DODGERS NOTEBOOK : WALLACH BACK WITH DODGERS.

Eric Karros, among Tim Wallach's close friends, said Wallach is a terrific guy. He said Wallach can help the Dodgers. He said Wallach will be a good guy to have hanging around the clubhouse.

Wallach, the 38-year-old former Dodger and Angel, signed with the Dodgers on Thursday and was assigned to Single-A San Bernardino, where he apparently will get into shape to join the big club. His contract has a provision that he must be in the major leagues on or before Aug. 5.

Now, Karros said that's a fine idea. But, he said, what the Dodgers need has little to do with clubhouse issues.

``There's so many things you can pick apart on this team,'' Karros said. ``We've got to go out and play well on the field. To say there isn't personality or chemistry, we just have to be better than the other ballclub. Since the All-Star break we've played as poorly as we have than in any other part of the season.''

They are 7-7 since the break, including four losses to the San Francisco Giants, in last place in the National League West.

Of Wallach, Karros said, ``He brings a lot of experience. He can provide some good bench support. But, most important, he brings experience, and that's something you can't teach.''

Candiotti out, Dreifort in: As expected, right-hander Darren Dreifort was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday. He will take the spot vacated by Tom Candiotti, who was forced to the disabled list with a sore right elbow. The move is retroactive to July 20, and Candiotti expects to return when he is eligible on Aug. 4.

Dreifort will join the club today in Houston. Chan Ho Park tentatively is scheduled to start Saturday against the Astros.

``We'll use him kind of how we used Chan Ho to start off,'' said pitching coach Dave Wallace.

Dreifort, a starter for Albuquerque, will serve as Park's backup Saturday, and as a long reliever in Candiotti's absence. Dreifort, who was 5-6 with a 4.17 ERA in 20 games for the Dukes, pitched seven innings Sunday.

``He was pitching well,'' said Mike Busch, who recently was with the Dukes on a rehabilitation assignment. ``Throwing the ball hard, in the 90s somewhere. Good movement on his sinker.

``For all intents and purposes, he looked just like he did coming out of college.''

Dreifort had reconstructive elbow surgery in March 1994, after serving as a reliever early in the 1993 season. The plan, according to the Dodgers, was to utilize Dreifort as a starter. However, back in the big leagues, he also is back in the bullpen.

``He's the best arm we have down there,'' interim Dodgers manager Bill Russell said.

Said Wallace: ``We feel like he's advanced enough physically. And we're not going to use him two nights in a row.''

Stuck in the middle: You know the road trip can't be going too well when you have to bench each of your middle infielders because of poor play, in a span of four days. Shortstop Greg Gagne sat out the final two games in San Francisco after he committed errors on consecutive plays Friday night. Second baseman Delino DeShields was benched Thursday in Florida, after a span in which he committed eight errors in 13 games. He also is batting .178 in July.

Also: Third baseman Mike Blowers will have surgery Aug. 2 to repair or replace his torn anterior cruciate ligament.