DODGERS SPRING TRAININ NOTEBOOK : WILLIAMS WANTS TO CHEER, BAT.

Byline: Kevin Acee Daily News Staff Writer

A nomadic, diabetic first baseman thinks he can fill what might be the Dodgers' only void.

``I feel this team needs me,'' Eddie Williams said. ``I know what they need. They don't need much. This team needs leadership. I feel like I can provide that, along with a good bat.''

Williams, the fourth player taken in the 1983 amateur draft, has played with five major-league teams, as well as in Mexico and Japan in the past 14 years.

Hampered by a bad attitude at the beginning of his career and some bad luck as the years passed, Williams said he feels as good as ever in his first spring with the Dodgers.

``I've never felt so comfortable, especially at the plate,'' said Williams, who hit .331 in 48 games with the San Diego Padres in 1994 and was having a sizzling summer in 1995 before straining his right hamstring on July 31. ``I feel like I'm in the form I was in '94. I got contact (lenses) in the offseason. I'm seeing the ball better than ever.''

Williams, signed as a free agent on Nov. 18, has three hits in 11 at-bats this spring. (He was 3 for 3 in the Dodgers' ``B'' game Tuesday against the New York Mets.)

With Eric Karros at first base, Williams has no chance to start. His best shot to make the team is if Brett Butler does not make it all the way back from cancer. He would be a strong right-handed bat off the bench.

``He's a guy who is experienced,'' manager Bill Russell said. ``You know he can hit and hit for power. You think about his power. As a manager you think about what he could do late in a game.''

Perhaps the most outgoing guy in the clubhouse, Williams could handle being a full-time cheerleader and part-time player.

``I feel this is the best opportunity I've ever had,'' said Williams, who hit .200 in 77 games with the Detroit Tigers last season. ``I feel like I can really help this club. I relate to everyone. I think everyone likes me on the club.''

Williams spent 1991 sick in Japan. He was constantly hungry and tired. He lost 45 pounds. Able to play in just 31 games for the Daiei Hawks, Williams hit five home runs and drove in 16 runs.

When he returned to the United States, he was diagnosed with diabetes. Now, he injects insulin into his stomach before every meal. He carries candy in his back pocket to replenish himself during games. Trainers always have a cooler of Cokes nearby for when Williams feels light-headed.

The trainers' concern for him is one reason Williams feels so at home with the Dodgers.

``They're always harping on me to do the things I need to do to stay healthy,'' he said. ``There's a certain feeling here, that you feel like everyone cares.''

Another go: Butler played in Wednesday's 9-1 loss to the Florida Marlins. It was his first game in almost a week. The 39-year-old center fielder, attempting to come back from cancer and play one more season, reached base twice - on an error and a walk - and flied out to left field before leaving the game in the sixth inning.

Butler was slowed at the beginning of spring training by a pulled hamstring. He left last Thursday's game against the Houston Astros with a hip-flexor injury.

Extra bases: Raul Mondesi, who turned 26 on Wednesday, ran his hitting streak to seven games. . . . Billy Ashley, who leads the Dodgers with three home runs and seven RBI this spring, has one hit in his last 19 at-bats. He has struck out a team-high 10 times. . . . Opening Day, April 1, against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium, is a sellout.

Spring Training '97

DODGERS in VERO BEACH, Fla.

FACT: Ramon Martinez, the Dodgers' Opening Day starter the past two seasons, has reached double figures in wins in six of his seven seasons. He is 106-69 in his career.

NOTES: Tom Candiotti allowed six earned runs in 3-2/3 innings. Chan Ho Park relieved him and allowed three earned runs in 2-1/3 innings as the Florida Marlins beat the Dodgers 9-1. The Dodgers, who got their run in the second inning on Mike Piazza's first home run of the spring, lost their fourth straight game and ninth in 13 spring games.

QUOTE: ``That's a baseball with threads.''

- Pitcher Darren Hall, who had an imprint of a ball on his knee after being hit by a line drive on Tuesday.

ANGELS in TEMPE, ARIZ.

FACT: Eddie Murray was 1 for 20 in the spring before hitting a three-run home run and an RBI single in the Angels' 10-7 win over Seattle on Wednesday.

NOTES:Left-hander Chuck Finley gave another strong indication that his shoulder soreness is gone when he threw for three innings and allowed one run against a Mariners lineup that included Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez and Jay Buhner. . . .Darin Erstad hit two home runs off Dennis Martinez, giving the Angels' first baseman three consecutive homers over two days.

QUOTE: ``It's just some knots in my back. I've had them before. I could go out there right now today and pitch. My arm feels great.''

- Angels closer Troy Percival, who reported feeling some discomfort in his back and was sent by the team to be examined by an Arizona doctor. The team is still awaiting test results.

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Box: Spring Training '97 (see text)