DODGERS NOTEBOOK: TRADING GOODWIN PART OF SCENARIO.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

The Dodgers' plan to add a starting pitcher before the trading deadline hinges on their ability to dump payroll, and center fielder Tom Goodwin is atop that list.

Dodgers officials have spoken repeatedly with officials from the Chicago Cubs about a deal that would send Goodwin to Chicago for minor-league players, but it would include the Dodgers paying a portion of his contract, sources said Tuesday.

Goodwin is owed $3.25 million this season and 2002 and he has a $500,000 buyout of a $3.75 club option for 2003. The Cubs are looking for a center fielder and have spoken with Oakland general manager Billy Beane about Johnny Damon, but the asking price has been too high, sources said.

Goodwin's trade value isn't enormous, but he has played well lately. He batted .323 in June with a .362 on-base percentage and eight stolen bases in 18 games to increase his batting average to .250 and his on-base percentage to .302.

However, Goodwin has lost most of his playing time to center fielder Marquis Grissom. Goodwin was inadequate batting leadoff, which led to manager Jim Tracy turning to Paul Lo Duca to handle that job.

If the Dodgers could rid themselves from the burden of Goodwin's contract, it might allow them to add a veteran pitcher if the price - both in prospects and financially - wasn't too high.

--Paying Park: With Darren Dreifort lost for a year and Andy Ashby heading into spring training coming off surgery, it might put more pressure on the Dodgers to sign right-hander Chan Ho Park during the offseason.

Park, a free agent after the season, is 8-5 with a 2.91 ERA and has made 14 straight quality starts and will be the premier pitcher on the market.

``We're concentrating on something we're trying to do now, and that's something you always think about behind the scenes,'' Dodgers interim general manager Dave Wallace said. ``Those things solve themselves and I'm confident that will, however it's going to be. Right now, we're just trying to get through this situation.''

--All-Star picks: While team officials believe Park is a lock for a selection to the National League All-Star team, reserves will be announced today, they are hopeful as many as three could be selected. Not only is Mets manager Bobby Valentine seriously contemplating Lo Duca as a reserve catcher, but Dodgers closer Jeff Shaw is also a possibility, sources said.

Shaw, who was selected to the team in 1998, is 3-2 with a 3.23 ERA and his second in the National League with 22 saves.

``I've been squeezed out before,'' Shaw said. ``It can legitimately happen, but you know what, I have no control over it. If I go, I go. If I don't, I don't.''

--Olson free: Right-handed reliever Gregg Olson cleared waivers and is a free agent, able to negotiate with any team. He was designated for assignment June 23 by the Dodgers, who were unable to trade him.

Olson refused a minor-league assignment, and his agent, Jeff Moorad, said there were numerous opportunities for the 34-year-old, who was 0-1 with an 8.03 ERA with the Dodgers this season.

``We've had steady dialogue with a number of teams,'' Moorad said. ``We're open to the best opportunity. ...''

The Florida Marlins and Kansas City Royals, for whom Olson had a pair of stints, are the teams most interested, sources said. The Dodgers owe Olson $1.75 million this season, though the amount for which he signs with another team would be subtracted. In two seasons, he was 0-2 with 6.80 ERA

--Odds and ends: Dodgers manager Jim Tracy made it official that right- hander Eric Gagne would start tonight against San Francisco. To make room for him on the roster, infielder Tim Bogar (sprained right foot) is heading to the 15-day disabled list for the third time. ... Right-hander Mike Fetters will be activated Thursday, and the Dodgers will send Gagne back to Las Vegas so he can pitch during the All-Star break.

DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO

Time: 6:10 p.m., at Dodger Stadium.

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net 2;1150-AM, KWKW-AM (1330 Spanish).

Matchup: Dodgers RH Eric Gagne (1-4, 5.88 ERA) makes his return after going 3-0 with a 1.74 ERA in three starts with Triple-A Las Vegas. Gagne was 1-3 with a 6.05 ERA in 12 starts before heading to the bullpen. He had a 13.50 ERA in his last three starts but didn't figure in the decisions. Giants LH Kirk Rueter (8-6, 5.03) hasn't lost since May 26 and went 4-0 with a 3.23 ERA in June.

- Brian Dohn

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DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO