DePodesta Continues His Search

PHOENIX —  General Manager Paul DePodesta was in Ogden, Utah, on Thursday to watch a rookie-league game, but his thoughts remained focused on the major league roster.

DePodesta continued trade discussions that intensified during the All-Star break.

“Most of the teams that I had extensive discussions with last week have already made the decision they’re out of [contention],” DePodesta said. “I wouldn’t say I’m close on anything with anyone who’s still deciding on that.”

Baseball executives said DePodesta had pursued starters and run-producing outfielders, including Houston center fielder Carlos Beltran. Some executives expect the Astros to trade the switch-hitter, whom they acquired June 24, before the July 31 deadline if they continue to struggle.

Rookie starter Edwin Jackson and setup man Guillermo Mota have been the top targets of other teams.

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Third baseman Adrian Beltre was scratched from the lineup against Arizona because of the right thigh injury he suffered before the break.

“It feels better, but it’s not my choice, it’s up to the trainer,” said Beltre, who experienced problems during batting practice.

Beltre, batting .315, leads the Dodgers with 22 home runs and 56 runs batted in.

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The Dodgers, who went 8-1 leading to the All-Star break, said they were determined to maintain momentum after slow starts in the second half the last two seasons.

“We just have to make a conscious effort to come out of the gate and make some noise,” left fielder Dave Roberts said. “It seems like we always put ourselves in position to get to the playoffs, but we don’t finish well.

“We have more guys who have been through it the last three years, so we’re better suited to finish it this year. That’s the whole thing [Manager Jim Tracy] has talked about, finishing strong.”

The Dodgers went 5-11 in their first 16 games after the break last season, and dropped from 7 1/2 games to 13 1/2 games behind first-place San Francisco in the division. A 3-11 second-half start in 2002 took the Dodgers from 2 1/2 games ahead in the NL West to 3 1/2 games behind Arizona.

“Our confidence level is different now,” catcher Paul Lo Duca said. “We’ve been through this before and, hopefully, we know how to finish strong now.”

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Shawn Green seemingly was the fans’ top target of criticism before the break as he was benched and demoted from the cleanup spot.

“I’m looking forward to the second half,” said Green, who hit a dramatic grand slam in the eighth inning of the Dodgers’ 4-3 victory Thursday.

“I’ve been feeling good at the plate and feeling good about my swing lately. The results haven’t been totally what I want, but it’s feeling better. That’s what I have to go by.”