Johnson Expected to Get Orioles’ Job on Friday

Davey Johnson will be announced Friday as the new manager of the Baltimore Orioles, according to two highly placed sources.

Johnson, former manager of the Cincinnati Reds, has agreed to a three-year contract and will be allowed to hire at least three of his own coaches.

Oriole officials refused to confirm or deny the report.

Johnson, according to the source, already has decided to hire former Oriole Pat Dobson as his pitching coach. He also plans to bring aboard former Oriole catcher Andy Etchebarren and Red coach John Stearns.

The Orioles also are expected to announce the hiring as general manager of Kevin Malone, who recently resigned from the Montreal Expos.

The leading candidate to replace Johnson’s vacancy in Cincinnati is Sparky Anderson. Sources in the Reds’ front office say owner Marge Schott has changed her mind and now wants to hire Anderson instead of Ray Knight, who had been promised the job.

“I can’t say too much about it,” Cincinnati General Manager Jim Bowden said. “Everything’s up in the air right now.”