Lasorda Close to Olympic Job

Former Dodger manager Tom Lasorda is expected to be selected the U.S. Olympic baseball coach within a week, two major league sources said Tuesday.

The committee that selects the coach and 24-man roster is focusing on the Dodger senior vice president. Two members of the committee interviewed Lasorda near Dodger Stadium on Monday.

Contacted at home, Lasorda said, “I know nothing about that [Monday’s meeting], and I haven’t heard anything about what they’re doing.”

However, sources confirmed that Bob Watson and Bill Bavasi, committee co-chairmen, interviewed the Hall of Fame manager. Lasorda has long relationships with the former general managers.

The feeling among many in Olympic baseball is that Lasorda, regarded as one of the game’s most popular ambassadors, would be an excellent choice to work with young players and spark interest in the team before the Sydney Olympics in September.

Although other candidates are still being considered, Lasorda has strong support. General managers Pat Gillick of the Seattle Mariners and Chuck LaMar of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are also among the committee’s members.

Lasorda has remained involved with young players in his retirement from managing. He tutors minor leaguers during spring training and advises General Manager Kevin Malone and assistant general manager Bill Geivett.

Moreover, Lasorda has continued to promote the Dodgers, and baseball in general, internationally since retiring during the ’96 season. Lasorda recently returned from a trip to Japan for the Dodgers.

In 20 years managing the Dodgers, Lasorda led the club to four pennants and World Series championships in ’81 and ’88. He said coaching the Olympic team would be the crowning achievement of his managerial career.

While declining to discuss the committee’s search Tuesday, Lasorda reiterated he wants the job.

“I don’t know what they’re going to do, but I want to do something for my country,” he said. “I’ve had 51 wonderful years with the Dodgers, and I love the Dodgers, but when you represent the Dodgers only Dodger fans support you.

“When you represent the whole country, the whole country supports you, and there’s nothing better than working for your country. This is something that would be an incredible honor for anyone who loves their country.”

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Chan Ho Park’s blister didn’t bother him during his bullpen session Tuesday, and the right-hander plans to start Thursday against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.

“It’s good,” Park said after throwing. “It felt good [Monday] and it’s better today. It’s good.”

The blister formed on the tip of Park’s right middle finger while he pitched Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds. Manager Davey Johnson was surprised by Park’s fast recovery.

“I’m amazed at how good it looks,” he said. “When you have it [a blister] where his is, that’s the last thing you want. But he’s looking pretty good.”

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Johnson said Carlos Perez will remain in the rotation, and Orel Hershiser in the bullpen.

Perez retained a spot in the five-man group after going 2-0 with a 4.09 earned-run average in two starts while Kevin Brown was on the disabled list. Overall, the left-hander is 2-1 with a 5.12 ERA.

“Perez pitched well for me, so he’s going to stay in,” Johnson said. “Hopefully, he’ll be able to build on that.”

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ ERIC GAGNE (0-0, 3.86 ERA) vs. BRAVES’ KEVIN MILLWOOD (1-0, 4.32 ERA)

Turner Field, 4 p.m. PDT.

TV--ESPN 2. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Update--Gagne struck out eight Friday against the Reds, matching the top mark in his brief tenure. But Johnson removed the rookie right-hander after 4 1/3 innings because he threw 117 pitches. Gagne was disappointed about getting no decision in the 9-2 victory but agreed with Johnson’s decision. “I wanted to stay in, but I threw a lot of pitches,” he said. “I just struggled a little to [throw strikes] with some of my pitches. I’m getting better, I was missing on some of my pitches, but I just need to [throw strikes].” Millwood emerged as one of the game’s top young pitchers last season with an 18-7 record and 2.68 ERA. The right-hander is 3-2 with a 3.68 ERA in five games against the Dodgers.