DREIFORT LIKELY TO DELAY SIGNING DODGERS 4, COLORADO 3.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

Internally, there isn't any question as to whether the Dodgers want to re-sign right-hander Darren Dreifort. Without saying as much, they have managed to get the word out about their plans.

However, one thing the Dodgers will have to consider is just how much they're going to spend to retain Dreifort, eligible for free agency. And whether he's going to be able to reach his ceiling.

Mark Grudzielnek's two-out home run in the 10th inning lifted the Dodgers to a 4-3 win over Colorado Friday night at Dodger Stadium.

Dreifort battled through six innings and allowed three runs and Alex Cora had three RBI as the Dodgers pulled to within a half-game of the Rockies for third place in the National League West.

More important, as it relates to the standings, though, is the Dodgers lead San Diego by four games in the race for last place. With six games remaining between the teams, including the final three being the last weekend of the season in San Diego, there's still plenty of excitement.

As for Dreifort, who wasn't involved in the decision, signals coming out of his camp indicate he won't sign with the Dodgers before the free-agency market opens in November, though the Dodgers wanted to try and work something out.

Impact pitchers in the free-agent market are Mike Hampton and Mike Mussina. Dreifort falls into the second tier of free agents available, but he's expected to command $8 to $10 million a season. Many teams are interested in Dreifort, including the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians and Colorado.

Dreifort's 38-44 with 4.38 ERA in his career, hardly mind-numbing statistics that signal greatness. He's 32-33 with a 4.58 ERA as a starter, including 11-8 with a 4.53 ERA this season. But scouts remain infatuated about his repertoire, including a blistering fastball and effective slider. He also continues to grow into his role as a starter after spending his college days and his first few seasons with the Dodgers as a reliever.

Consistency is Dreifort's biggest issue, but he's getting better. After going 13-11 with a 4.79 ERA in 1999, Dreifort is 11-8 with a 4.53 ERA this season. One thing Dreifort's been able to do is remain healthy, which he failed to accomplish in his last two seasons when arm troubles knocked him out in September both times.

When Dreifort starts Wednesday against Arizona, it will be his career- high 30th start. His 171 innings are nine shy of his career best, which he established in 1998.

DODGERS vs. COLORADO

Time: 7:10 p.m., at Dodger Stadium

TV/radio: No TV; 1150-AM, 610-AM, 1330-AM (Spanish)

Matchup: Ex-Dodger Pedro Astacio (12-9, 5.35 ERA) takes the mound tonight against former teammate Darren Dreifort (11-8, 4.53). This is a rematch of their last outings, when Dreifort held the Rockies to one run in five innings of a 12-1 Dodgers victory in Denver. Dreifort is 2-3 with a 5.26 ERA lifetime against the Rockies.

- Steve Dilbeck

CAPTION(S):

2 boxes

Box: (1) CHASING DUKE

(2) DODGERS vs. COLORADO (See text)