Manuel Is Hired by Indians

As a hitting instructor, Charlie Manuel helped the Cleveland Indians score more runs than any other team in the last half-century. Now the club wants him to be the manager who brings Cleveland its first World Series title since 1948.

The Indians hired Manuel as manager Monday, ending a search that took General Manager John Hart outside the organization but wound up back at the Cleveland dugout.

Manuel has never managed in the major leagues but is a player favorite in Cleveland and has worked for the last six years as the team’s hitting instructor.

Manuel’s former boss, Mike Hargrove, was fired after the Indians collapsed in the first round of the AL playoffs against Boston. Cleveland went up, 2-0, in the series but lost the next three games.

“The only way we’re going to get national recognition, I know, is to win a World Series,” Manuel said. “Believe me, I’m starting to work for October. I want it to go down to the end of October.”

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The Milwaukee Brewers wanted him. The Angels and Indians were interested too.

The team Don Baylor really wanted to manage was the Chicago Cubs.

“There’s not that many times you’re going to have the chance to manage a franchise with great tradition like the Chicago Cubs,” Baylor said after he was introduced as the Cubs’ new manager. “It grabbed me right away because I really never envisioned managing this team. There are not that many guys that they ask that.”

Baylor’s deal is reportedly worth $5.2 million over four years.

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Setting their off-season course, the Dodgers are focusing on acquiring Toronto Blue Jay right fielder Shawn Green if he becomes available, baseball sources said.

Dodger General Manager Kevin Malone has had talks with Toronto officials about the power-hitting left-handed batter, who will be eligible for free agency after the 2000 season and might be traded because of his contract situation. Green made $2.825 million this season, and the Blue Jays have offered him a five-year, $50-million extension, sources said.

Some player-personnel executives consider Green, 26, in the same class as Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. They are expected to sign multiyear deals averaging between $17 million and $20 million annually, and Green might command as much in next season’s free-agent market.

Green’s agent, Jeff Moorad, will meet with Toronto General Manager Gord Ash during the general managers’ meetings beginning Friday in Laguna Niguel.

“At this point, Shawn is the property of the Toronto Blue Jays,” Moorad said late Monday, responding to other teams’ strong interest in Green. “Until we’re directed to redirect our focus, we’re going to engage the Blue Jays about a long-term contract for Shawn.”

Adding a left-handed slugger to the Dodgers’ right-handed-dominated batting order is Malone’s top off-season priority.

Right fielder Raul Mondesi and pitcher Ismael Valdes are likely to be involved in any deal for Green. Moorad also represents Mondesi.

Malone, who has declined to comment regarding his plans to improve the disappointing ballclub, has had conversations with many general managers about many players, but Green is one who best fits the Dodgers’ needs.

Green batted .309 with 42 home runs, 45 doubles, 123 runs batted in and 20 stolen bases. In 1998, he hit .278 with 35 homers, 33 doubles, 100 RBIs and 35 stolen bases.

The Dodgers are among only a handful of teams considered to have the resources to acquire and sign the former Tustin High standout. Many believe Green will play for either the Dodgers or New York Yankees next season.