For the Dodgers, It’s Think Green Week

The general managers’ meetings begin today in Dana Point, but Dodger General Manager Kevin Malone is more interested in another meeting occurring in Orange County.

Toronto Blue Jay General Manager Gord Ash is scheduled to meet with Jeff Moorad--agent for Toronto power-hitting outfielder Shawn Green--in Newport Beach to discuss extending Green’s contract. Ash and Moorad have been unable to agree to terms, and baseball sources said the Blue Jays will trade the all-star unless the apparent impasse ends soon.

Tampering rules prohibit Dodger officials from commenting on Green, but Malone has spoken with Ash about acquiring the left-handed slugger if Green becomes available. If Ash emerges from today’s meeting convinced that Green won’t sign a multiyear extension, the Dodgers will move quickly to enter the bidding for Green.

The Ken Griffey Jr. situation also will be among the main topics discussed during the meetings, which end Thursday.

Seattle Mariner officials said they will try to accommodate the perennial all-star’s request to be traded to a team closer to his family’s home in Orlando, Fla.

The Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees and New York Mets are expected to strongly pursue Griffey. The Dodgers are focusing their efforts on Green.

It should be a hectic week for new Angel General Manager Bill Stoneman.

In addition to laying the groundwork for potential deals in what could be a busy off-season, Stoneman will begin interviewing candidates for the Angel manager job. The pool includes Chris Chambliss, Willie Randolph, Joe Maddon, Hal McRae and Ken Macha.

Stoneman’s hiring came with a mandate from club President Tony Tavares to make substantial roster moves. That means the Angels are almost certain to trade one of their extra outfielders, Tim Salmon, Jim Edmonds, Garret Anderson or Darin Erstad, this winter.

Griffey or Green would fulfill the Dodgers’ desire to add a left-handed batter to their right-handed dominated lineup. Griffey, eligible for free agency after next season, reportedly rejected the Mariners’ eight-year, $135-million offer.

The Blue Jays offered Green, 26, a five-year, $50-million extension. The former Tustin High standout made $2.825 million this season in the final year of a two-year deal, and also is eligible for free agency after the 2000 season.

Virtually every player on the Angels’ roster, with the exception of third baseman Troy Glaus and young pitcher Ramon Ortiz, will be available, and the Angels will look to bolster their rotation, the leadoff spot, catcher and second base.

But despite speculation the Angels could trade first baseman Mo Vaughn, that is highly unlikely. Vaughn has a no-trade clause through 2000, and the Angels believe a healthy and highly motivated Vaughn--he has already lost 15 pounds since the end of the season--could have a monster season in 2000.

Stoneman said assistant general manager Ken Forsch will be retained in the same position but that Bob Fontaine, director of scouting and player personnel for the last 13 seasons, will not. Stoneman said he hoped to reassign Fontaine to another scouting-related position, but Fontaine probably will leave the organization to pursue a job elsewhere.

The Angels also signed catcher Steve Decker to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

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Larry Dolan, 68, a Cleveland-area lawyer, agreed to buy the Cleveland Indians from Richard Jacobs for $320 million. The deal, which tops the record $311-million sale of the Dodgers in March 1998 from the O’Malley family to Fox, is subject to approval by major league owners. . . . Former Chicago Cub manager Jim Riggleman has joined the Indians’ staff and will serve under new Manager Charlie Manuel. . . . Former Dodger second baseman Davey Lopes agreed to a three-year contract to manage the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.