Johnson, Malone on Same Page

Manager Davey Johnson has been forced to deal with many problems during the Dodgers’ disappointing season, but he said his relationship with General Manager Kevin Malone has not been among them.

Johnson has been troubled by ongoing speculation that a rift has formed between him and Malone, prompting him to address the issue Tuesday night before the Dodgers’ 5-2 victory over the Brewers at County Stadium.

Johnson said he has been especially upset by a recent published report that they don’t get along. Johnson wants to put the issue to rest once and for all, saying that he and Malone are unified in their efforts to rebuild the organization.

The Dodgers recorded their second victory in as many nights against the Brewers. Rookie right-hander Mike Judd (2-1) gave up three hits and two runs in 5 1/3 innings, and closer Jeff Shaw worked a perfect ninth to earn his 27th save before a crowd of 21,828.

Leadoff batter Eric Young remained hot since returning from the disabled list, going two for five with two runs and a run batted in, and reserve outfielder Trenidad Hubbard hit his first home run of the season. The Dodgers (58-68) improved to 4-1 on the trip that ends today.

Johnson is pleased by the ballclub’s recent performance, but the talk surrounding him and Malone has tempered his good vibes.

“There aren’t any problems with us,” Johnson said of his relationship with Malone. “That’s something I want to make real clear. There are some people out there saying things and writing things without knowing what they’re talking about.

“They’re not here and they don’t know what’s going on. Just because someone hears something and passes it along, that doesn’t mean it’s the truth. The truth is that there isn’t anything wrong there.”

There have been questions circulating about the strength of their relationship from the moment Johnson was hired in October.

Many wondered whether Malone was forced to hire Johnson by President Bob Graziano and Fox Group officials because Malone first pursued Montreal Expo Manager Felipe Alou, who rejected the Dodgers’ offer and remained with the Expos.

Because Johnson managed the Baltimore Orioles when Malone served as the Orioles’ assistant general manager, the perception among some has been that Malone did not want to hire Johnson because of their past experiences together. Malone and Johnson stressed there weren’t any problems at that time as well, saying nothing should be read into their relationship based on the complicated managerial search.

On Tuesday, Johnson reaffirmed that they get along well.

“I’m totally on the same page with Kevin and I have a great deal of respect for Kevin,” Johnson said. “It bothers me tremendously that anyone would think I’ve been anything but totally loyal to Kevin. Anyone who questions my loyalty to Kevin is way off base.”

Johnson acknowledges that he and Malone sometimes disagree, but no more than any manager and general manager.

“I have to have a good relationship with my general manager, and I do,” Johnson said. “The things we have to do for this club won’t happen unless Kevin and I understand each other.”

Malone agreed.

“Davey and I know what we have to do and we’re working together to get the job done,” Malone said in a phone interview. “We sometimes have a difference of opinion when we’re discussing things, but we always stand behind decisions together once they’re made.

“From the moment Davey was hired, we talked about every [personnel] decision maybe three, four times a day. Once Davey came on board, he was involved in every personnel decision that was made, and that’s the way it has been every day since then.”

Graziano said he would know if problems existed between his top baseball-operation officials--and they don’t.

“I work closely with both Kevin and Davey, and I haven’t seen anything like that,” said Graziano, who attended Tuesday’s game. “They make a very good team.”

*

TORONTO 5

ANGELS 1

Ortiz sharp again in home debut, but offense is no help. Page 3