Players Are Looking Over Their Shoulders

The Dodgers are sifting through the rubble, awaiting the next bombshell.

And they’re confident there will be one because the pattern rivals Fox’s wackiest situation comedy.

“It’s evident that nobody’s immune to some of the things that have happened the last few weeks,” first baseman Eric Karros said. “What’s happened shows that no matter who you are, what you do, how much time you’ve put in . . . everybody’s susceptible to change.

“At this point, I think everybody is numb. You go out and play, do your job and hope your uniform’s hanging [in the clubhouse] tomorrow.”

For some, uniforms could be changing.

Tom Lasorda, interim general manager, realizes his team needs an ace starting pitcher and a closer, and he’s working hard on the latter situation.

Lasorda has spoken with General Manager Jim Bowden of the Cincinnati Reds about acquiring Jeff Shaw, the 1997 National League “fireman of the year.” Bowden is interested in rookie infielder-outfielder Paul Konerko, but would prefer rookie third baseman Adrian Beltre, who sources say is untouchable.

Bowden has had numerous offers for Shaw, who led the National League with 42 saves last season. The bidding is expected to intensify during the All-Star break July 6-8.

If Lasorda remains committed to Beltre, any offer for Shaw will probably have to include a relief pitcher as well as a position player. Antonio Osuna appears to have been growing into the closer role that he was expected to occupy at the beginning of the season but he may soon lose his job to Shaw in this season-long carnival.

“I thought the most amazing thing I’d seen was--we were in Colorado, and I was watching the [New York] Mets and [Florida] Marlins game on TV,” Karros said. “I was watching [Hideo] Nomo pitching to [Mike] Piazza, and [Todd] Zeile’s up at the plate hitting a home run. I thought that was the most amazing thing I’d seen.”

So far.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Texas Rangers, three games.

* Site--The Ballpark in Arlington, Arlington, Texas.

* Tonight--5:30 p.m. PDT.

* TV--Fox Sports West 2 Wednesday, Channel 5 Thursday.

* Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

* Records--Dodgers 39-42, Rangers 46-35.

* Record vs. Rangers--(1997) 1-3.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ DARREN DREIFORT (4-6, 3.75 ERA) vs. RANGERS’ RICK HELLING (11-3, 4.17 ERA)

* Update--This is the first series in a two-series, six-game trip that leads to the All-Star break. After Texas, the Dodgers face the San Francisco Giants for the first time this season, in a three-game weekend series beginning Friday at 3Com Park. The Rangers and Giants are in second place in the American and National League West Divisions, respectively. The Dodgers realize the importance of the trip--and the challenge they face. “These are both big series for us, and everyone knows that,” second baseman Eric Young said. “We’re playing two real good teams, and these are the types of teams we need to show something against.” Texas slugger Juan Gonzalez leads the major leagues with 96 runs batted in, and is third in the American League with 24 home runs.

* Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.--Dennis Reyes (0-4, 4.56) vs. Todd Van Poppel (1-1, 7.84).

* Thursday, 5:30 p.m.--Chan Ho Park (6-5, 5.17) vs. Darren Oliver (4-5, 6.81).