Royals notebook: Dodgers showing interest in Dotel  —  It appears the Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as the most serious party yet in the Royals' effort to seek an impact return by offering veteran closer Octavio Dotel before the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline.

Is trading Kendall a signal?  —  Swap with Cubs might be sign A's are looking beyond 2007  —  A's general manager Billy Beane isn't quite ready to wave the white flag, but he admitted that Monday's trade of catcher Jason Kendall could signal the team's focus has shifted partially to next year.

Padres' Bell credits cookies for success  —  SAN DIEGO — Aside from his ERA, former Met Heath Bell hasn't changed much since coming to the Padres.  When the affable Bell greeted a group of New York reporters yesterday he was wearing a T-shirt that read, "I'm in shape.  Round is a shape."

D'backs' Jackson on display for Sox?  —  An interesting thing happened on Monday night in Milwaukee: The Arizona Diamondbacks played their first baseman, Conor Jackson, in left field, only the second time in his big-league career he has played there.  —  According to MLB sources …

Larkin Watches, Nats Win  —  Barry Larkin's playing days are over, and he spends most of his time near his home in Orlando, where he is developing a post-baseball life and serves as a fringe member of the Washington Nationals' think tank.  But sit with Larkin even for a minute …

Mets start trip with a slip  —  Open Western swing by falling down Wells  —  SAN DIEGO - The Mets face a stern challenge to their two-month hold on first place in the NL East this week.  —  But even though they started their West Coast swing with a 5-1 loss to the Padres last night …

Team suspends Olsen for 2 games  —  MIAMI GARDENS — Marlins pitcher Scott Olsen, who fought with teammates at least twice last season, has done it again.  —  After a successful, but frustrating, five-inning outing Sunday, sources said Olsen scuffled with fellow starter Sergio Mitre …

Phillips Makes Case to Stay, and Igawa Doesn't  —  Andy Phillips homered in his first major league at-bat, in 2004, and it sometimes seems as if it has been all downhill since.  He has had an emotional Yankees career, learning hard the lesson that timing is everything.  Now, at last, it may be his time.

Jeter is too cool for his own good  —  NEW YORK - If history has taught us anything about Derek Jeter, it's that reading him is like monitoring the Kremlin.  In other words, good luck discerning how the captain feels about Gary Sheffield or the Yankees' relentless march towards mediocrity …

Dukes admits marijuana use … TAMPA - Troubled Devil Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes admitted under oath Monday that he smokes marijuana.  —  After Dukes' estranged wife accused the ballplayer of doing the drug "on a daily basis," Hillsborough Circuit Judge Kevin Carey asked Dukes if he uses it.

11's barely enough  —  CLEVELAND — Ozzie Guillen was under the impression that general manager Ken Williams' travel plans included joining the team in Cleveland for the three-game series with the Indians.  —  But with the 11-game road trip crawling along after a 1-3 weekend in Baltimore …

Agatha 'Pete' Doman: At 79, she bopped a Brewer to protect her beloved M's  —  Agatha Doman was a pastor's daughter, raised on sermons of love and respect and all things good.  She wasn't one to pick fights, though one Saturday night in the Kingdome, she didn't back down, either.

Ready to spill baseball juice  —  If you're wondering about Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield or anyone else, don't bother asking: George Mitchell still isn't talking about the names that may show up in his report on doping in baseball.  —  In a lengthy interview with the Daily News …

Write Time To Retire No. 3?  —  Ruth's Granddaughter Gathering Signatures  —  NEW YORK - Linda Ruth Tosetti would like to see No. 3 on display at every major league ballpark in honor of her grandfather, Babe Ruth.  —  The No. 42 was retired throughout baseball in 1997 to honor Jackie Robinson …