DODGERS - 5/16/03 2nd place in the NL West
21-20, 5.5 games behind the Giants

Latest Team News
Fred McGriff's bat has been heating up much like it did at this time last season. On Wednesday night against Greg Maddux, McGriff hit the 484th homer of his career as he look to join new 500 club member Rafael Palmeiro. In May, McGriff is hitting .356 with 6 doubles, 3 homers and 9 RBI. Now is the time to pick him off the free agent wire.

The Dodger bullpen struggled for the first time this season as they lost two games in the week. The bullpen allowed 5 inherited runners to score on May 9th and 10th against the Expos when they blew a pair of leads. Entering the series, the bullpen had blown just two leads in 35 games and had stranded 34 of 37 inherited runners. The Dodgers hope to get Paul Shuey back from the DL soon.

Local Spin
With the Lakers out of the playoffs (Hallelujah!), the local media and fans can now focus on the Dodgers instead of the two headed ego maniac monster called Shaq/Kobe. The Dodgers need to make a move on the struggling Giants as the Giants are without Ray Durham for the next few weeks. The Dodger offense is slowly coming around; however, Shawn Green needs to get his long swing in tune to the music - they need his bat to anchor the order. The pitching staff continues to pitch well led by a healthy Kevin Brown, Hideo Nomo and Odalis Perez. The Dodger starting rotation has made 30 quality starts in 40 game started; Perez has 6 straight quality starts.

Injuries
Paul Shuey (RP) - Status: 15-day DL with sprained right knee
Shuey pitched yesterday night at Triple-A Las Vegas in a 30-pitch rehabiliation assignment. He gave up two hits and a three-run homer. He may be activated on Saturday or he could be asked to make another rehab appearance.

Dave Roberts (CF) - Day-to-day (hamstring)
Roberts sat out Wednesday night's game with a sore right hamstring. "It got tighter and tighter in the game (Tuesday) night, and now (Wednesday) it's acting up big time." He's expect to be in the lineup on Friday but this could be an ongoing problem for the next few weeks. Roberts has stolen 6 bases in his last 4 games.

Brian Jordan (LF) - Status: Day-to-day (wrist)
In batting practice last Sunday, Jordan was struck on the right hand by a ball fouled into the protective net by Dave Roberts. The X-rays came back negative and Jordan is playing with his wrist taped and with a small brace. His hand is still swollen and he's playing in pain. If you have a healthy alternative, use it.

Todd Hundley (C) - Status: 15-day DL, irritation of sciatic nerve (back)
Hundley received his second epidural injection yesterday to treat an inflamed nerve in his lower back. He's still nowhere close to returning as he was in some much pain over the last weekend that he managed only two hours of sleep a night.

Troy Brohawn (RP) - Status: 15-day DL, tendinitis in rotator cuff
The Dodgers called up Steve Colyer to replace Brohawn as the Dodgers' left-handed specialist. Neither have any fantasy value.

Hot (last 7 days)
Alex Cora (2B): .440 (11-25), 5R, 2-2B, 1RBI
Cesar Izturis (SS): .333 (7-21), 3R, 3-2B, 3RBI
Fred McGriff (1B): .316 (6-19), 4R, 1-2B, 3HR, 6RBI
Mike Kinkade (LF): .308 (4-14), 3R, 1-2B, 1HR, 1RBI

Not (last 7 days)
Shawn Green (RF): .105 (2-19), 2R, 1-2B, 1HR, 3RBI
Brian Jordan (LF): .143 (2-14), 1RBI
Dave Roberts (CF): .176 (3-17), 2R, 1RBI

On the Farm - Positional Prospects

Last Week's Results (3-3)
5/9: 9-5 win over Expos
5/10: 6-5 loss to Expos
5/11: 4-3 win over Expos
5/12: 11-4 loss to Braves
5/13: 3-1 loss to Braves
5/14: 5-1 win over Braves

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Check back every Friday for the latest Dodger news. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about this column, please use the comments section below or feel free to e-mail me at dodgers@fantasyinfocentral.com