NOTEBOOK: DODGERS' CORA BREAKS RIGHT ARM.

Byline: Daily News Staff and Wire Services

Dodgers second baseman Alex Cora suffered a broken right arm Sunday while playing in a winter-league game in Puerto Rico but could return by the start of spring-training games in early March.

Cora's estimated recovery time is four to six weeks. He broke the arm while attempting to break up a double play.

Also, the Dodgers signed pitcher Jose Lima and infielder Jose Hernandez to minor-league contracts and invited them to spring training, and the team interviewed Bob Mariano and Dwayne Murphy for its vacant hitting-coach job.

Jim Lefebvre and Tim Wallach also have been interviewed and the team hopes to name a new coach by the beginning of next week.

- Rich Hammond

--Schmidt progressing: Trainer Stan Conte isn't counting on closer Robb Nen pitching for the San Francisco Giants this season, yet Conte expects ace Jason Schmidt to be ready by early April as planned.

Schmidt, recovering from elbow surgery, might throw off the mound for the first time next week.

Nen, a three-time All-Star who had 43 saves and a 2.20 ERA in 2002, didn't pitch last year after right-shoulder surgery May 7 to repair a torn tendon. He has been rehabilitating and is throwing off a mound a couple of times a week.

--Sasaki bids goodbye: Kazuhiro Sasaki choked back tears when he stopped by the Seattle Mariners clubhouse and said goodbye to Edgar Martinez, Bret Boone and other former teammates.

Sasaki signed papers to terminate his contract, leaving behind a guaranteed $8.5 million next season because he wants to remain in Japan with his wife and two young children.

--Tadano seeks forgiveness: Cleveland Indians minor-leaguer Kazuhito Tadano is asking for forgiveness for what he called a one-time mistake - his appearance in a gay porn video in which he engaged in a homosexual act. Tadano took part in the video three years ago when he was a college student.

--Sheffield to third? With the New York Yankees almost certain to lose Aaron Boone for the 2004 season, they've stumbled upon a surprise, in-house option - Gary Sheffield.

The recently signed free agent, who's played the outfield exclusively since 1994, told general manager Brian Cashman he would re-convert to third base if necessary.

Sheffield was the San Diego Padres' everyday third baseman in 1992. Overall, he's played 466 games at third base in his career.

--Also: Catcher Steve Lomasney agreed to a minor-league contract with the Cincinnati Reds and was invited to the team's major-league spring-training camp. ... Closer candidate Juan Acevedo, starter Rick Reed and utilityman Daryle Ward - the former Dodger - were among 16 players who were invited to spring training by the Pittsburgh Pirates. ... Tampa Bay right-hander Rob Bell cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Durham. ... Reliever Dave Veres returned to the Houston Astros on Tuesday, agreeing to a minor-league contract.