Blaney, 32-Year Employee, Is Out as Vice President of Minor League Operations

In the ongoing restructuring of the Dodgers, Charlie Blaney, vice president of minor league operations, was forced out Wednesday and replaced by Bill Geivett, who recently joined the rapidly transforming organization.

The move had been expected for weeks because of the poor performance of the scouting and development department under Blaney’s direction, and the hiring of new General Manager Kevin Malone. Malone has a background in scouting, and he realized that the Dodgers’ minor league system isn’t as good as those in the previous regime believed.

Terry Reynolds, scouting director, is probably next on Malone’s list. The Dodgers have endured disappointing drafts under the direction of former executive vice president Fred Claire, Blaney and Reynolds. Team President Bob Graziano fired Claire on June 21.

Malone installed Geivett, a longtime friend and trusted colleague during their tenure with the Montreal Expos, as the new minor league operations chief because of his extensive background in scouting, something Blaney lacked.

Geivett, 35, joined the Dodgers last Friday after serving as a special assistant to the general manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for the last two years. He served as director of player development for the Expos from 1994-96, including one year while Malone was the Expos’ general manager.

“Bill Geivett has unique talents and expertise in player development,” Malone said. “We can now use those talents in strengthening our minor league system as we prepare to take this organization to another level.”

Blaney, 60, avoided being fired by accepting an early retirement. In an attempt to save his job, Blaney pleaded his case publicly last week.

The 32-year Dodger employee distributed packets detailing the minor league department’s success under his direction to reporters. The move was unprecedented by a high-ranking team executive, and club officials frowned on the act, sources said.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Milwaukee Brewers, four games.

* Site--Dodger Stadium.

* Tonight--7.

* TV--Fox Sports West 2 Friday.

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

* Records--Dodgers 80-78, Brewers 73-85.

* 1998 record vs. Brewers--2-3.

* Tickets--(213) 224-1448.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ DAVE MLICKI (8-7, 4.67 ERA)

vs.

BREWERS’ STEVE WOODARD (10-12, 4.31 ERA)

* Update--Mlicki was forced to leave in the sixth inning of his last start because he experienced back spasms. “It was something that I had last year too, but I don’t think it’s anything to worry about,” Mlicki said. “I felt fine when I threw [in the bullpen Tuesday], so I think it’s just one of those things that acts up after a long season.”

* Friday, 7 p.m.--Ismael Valdes (10-10, 4.17) vs. Brad Woodall (7-8, 5.08).

* Saturday, 7 p.m.--Carlos Perez (11-13, 3.61) vs. Scott Karl (9-11, 4.54).

* Sunday, 1 p.m.--Chan Ho Park (14-9, 3.77) vs. Bill Pulsipher (3-3, 5.29).