NAMES AND NUMBERS

Danny Tartabull, the free-agent outfielder signed by the New York Yankees for $25.5 million, didn’t make it through April before going on the disabled list because of a pulled hamstring. No surprise. Tartabull, over the last three seasons, sat out an average of 44 games.

Neither Tartabull nor free-agent infielder Mike Gallego, who was signed for $5.25 million, have spent a day at their expected positions. Gallego, expected to play shortstop, has been on the disabled list from the start because of a bruised heel. Tartabull had been used only as a designated hitter.

The Houston Astros’ 10-7 start should be viewed in the context that their first 15 games were played in the Astrodome. Last year, when the Astros were 65-97, they were 37-44 at home but 28-53 on the road. This year’s uneven schedule is the result of the Republican convention occupying the Astrodome for much of August. The young Astros will spend 28 consecutive days on the road, starting in late July.

Much has been made about the Dodgers’ suspect infield, but there could be comparable concerns in Anaheim, where the Angels entered a weekend series against the Seattle Mariners with an American League-leading 24 errors.

Third baseman Gary Gaetti had as many errors, seven, as hits; the double-play combination of Gary DiSarcina and Bobby Rose, who admittedly has been losing sleep over it, had combined for eight and first baseman Lee Stevens hadn’t been nicknamed Hack because of his aggressive swing.

The 24 errors had contributed to only six unearned runs, but as an American League scout noted: “Every time those pitchers have to get four or five outs an inning, it’s going to take a toll in the second half.”

It’s still early, but Rick Sutcliffe, 35, would seem to have re-established his career with the Baltimore Orioles. He is 3-1 with three complete games, matching Bob Milacki’s club high of last season. The Orioles, in their best start since 1971, already have five complete games, a total they did not reach last season until their 133rd game.

Manager John Oates referred to Ben McDonald, Mike Mussina and Jose Mesa when he said of Sutcliffe: “One of the main reasons we got him was that I felt if he was healthy he could teach our young pitchers how to finish a game.” Said Sutcliffe: “I don’t want to pitch eight innings and then have to walk out and shake Gregg Olson’s hand (for getting the save in the ninth).”

The Chicago Cubs were forced to give up on much-hyped third baseman Gary Scott on May 18 last season, when he was batting .165. In a disappointing repeat, Scott returned to triple-A Iowa Friday, having only four hits in the 44 at-bats of his second attempt to earn the varsity job. The Cubs, barely averaging three runs, have again turned to veteran Luis Salazar.