Avenues to Green Opening

Contract discussions between the Toronto Blue Jays and the agent for Shawn Green collapsed Friday night, creating an opening for the Dodgers to acquire the power-hitting, all-star outfielder.

Toronto General Manager Gord Ash and Jeff Moorad, Green’s agent, ended talks after they were unable to agree to a multiyear extension for the left-handed slugger during two phone conversations, baseball sources said. Ash--attending the general managers’ meetings at Dana Point--is resigned to trading the Southland native, who rejected the club’s initial five-year, $50-million extension offer.

Dodger General Manager Kevin Malone has spoken with Ash about Green during the last few weeks, and Malone now will intensify his efforts after Friday’s developments. However, sources said at least four other teams--the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies and New York Yankees--also are actively pursuing the former Tustin High standout, and Malone also faces an in-house hurdle to completing a deal.

A source said new Dodger Chairman Robert Daly will prohibit Malone from acquiring Green unless Green agrees to a multiyear contract that fits the Dodgers’ budget. Moreover, Malone’s window won’t remain open long because Green, eligible for free agency after the 2000 season, is coveted by many major-market teams.

“Everyone in the industry knows one area we’d like to improve in is left-handed power,” said Malone, unable to comment specifically regarding Green because of tampering rules. “That’s an area we’ve been focusing on, I don’t think that’s a secret.”

Moorad also was reluctant to discuss the situation, but acknowledged the Blue Jays are prepared to trade Green soon.

“I think the Blue Jays will explore other options, but it isn’t over until it’s over,” Moorad said. “At this point, Shawn remains the property of the Blue Jays.”

Green, who will turn 27 on Wednesday, batted .309 with 42 home runs, 45 doubles, 123 runs batted in and 20 stolen bases this season. He had a breakthrough season in ‘98, batting .278 with 35 homers, 33 doubles, 100 RBIs and 35 stolen bases.

If eligible for free agency this season, Green would be interested in returning to the Southland for many reasons, Moorad said.

“Given his desire to have a major impact in a large Jewish community,” Moorad said, “the Southland teams would be high on his list.”