Dodgers to Russell: ‘Hey, Let’s Play Two’

Bill Russell, interim manager for the last 3 1/2 months, was officially introduced as Dodger manager for the next two seasons at a news conference Thursday at Dodger Stadium.

Russell, who took over for Tom Lasorda on June 25, was given a two-year contract for about $700,000. He becomes only the third manager of the team in 42 years.

“I think [managing for Lasorda] answered a lot of questions as far as with myself,” said Russell, who played shortstop for the Dodgers from 1970-86. “Do I want to manage at this level? Can I manage at this level? And both answers came up yes. The transition was as smooth as possible because I was with the players since Day 1.”

Dodger President Peter O’Malley said that there was no special reason Russell was given a two-year contract instead of the team’s customary one-year deal for managers.

“We just thought that two was the right number,” O’Malley said. “When you change managers, more than a year is appropriate. Two is the right number. For the players who are here and for players who might be renegotiating contracts, they know that Russell will manage the club at least through the 1998 season.

“We don’t change managers very often. But when we do, we do it right. [Russell] has done it all, he’s done it well. I believe he has the trust, the confidence, the admiration of our players, our fans, the media.”

Russell, 47, served as the team’s bench coach for 2 1/2 seasons before succeeding Lasorda--a day after Lasorda was hospitalized with what turned out to be a heart attack.

Russell managed the Dodgers to a 49-37 record and a berth in the playoffs as the National League’s wild-card team.

“I feel that [Russell] did a great job,” Ramon Martinez said. “ I don’t think anyone on the team is surprised because he deserved it.”

The Dodgers were leading the West Division and had won 24 of 32 games before losing their final four of the regular season, the last three to the San Diego Padres, who won the division title. They were then swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Atlanta Braves.

“What we saw this year was the start of the evolution of Bill as a manager,” said Fred Claire, executive vice president. “It became very clear to me on a daily basis that he is the right man and he deserves the opportunity.”

The Dodgers also announced they were retaining the entire coaching staff and adding former catcher Mike Scioscia as bench coach.

In other news, catcher Mike Piazza had an MRI on his right knee on Tuesday and the test showed that he will not need arthroscopic surgery.

Piazza, who hit .336 with 36 homers this season, had an MRI in late May on the same knee. At that time, the scan showed a slight cartilage tear, but the Dodgers said the injury has improved.

The Dodgers also claimed infielder Tripp Cromer from the St. Louis Cardinals on waivers. Cromer, 28, has played in parts of three seasons with the Cardinals and hit .217 in 117 games.