Lasorda Ready, Are Dodgers?

Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda was provided medical clearance, he said Friday, to return to his job Tuesday.

Lasorda insisted there are no lingering doubts, that he desperately wants to return to his job of 20 years.

Lasorda, in fact, is exceedingly optimistic that Sunday or Monday he will be invited back to finish the 1996 season.

Yet, after a 90-minute meeting with Dodger President Peter O’Malley and Fred Claire, executive vice president, the Dodgers announced that no decision has been reached.

Little wonder that after the Dodgers’ 4-3 defeat to the Houston Astros at the Astrodome, the clubhouse conversation focused on the future of Lasorda and the fate of interim Manager Bill Russell.

The Dodgers (54-50) dropped a game behind the division-leading San Diego Padres after blowing a 3-2 lead in the eighth on a run-scoring double by Derek Bell and a sacrifice fly by Billy Spiers. It was their fifth blown save in the last eight games, this one by Mark Guthrie.

“We’re all curious to see what will happen,” said first baseman Eric Karros, who hit a home run in the second inning to give the Dodgers a 1-0 lead. “Is Tommy coming back? That’s between Tommy and the organization.

“The organization will do what’s best for Tommy, whatever decision they make, and go from there.”

Lasorda, who has the longest active tenure of any manager or coach in professional sports, was asked if there was anything that could preclude him from returning

“I can’t think of any,” Lasorda said. “The doctors laid it all on the line for me, and they say it’s OK. The doctors were very pleased with the results and say I’m fit to return.”

Lasorda led the Dodgers to a 41-35 record and two-game lead in the National League West when he was hospitalized June 24 with a mild heart attack and ulcer. He said there were no discussions of managing past this season, nor was he told Dr. Michael Mellman’s recommendation to O’Malley.

“We’ll continue to meet throughout the weekend,” O’Malley said from his office. “That’s all I can say.”

In the meantime, Russell realizes there’s nothing he can do but wait.

He has managed the Dodgers to the best of his ability this past month. To be quite candid, he’s proud of the job he’s done, despite the 13-15 record. He would like to believe he has earned the right to become the next Dodger manager, should that time come.

“I just hope Tommy’s OK,” Russell said, “because this is his team. I’ve had the team for a month now, but he’ll be back. And I’ve accepted that.

“But without bragging, I’m pleased with the way things have gone. I feel I . . . did a good job.”

Russell, who has been with the organization for the last 30 years, has been widely accepted by the Dodger players. There have been few instances anyone has dared second-guess a move. Even Friday, when Russell bucked conventional wisdom and kept left-handed Guthrie in the game to face right-handed power-hitters Jeff Bagwell and Derek Bell, he had his reasoning.

“Antonio Osuna’s a high-ball pitcher. We wanted ground balls. Guthrie did just what he’s supposed to do. It just didn’t work out.”

The Dodgers, who took a 3-2 lead in the seventh with three consecutive two-out singles, watched it disintegrate in the eighth. Bagwell led off with a single to right field, bringing up Bell who hit a 3-and-2 forkball over the head of third baseman Mike Busch into the left-field corner for a double, scoring Bagwell.

Russell summoned Osuna to face Sean Berry. He laid down a bunt and sacrificed Bell to third. Osuna intentionally walked Derrick May, and then watched Spiers hit a fly ball to left field, deep enough to score Bell for a sacrifice fly and a 4-3 lead. It was the third time in the last nine games the Dodgers have blown a lead in the eighth or ninth innings.

The Astros moved into first place in the National League Central when closer Billy Wagner struck out Greg Gagne, stranding Rick Parker at second.

“The bullpen’s been outstanding in the first half,” Karros said. “To expect it to be like that the entire year is asking quite a bit. Those guys will be back.”

Perhaps, so will their manager.