BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Albuquerque Manager Kennedy Resigns

The Dodgers’ player development system received another blow Wednesday when Manager Kevin Kennedy resigned because he was not going to be reassigned to triple-A Albuquerque, sources said.

Kennedy, who was named minor league manager of the year in 1990 by Baseball America, had completed his fourth season at Albuquerque. He was reportedly at odds with farm director Charlie Blaney because Kennedy wanted to develop players while Blaney emphasized winning. Kennedy was often frustrated because top young talent was moved slowly through the system, which helped Dodger minor league teams become winners.

The Dodgers’ development efforts, once the envy of baseball, have recently declined. Only four Dodgers who have had an impact on this year’s division race came through the Dodgers’ system--Orel Hershiser, Ramon Martinez, Mike Scioscia and Chris Gwynn.

“We had discussions, our staff was looked at, and the ultimate resolution was that Kevin Kennedy resigned,” said Fred Claire, Dodger vice president.

Claire acknowledged that they had not yet offered next season’s Albuquerque job to Kennedy, who could not be reached for comment. “That had not yet been determined,” Claire said.

Tim Belcher felt good during an easy walk around the Astrodome field Wednesday, but he won’t know whether he can start Saturday until he throws off a mound Friday in Atlanta. . . . The mound at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium affected more than Belcher. Teammate Tim Crews, who pitched on the same day, is suffering from strained buttocks.

Sources say Bill White, NL president, is investigating comments by Cincinnati Red pitcher Norm Charlton, who said he meant to hit Mike Scioscia Monday night. White has reportedly spoken with Bob Quinn, general manager of the Reds, and Paul Runge, the umpires’ crew chief that night. Quinn reportedly told White to take whatever action he felt necessary while Runge defended his crew’s decision not to warn Charlton after hitting Scioscia in the hand because it appeared so innocent. . . . The Dodgers are hoping Charlton is suspended next season, so he will not miss any of the Reds’ six remaining games with the Atlanta Braves.

Several Dodgers reacted after hearing that the Braves celebrating Tuesday’s victory by remaining on the field and dancing with fans. “Everybody said we were popping off in the newspaper, but there are the Braves, out on the field doing their little dances,” Brett Butler said. “I guess we’ll just see what happens this weekend.”

Jay Howell threw on the side for 20 minutes Wednesday and said his sore elbow felt good enough that he hopes to be ready this weekend in Atlanta, although that is still doubtful.