DODGERS NOTEBOOK : PLAYER SERVICE TIME IS BIG ISSUE.

Seventy-five service days in the scope of baseball's labor negotiations might not sound like much, but they are high stakes for major league owners and players. The Dodgers, who stand to lose several million dollars in 1997 if service time is reinstated, could be among the clubs most impacted by the outcome.

For example, multi-year contracts to Mike Piazza and Eric Karros, the core of the Dodgers' lineup, are due to expire at the end of the season. Seventy-five service days make Piazza a four-year player and Karros a five-year player, in effect lifting their classifications. Deals negotiated after the season would then buy out more free-agent seasons and fewer arbitration seasons.

With the service time, Karros would be eligible for free agency after next season, and Piazza after the 1998 season. Without it, each would need an additional year to reach that plateau. Rookie left fielder Todd Hollandsworth, right-hander Pedro Astacio and center fielder Chad Curtis also would gain classes. Their increased standing alone would cost the club next year, and it is impossible to measure the long-term financial impact.

``Baseball careers are short-lived,'' Karros said. ``Service time has a dramatic impact on pension benefits, the ability to get to arbitration, the ability to get to free agency. And that's why it's such an important issue.''

Butler encourages teammates: When word spread of Brett Butler's intent to return to the club in September, four months after his diagnosis for throat cancer, members of the Dodgers were encouraged, though cautiously so.

``I hope that happens,'' manager Bill Russell said. ``He brings a lot to the table here. I'm glad to hear that, obviously. Hopefully, he can pull it off.''

Butler's wife, Eveline, said that the return of Tim Wallach made Brett more determined than ever.

``That's great,'' said Wallach, who in May, as a member of the Angels, phoned Butler to wish him well. ``I know everybody's been hoping that's what would happen from the start. If he's feeling that good, that's a good sign.''

Also: As expected, right-hander Jim Bruske was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque just prior to game time Tuesday in order to make room for knuckleballer Tom Candiotti, Tuesday night's starter. . . . Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith did not start Tuesday night's game. However, when he pinch-hit in the third inning - in a 7-0 deficit - the Busch Stadium crowd gave him a standing ovation, chanted his name and took pictures. Former manager and current vice president Tom Lasorda will be honored by the Cardinals before Thursday night's game. . . . Tom Seidler, the nephew of Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley, has left his position as general manager of the Great Falls Dodgers in order to take a position with the big club's marketing department.