DODGERS NOTEBOOK: VALDES WORKS ON COMEBACK SHOULDER PROBLEMS COULD HAVE AFFECTED HIM.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

Dodgers pitching coach Claude Osteen inserted a videotape and watched how right-hander Ismael Valdes pitched in 1995 compared to now. He said there is no comparison.

Osteen also said early-season shoulder problems is likely the biggest contributing factor as to why Valdes pitched poorly this season.

``I think he picked some bad habits, probably when he had that lame shoulder earlier in the season,'' Osteen said. ``He brought me his `95 tape, and one from Chicago, and there's a world of difference in the two deliveries, mechanically. He's dropping the hands and not getting his front side ready at the right time.''

If the Dodgers are to remain in contention for the playoffs, Valdes, reacquired two weeks ago from the Chicago Cubs, needs to be a big part of it.

However, he was 2-4 with a 5.37 ERA in 12 starts for the Cubs during an injury-laden season, and all the good that came from the four strong innings against Pittsburgh in his Dodgers return was wiped away by the atrocious Sunday outing. Milwaukee, the worst hitting team in the National League, pounded him for seven runs in 1 1/3 innings.

``His front side, I don't know if he ever got ready, but he was way out there, and (his body) crossed the rubber way too quick before he ever had a chance to get ready to throw,'' Osteen said. ``The end result is you can't get your backside through the pitch to finish the pitch, and give you the power that's there. You can have all the power in the world, but if you can't get it through, and that's what we're trying to address.''

Osteen and Valdes did a walk-through in the bullpen Monday to discuss Valdes' mechanical flaws, and Valdes went through a bullpen session Tuesday.

``We got things quite a bit closer to where they should be,'' Osteen said. ``All I'm trying to do is give him a chance to be the pitcher I know he is. He's got outstanding control, but when all those parts aren't working in unison, it throws everything out of kilter.''

--Devo starts: With the Cubs starting lefty Phil Norton, Devon White started and batted leadoff for the Dodgers. It marked the first time since the first game of a doubleheader last Tuesday at Pittsburgh, which was the first game Tom Goodwin was available, that White has started and led off.

And earlier in the day, White spoke with general manager Kevin Malone about his role since the acquisition of Goodwin. White had wondered why the front office hadn't approached him about his role. Malone spoke again Tuesday with White's agent, Eric Goldschmidt, about how White fits into the Dodgers' plans.

``I reiterated that we're very glad Devo's back, we really missed him in the first half when he was hurt, and now we have (five) quality outfielders for three spots, and now we can give guys rest and use everybody,'' Malone said. ``We're not replacing Devo. We're just adding an outfielder with speed.''

AS manager Davey Johnson explained a day earlier, Malone said White would be used like a fourth outfielder, getting most of his starts against left-handers.

--Odds and ends: Because of Thursday's off day, the Dodgers' starting rotation is being juggled. Chan Ho Park goes Friday in Atlanta, and he'll likely be followed by Valdes and Darren Dreifort. Kevin Brown is slated to pitch Monday in Florida followed by Matt Herges and Park. . . . Right fielder Shawn Green usually hits third against left-handers, but he was dropped to fifth in the batting order against Norton. Green's batting .192 since July 1. First baseman Eric Karros, who usually hits fifth, moved into the fourth spot.

DODGERS VS. CHICAGO

Time: 7:05 p.m., Dodger Stadium.

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

The Dodgers conclude their six-game homestand by sending staff ace Kevin Brown (10-4, 2.34 ERA) against 10-game winner Jon Lieber. Brown is 5-2 with a 2.05 ERA in nine career starts against Chicago but allowed three runs in six innings in a no-decision earlier this season. Brown is coming off a 12-strikeout no-decision against Milwaukee. Brown has allowed one earned run or less in 10 of his 22 starts. The right-handed Lieber (10-5, 3.80) leads the Cubs with 177 2/3 innings pitched and 130 strikeouts.

- Brian Dohn

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, 2 boxes

Photo: (1) SNIDER

(2) SHEFFIELD

Box: (1) Chasing Duke

(4) Dodgers vs. Chicago (see text)