Lowell Remains on Their Radar

SAN FRANCISCO -- Although the Florida Marlins are playing coy about trading Mike Lowell, the Dodgers are still hopeful of acquiring the All-Star third baseman, baseball executives said Monday.

Lowell is the Dodgers’ preferred middle-of-the-order candidate, but the Marlins are sending mixed signals about their willingness to move the major league leader in home runs.

Executives in the American and National leagues still believe the Marlins will move Lowell for a high price before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline, but the Marlins have apparently told clubs Lowell is a cornerstone of their future.

Whether the Marlins are simply trying to increase his trade value and delay another public-relations fiasco as long as possible, as many suspect, or seriously intend to retain Lowell remains to be seen.

The Dodgers believe Lowell, who has 23 homers and 61 runs batted in, is a perfect fit, and a team official said General Manager Dan Evans continues to closely monitor the situation in South Florida.

The Dodgers are pursuing other potential impact hitters, and the pool of available Nos. 3-5 batters figures to expand as the deadline nears and more teams drop out of contention. But the Dodgers are operating as if Lowell is still on the table.

“It’s no secret that of our pitching, offense and defense, the offense is the one area that has not performed quite to the level that we thought it would,” Evans said. “That’s not to say we’re not going to hit more, because we believe we will.

“But whenever one area of your club isn’t performing as you would like, you always consider things that might help. We’re still at that point right now.”

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First baseman Fred McGriff went on the disabled list because of a strained right groin that has sidelined him since June 14 -- his first stint on the disabled list in 17 major league seasons.

“You’ve got to tell me how to act,” McGriff said, jokingly. “I try to prepare myself to stay away from injuries, but this time it got me.”

The move was retroactive to June 14, so McGriff can be activated Sunday. First baseman/outfielder Larry Barnes was recalled from triple-A Las Vegas to take McGriff’s roster spot. Barnes reached on a fielder’s choice as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning Monday.

Manager Jim Tracy said he would consider several options at first while McGriff is off the active roster. Matchups will determine whether Ron Coomer or Mike Kinkade will be in the starting lineup.

Paul Lo Duca also will be in the mix, enabling Tracy to use the emerging David Ross behind the plate.

McGriff aggravated the injury June 13 in a 4-3, 10-inning interleague victory over the Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field. The Dodgers thought McGriff might be able to play the next day, but he had missed the last eight games before Monday.

Team trainer Stan Johnston said McGriff underwent an ultrasound exam to rule out a hernia, and McGriff has improved to the point of running in the outfield. Another five days off, however, would help.

“I’ve had injuries in the past, but I’d be back in five or six days,” McGriff said. “You ... wait and wait, to see if you can try and stay away from the [disabled list].” McGriff said he does not expect to go on a rehabilitation assignment before being activated.

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It appears Alex Cora’s opportunity to become an everyday player this season has ended as his long batting slump continues.

Tracy last month said he would consider using the left-handed batter more often against left-handed pitchers, but that was before Cora’s six-for-47 slump, including one for 17 on the previous homestand.

Utilityman Jolbert Cabrera is playing against left-handers, relegating Cora, batting .232, to platoon duty.

Cora continues to dazzle on defense, but his problems on offense have prompted the Dodgers to consider acquiring an everyday second baseman. Because there are few major run producers at that position, and that’s the Dodgers’ need, Evans has not focused his efforts on second basemen.

“Jolbert Cabrera and Alex Cora are winning-type players who are helping this team,” Tracy said. “That’s my thinking on that.”