Ken Caminiti

DodgersWhere they're coming from: A tumultuous season during which longtime manager Tom Lasorda retired and CF Brett Butler came back from throat cancer. Los Angeles lost its last four games, blowing the NL West lead and finishing second at 90-72. The Dodgers were eliminated from the playoffs in three games by the Braves.Where they're going: The best pitching staff in baseball and a lineup with some of the best young hitters in the game will get the Dodgers back to the playoffs, where they'll be looking to end a six-game losing streak.

Hitting Raul Mondesi, Dodgers: 4-for-5, double, triple. Mickey Morandini, Cubs: 3-for-3, HR. Desi Relaford, Phillies: 4-for-5, HR, 4 RBIs. Ken Caminiti, Padres: 5 RBIs, HR, 2 doubles. Pitching Kevin Millwood, Braves: 8 innings, 0 runs, 4 hits. Brian Edmondson, Marlins: 4 1/3 innings of two-hit relief. Pub Date: 7/05/98

The first trade since baseball owners imposed the salary cap was perhaps the biggest in 37 years, involving as many as 12 players.The Houston Astros yesterday dealt All-Star third baseman Ken Caminiti, ex-Orioles outfielder Steve Finley, pitcher Brian Williams, infielders Roberto Petagine and Andujar Cedeno and a minor-league player to be named or $50,000 to the San Diego Padres for outfielders Phil Plantier and Derek Bell, pitchers Pedro Martinez and...

Cardinals: Cleanup hitter Ron Gant was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring. . . . Before the game, the No. 2 jersey of Hall of Famer Red Schoendienst, who's been a player, manager and coach for 44 seasons with the team, was retired.Dodgers: Eric Karros, who walked twice and lined out to the warning track in center field and hit into a double play, is in an 0-for-24 slump.Mariners: Left-hander Randy Johnson, who has left his past two starts early and hasn't pitched in 10 days due to back and calf injuries, is scheduled to start today.

BaseballExpos: Recalled P Carl Pavano and IF Jose Vidro from Triple-A Ottawa.Padres: Activated 3B Ken Caminiti and P Mark Langston from DL. Placed IF Archi Cianfrocco (right oblique strain) on 15-day DL, retroactive to May 21. Designated P Ben VanRyn for #F assignment.4 Reds: Recalled P Eddie Priest from Indianapolis.Red Sox: Sent OF Trot Nixon to Triple-A Pawtucket. Called up IF Keith Johns from Pawtucket. Moved P Kerry Lacy from 15- to 60-day DL.Royals: Activated DH Hal Morris and P Hipolito Pichardo.

Quote: "It means a little bit for the Alou family and Latin American managers, who I don't see too many of around here."-- Expos manager Felipe Alou, on winning game No. 520 Tuesday night to tie Buck Rodgers for most wins by a Montreal manager.It's a fact: All of Atlanta's hits in an 8-4 win over San Francisco Tuesday night were doubles.Who's hot: The lowly Pirates have won three games in a row and seven of nine.Who's not: Ken Caminiti of the Padres is hurt and 1-for-14 since homering Aug. 12.On deck: San Diego's Kevin Brown (15-4)