Friday night against the New York Yankees, Dodgers first baseman Shawn Green went 2 for 17 over his next four games. That included an 0-for-5, three-strikeout effort in Monday night's one-run loss to San Francisco in which Green left six runners on base and made the final out of three separate innings with at least one runner in scoring position.

Green's entire season has been a struggle, evidenced by his .254 average. Every time it has appeared he might be hitting his stride, such as during his aforementioned hitting streak, he has quickly fallen off again.

``Right now, that's what we're seeing,'' Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said. ``As far as any type of explanation for that, there isn't one.''

Tracy has offered an explanation for the fact he continues to bat Green fourth, that being that there isn't a better option on the roster. Green did hit a solo home run in Sunday night's win over the Yankees, which turned out to be a key hit in a one-run victory. Overall, though, his power numbers have been awful for a cleanup hitter.

--Sax visits: Former Dodgers second baseman Steve Sax visited the clubhouse before the game, dressed in a snappy suit and carrying a briefcase. Sax, now a financial adviser in nearby Roseville, is working on a book about the financial side of sports.

``Money Game, the Business of Sports,'' is tentatively scheduled for release next spring. Sax said he is negotiating with potential publishers now.

Tony Jackson,[phone]

tony.jackson(at)dailynews.com

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- Tony Jackson