This Lima Time Is Spent Making a Personal Pitch

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —  Jose Lima hasn’t won since the Dodgers employed him, so he doesn’t argue the suggestion that the Dodgers look pretty smart for letting him go.

“It doesn’t bother me,” Lima said. “At least I didn’t beg for anything.”

Lima was 13-5 with a 4.07 earned-run average for the Dodgers last season, then pitched a shutout for their only playoff victory. He’s 0-5 with an 8.16 ERA for the Kansas City Royals this season, giving up more home runs than all but one American League pitcher, still miffed the Dodgers did not retain him.

The Dodgers offered him $1.3 million for one year, with one day to accept. He signed for $2.5 million for one year with the Royals, the team that rescued him from the independent leagues in 2003.

He starts against the Dodgers tonight, after expressing varying feelings in an interview Tuesday. At one point, he said, “It would be sweet to get my first win and get running from there. It would be great to prove them wrong.” At another point, he said, “I don’t have to prove anything. Last year wasn’t a fluke. Every guy goes through a tough time.”

And, later: “I gave them the best playoff game in their life. If I don’t pitch well for them, I don’t get a contract here. I’ve still got it. I’m going to prove a lot of people wrong.”

He offered an unsolicited tribute to second baseman Alex Cora, also cast off by the Dodgers and now a part-time player for the Cleveland Indians: “He’s the best second baseman in Major League Baseball, by far. He might not hit for average, but he’s the best defensive second baseman. You will never find a combination like Cora and [shortstop Cesar] Izturis in any league.”

And, finally, this: “I’ll get drunk if I win. But I won’t be driving.”

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Odalis Perez is scheduled to make the first of at least two rehabilitation starts tonight.... Elmer Dessens is scheduled to be activated from the disabled list this week and could start Friday against the Chicago White Sox.... Izturis moved into first place among National League shortstops in All-Star balloting. With Jeff Kent leading at second base, the Dodgers could be represented by a shortstop and second baseman for the first time since Bill Russell and Davey Lopes in 1980.