Dombrowski Out of L.A. Picture

Dave Dombrowski dropped out of the Dodger general manager derby after agreeing to a five-year, $5-million contract extension Wednesday to remain at the helm of the Florida Marlins.

The Marlin general manager was the leading candidate for the Dodger position, baseball sources said. Dombrowski, 42, was scheduled to meet with Chase Carey and Peter Chernin--co-chief executives of Fox Group’s parent company News Corp.--in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

But Dombrowski removed himself from consideration Tuesday night in a phone conversation with Dodger President Bob Graziano.

“We would have liked to see Dave complete the interview process with the other outstanding candidates,” Graziano said. “But we understand and respect his decision, and we wish him well.”

Many Dodger officials are pleased that Dombrowski won’t be joining the ballclub. Carey and Chernin were eager to hire Dombrowski, but the perception in the Dodger organization is that Dombrowski was only using the team to strengthen his position with the Marlins.

Dombrowski is expected to be promoted to president of baseball operations by the Marlins next season, in addition to receiving a raise from his current salary of almost $750,000 annually.

The Dodgers are now expected to offer the position to Kevin Malone, assistant general manager of the Baltimore Orioles. Dombrowski and Malone, respectively, emerged as the front-runners for the coveted job in interviews with search committee members at Dodger Stadium.

Support for Malone has been increasing this week as it appeared the Dodgers and Marlins might be headed into a bidding war for Dombrowski. Malone must meet with Carey and Chernin before the Dodgers can move forward.

Jim Bowden, general manager of the Cincinnati Reds, and Bob Watson, former general manager of the New York Yankees, are the other candidates remaining on Graziano’s list. Graziano hopes to introduce Tom Lasorda’s successor at the beginning of next week.

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Fred Claire, former Dodger executive vice president, is a candidate for the team presidency of the Kansas City Royals, baseball sources said.

Claire, 62, has been out of baseball since he was fired June 21 along with former manager Bill Russell. But the 30-year club employee--and architect of the 1988 World Series championship team--hopes to return to the game.

“I had heard that rumor, but I have not heard from anyone at the Kansas City club,” said Claire, who has been working for ESPN Radio. “I am interested in being with a club, and being in a competitive part of baseball.

“But there is only one position open right now [the Dodger general manager job], and I’m not a candidate for it.”

ON DECK

* Opponent--San Diego Padres, four games.

* Site--Qualcomm Stadium.

* Today--2 p.m.

* TV--Channel 5 Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

* Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

* Records--Dodgers 74-72, Padres 92-54.

* 1998 record vs. Padres--2-4.

TODAY

DODGERS’ CHAN HO PARK (12-8, 3.87 ERA) vs. PADRES’ KEVIN BROWN (18-5, 2.43 ERA)

* Update--The Dodgers lack depth in the outfield because of injuries and illness, so interim General Manager Tom Lasorda acquired help Wednesday. Lasorda traded minor league outfielder Jose Pimental to the Atlanta Braves for minor league outfielder Damon Hollis, who batted .264 with 13 home runs and 48 runs batted in during 70 games for triple-A Richmond this season. To make room on the 40-man roster for Hollis, who also batted .167 in three games with the Braves in early May, the Dodgers placed reliever Antonio Osuna on the 60-day disabled list. Osuna underwent season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow Tuesday. Pimental batted .203 with four homers and 24 RBIs in 90 games for double-A San Antonio this season. The Dodgers also activated shortstop Jose Vizcaino from the disabled list. Vizcaino sat out 72 games after severely spraining his right ankle June 21 at Colorado. He will be limited to pinch-hitting for now.

* Friday, 7 p.m.--Brian Bohanon (6-9, 2.91) vs. Joey Hamilton (12-12, 4.55).

* Saturday, 7 p.m.--Dave Mlicki (8-7, 4.58) vs. TBA.

* Sunday, 1 p.m.--Ismael Valdes (10-9, 3.74) vs. TBA.