N.L. report.(BASEBALL)

DODGERS closer Eric Gagne says he's on schedule to be ready for opening day. He showed no lingering effects from his June 2005 elbow surgery during a bullpen session last week. ... The GIANTS' closer, RHP Armando Benitez, came to camp 20 pounds lighter, and his surgically repaired hamstrings are sound. The club will try to keep leg problems in general to a minimum by doing more intense running exercises early in camp. ... RHP Kerry Wood (shoulder surgery) might open the season on the D.L. because the CUBS won't need five starters right away. Wood has yet to throw off a mound, and the club will go slowly with him to avoid setbacks. ... METS SS Jose Reyes should benefit from having special instructor Rickey Henderson in camp for a week. Henderson can counsel Reyes on how to improve as a leadoff hitter and basestealer. Reyes must be more selective at the plate. ... NATIONALS assistant G.M. Bob Boone will work with Matthew LeCroy and Robert Fick en their catching skills. They will compete to back up Brian Schneider but are considered below-average receivers. ... With PADRES C Mike Piazza needing more than occasional rest, veteran backup Doug Mirabelli should play a lot. Mirabelli is a solid defender and has underrated power. ... CARDINALS RHP Brad Thompson is a candidate to move into the late-inning relief role RHP Al Reyes (elbow surgery) filled last season. Thompson relies on a sinker to get a lot of ground balls. RHP Jeff Nelson also will get a look. ... The BRAVES might platoon Matt Diaz and Ryan Langerhans in left field this season. Manager Bobby Cox sees the righthanded-hitting Diaz as a potential power threat. ... The PHILLIES lack a second backup outfielder after Shane Victorino, so they might try IFs Tomas Perez, Alex S. Gonzalez and Abraham Nunez in the outfield this spring. Nunez and Perez both have played one career game in the outfield, Gonzalez none. ... New PIRATES manager Jim Tracy will emphasize fundamentals in the club's initial spring workouts. He believes bunting and fielding drills are just as important as bullpen sessions and batting practice, especially early in camp when pitchers aren't yet at full strength. ... RHP Brian Moehler has the inside track on the MARLINS' No. 2 starter job. Moehler, 34, eats up innings and will share his insight with a young staff. ... ASTROS LHP Carlos Hernandez has struggled since undergoing shoulder surgery in 2003, but the club will give him every chance to be a starter. Hernandez, 25, showed increased velocity in winter ball. ... Brad ...