They’re on the Right Track

Versatility might be a strength of the Dodger bench, which features one player, Jolbert Cabrera, who can play six positions, and another, Mike Kinkade, who can play three, but balance is not.

The Dodgers had six right-handed hitters --Ron Coomer, Rickey Henderson, David Ross and Jason Romano are the other reserves -- on the bench Thursday night, an alignment Manager Jim Tracy will use against most right-handed starters but one that limits his late-game options, especially in close games the Dodgers are leading.

Thursday night provided a perfect example. The Dodgers had a one-run lead in the seventh, two on and two out, and the left-handed-hitting Alex Cora due up against Cincinnati left-handed reliever Kent Mercker.

Instead of going to his bench for a better offensive option, one that might break the game open, Tracy stuck with Cora, a .231 hitter with little power, because of Cora’s superb defensive ability at second base. Cora flied weakly to left field to end the inning.

“If we’re behind and we’re trying to get ahead, I would hit Cabrera for Cora,” Tracy said, “but if we have a one-run lead in the seventh or eighth, Cora isn’t coming out. I’m not going to weaken my defense with [closer Eric] Gagne coming into the game. He doesn’t need a three-run lead. You don’t compromise your defense when you’re ahead and you have three or six outs to go.”

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The Dodgers agreed to terms Thursday with pitcher Chuck Tiffany, a left-hander from Covina Charter Oak High who received a $1.1-million bonus, on the high end for a second-round pick who was the 61st overall selection in the June draft.

But the Dodgers feel they’re getting their money’s worth with Tiffany, a 6-foot-1, 200-pounder whose fastball has been clocked in the low 90s and who turned down a scholarship offer from Cal State Fullerton.

“I think we got two first-round arms with our first two picks,” said Dodger scouting director Logan White, referring to Tiffany and pitcher Chad Billingsley, the 24th overall pick who signed in June. “We almost took Tiffany with our first-round pick.”

Tiffany reported to the Dodgers’ rookie-league team in Ogden, Utah, and probably will participate in the team’s Florida instructional league this fall.

The Dodgers also signed ninth-round pick Brett Dowdy (Florida second baseman), 10th-round pick Philip Sobkow (Central Missouri State right-hander), 16th-round pick James Peterson (Indian Hills Community College first baseman), 17th-round pick Steven Sapp (West Torrance High center fielder) and 21st-round pick Travis Denker (Brea Olinda High second baseman).

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Fred McGriff, out since July 4 because of groin and knee injuries, went from running in a straight line to running around the outskirts of the infield Thursday, and if his legs respond favorably, the first baseman will run the bases today.

McGriff would not put a timetable on his return, but he vowed to be back as soon as he was physically able.

“If I could play, I’d be playing -- there’s no reason to wait,” said McGriff, who is 12 home runs shy of 500. “There’s a lot of things to play for, to accomplish, and the last thing I want to do is watch baseball games and eat sunflower seeds.”

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Pitcher Kazuhisa Ishii, out since July 30 because of a sprained left knee ligament, is scheduled to throw in the bullpen Sunday and again on Tuesday, and if the left-hander emerges with no problems, he will rejoin the rotation next Thursday in Florida.... Reserve catcher Todd Hundley, who has made considerable progress in his recovery from back surgery, will catch several bullpen sessions this weekend. He has been hitting off the tee and taking soft toss.

ON DECK

Opponent -- Chicago Cubs, three games.

Site -- Dodger Stadium.

TV -- Channel 13 all three games.

Radio -- KFWB (980), KWKW (1330).

Records -- Dodgers 58-55, Cubs 59-54.

2002 Record vs. Cubs -- 4-2.

Tonight, 7 -- Andy Ashby (2-9, 5.49) vs. Shawn Estes (7-8, 5.70).

Saturday, 7 p.m. -- Wilson Alvarez (1-1, 3.51) vs. Matt Clement (9-9, 3.91).

Sunday, 1 p.m. -- Kevin Brown (11-5, 2.13) vs. Mark Prior (9-5, 2.87).