Dodgers, Nomo to meet D’backs in LV

Victoria Sun

Thursday, March 28, 2002 | 10:57 a.m.

So far, the baseball gods (if you believe in such a thing) have been kind to the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing them to get through spring training without an incident or major injury to agonize over.

All the more reason Dodgers catcher Paul Lo Duca is anxious to begin the 162-game regular season.

"A lot of guys are glad to get out of here," Lo Duca said of leaving the team's spring training digs in Vero Beach, Fla. "We still have a few games to go, but leaving Florida, it sure seems like we're closer to the start.

"I'm happy. A lot of guys are healthy, a lot healthier than last year, knock on wood."

Lo Duca and most of his teammates will face the defending world champion Arizona Diamondbacks tonight at 7 in a split-squad exhibition game at Cashman Field.

Dodgers' right-hander Hideo Nomo, expected to be the No. 2 starter, will make his final start of the preseason against Arizona right-hander Miguel Batista.

"We're looking forward to Nomo's last tune-up," Dodgers bench coach Jim Riggleman said. "It's one more appearance for him and other guys who need to get some work in.

"We are hoping for a crisp inning from each of our guys in the bullpen and good at-bats for our regulars."

Riggleman and third base coach Glenn Hoffman will manage the team in Las Vegas while Dodgers manager Jim Tracy and pitching coach Jim Colburn stay in Vero Beach to watch No. 1 starter Kevin Brown make his final start before opening day.

Los Angeles second baseman Mark Grudzielanek and opening day shortstop Cesar Izturis are also staying behind to get a feel for each other in a split-squad game against the New York Mets, as is catcher Chad Kreuter.

Fans will get to see speedy leadoff man Dave Roberts, who won a tight race for the center field position; right fielder Shawn Green, who hit .297 with 49 home runs last season; and newly acquired left fielder Brian Jordan.

Adrian Beltre will also be back in the lineup. The third baseman missed the beginning of last season and spent some time with the Las Vegas 51s while recovering from complications from an emergency appendectomy.

Even with Beltre, Brown and starting pitcher Andy Ashby seemingly recovered from their ailments (Brown and Ashby both had elbow surgery), the Dodgers muddled through the Grapefruit League with a 9-15 record entering tonight's game.

Whether the team will be capable of taming the Diamondbacks isn't a concern for Riggleman.

"It's not significant to get a look at them now because they're doing the same thing we are," Riggleman said. "They're looking to play well, but mainly to get work in without getting anyone hurt.

"I'm sure their guy has a number of innings they'd like him to get through without any problems the same way we want Nomo to get through it without any problems."

There are 300 standing-room-only tickets available for tonight's game which can be purchased at the Cashman Field box office.