51s ‘pen becomes one for the aged

Steve Guiremand

Wednesday, April 25, 2001 | 9:41 a.m.

The Las Vegas 51s are going to pick up an experienced left-handed relief pitcher for their bullpen later this week.

Make that a very experienced left-hander reliever.

Jesse Orosco, who holds the major league record for most games pitched (1,096) as well as most games appeared in as a relief pitcher (1,092), agreed to terms on a minor league contract with the Dodgers on Tuesday afternoon.

The 44-year-old Orosco is expected to report to Las Vegas on Thursday in his quest to earn a spot in the Dodgers' bullpen as a left-handed relief specialist.

"There's no timetable involved," Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said. "That's for our benefit and also Jesse's. We don't want Jesse to think he has to be done in 15 days or anything like that."

Although the Dodgers announced the much-speculated signing before their Tuesday night game against Pittsburgh, Las Vegas manager Rick Sofield claimed to not have any knowledge of the move.

"You guys know something that I don't," Sofield told reporters after Las Vegas lost to Calgary, 6-2, at Cashman Field on Tuesday night. "I haven't gotten a call. ... I'm not trying to be a smart (aleck), I just don't know."

Funny that the Dodgers would keep their triple-A manager so out of the loop.

Perez and his attorney are preparing a response to the suit filed in circuit court in Indian River County. That response is expected to be made in the next seven to 10 days.

The Dodgers have until May 4 to decide whether to activate the 30-year-old left-hander or release him and eat the remainder of his $7.5 million contract.

Bogar had hoped to finish his rehab assignment on Monday night but also had to be scratched from that game as well.

"I think he's right at the fork in the road right now and we just want to be cautious with it," Sofield said when asked if Bogar had taken a step back in his rehab.

Meanwhile, Dodgers third baseman Dave Hansen, who broke his finger in spring training, began a rehab assignment at Class A Vero Beach on Sunday. Although Sofield had expected Hansen to join the 51s on Thursday night, the Dodgers announced he would instead return to Los Angeles.

Las Vegas starter Jeff Williams left because of a strained groin after pitching just four innings and allowing just one unearned run.