DODGERS NOTEBOOK : BUTLER IS FEELING THE WEAR AND TEAR.

Byline: Kevin Acee Daily News Staff Writer

Brett Butler has been praying for the wisdom to know when to say when.

He knew it would be a struggle, convincing his mind to listen when his body told him to take a day off. And given his first opportunity to do that Sunday, he ignored his body.

The 39-year-old center fielder, who is playing one final season after having cancer surgery 11 months ago, played his sixth straight game. It was a day game after a night game, the ideal time to rest. On top of that, he lost an hour of sleep with the daylight savings time change.

The only concession Butler made was to skip infield. After making outs his first three at-bats, he doubled to lead off the seventh inning and scored the winning run on Mike Piazza's single as the Dodgers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3 at Dodger Stadium.

After the game, Butler sounded like a man who needed a good night's rest. He sounded like a man who might have learned his lesson.

``I don't know about good,'' he said of his condition before the game, when he made the decision to play. ``Good enough to play, I guess. We were struggling a little bit, and it's too early to take a day off. Hopefully I'll be smart enough to take a day off when I need it.''

Of course, that's what he said two weeks ago.

Old pro: It's no secret that Tom Candiotti is unhappy in his role as a reliever. Here is how that displeasure has manifested itself:

Candiotti jokes with reporters, calling himself ``Goose'' after former closer Rich Gossage. He spends time every day explaining the difference in preparing for a start and preparing to come out of the bullpen.

And most important for the Dodgers, the 39-year-old knuckleballer has pitched four hitless innings in three appearances, allowing just one walk. He earned the victory in Friday's game.

``Tom is the consummate professional,'' pitching coach Dave Wallace said. ``He doesn't necessarily enjoy that role, but he's doing a hell of a job.''

Dodgers executive vice president Fred Claire said he is not surprised Candiotti's move to the bullpen, necessitated when Chan Ho Park was given the fifth starter's job, has worked out.