BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : O’Malley: Youth to Be Served

While many in the Dodgers’ clubhouse have been grumbling about needing another right-handed veteran hitter in the lineup, club President Peter O’Malley voiced his support for Vice President Fred Claire’s refusal to makes moves that would limit the opportunities for younger

“We have done everything possible to put together a group of talented players,� O’Malley said. “I am not going to tamper and say that we will not do anything else, but I know we have done everything possible for this team.�

O’Malley said he is as excited as Claire about the club’s young talent.

“There has to be a place for young players with the veterans,� O’Malley said. “Yes, our flow of talent (from the minor leagues) has resumed . . . and Tommy (Lasorda) has shown more enthusiasm for that young talent.�

The young talent, plus a reluctance to add another long-term contract to their bulging payroll, is the reason Claire will not even talk trade for a player such as the Montreal Expos’ Tim Wallach, who is available.

After struggling throughout most of the spring, Jay Howell pitched 3 2/3 innings in a simulated game, giving up two hits, with two walks and one strikeout. He threw with regular-season velocity.

Dodger pitching coach Ron Perranoski was pleased. “You’ve got to be impressed,� he said. “I did not expect that kind of velocity.�

Howell could be ready to pitch during the first week of the season.

Lasorda said his recent printed comments in which he joked about wanting a two-year contract were incorrect. “I was thrilled with my new contract. I’m the happiest man on earth,� he said. . . . Eric Karros’ two-run home run in the ninth inning off Scott Bankhead gave the Dodgers a comeback 6-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds Thursday at Plant City, Fla. It was Karros’ third hit of the game. He is batting .382, with nine runs batted in, tying him for the team lead. However, unless Todd Benzinger cannot start the season because of a sore calf muscle, Karros is still bound for triple-A Albuquerque, N.M. . . . Benzinger has begun taking batting practice again, and says he can play in a couple of games in Florida before the Dodgers leave Wednesday.