Phone Call Spurred Support

A productive phone conversation Saturday between Manager Davey Johnson and General Manager Kevin Malone spurred Dodger officials to publicly support Johnson, team sources said.

Before a game against the Atlanta Braves, Johnson phoned Malone to discuss tension in the clubhouse stemming from his then-unclear job status.

The Dodgers’ poor performance stirred speculation that Johnson might be removed soon, affecting his credibility with players.

Johnson reaffirmed that the team’s success was his priority, saying he did not want to become a distraction.

Malone acknowledged that Johnson’s situation had to be addressed because the Dodgers are still in contention in the National League West and their focus should be on the field.

Malone said Sunday that Johnson will remain in his position the rest of the season, adding that management believes Johnson can lead the club to the division title.

Johnson and Malone declined to comment about their conversation, but they said they are pleased the issue has been resolved.

One of their best conversations in months produced the best result for the Dodgers, players said.

“There has been some tension around here and everyone knows it,” second baseman Mark Grudzielanek said. “It would have been unfair to Davey to bring someone else in at this point, it just wouldn’t have been a good move.

“The right thing to do was just to get everyone together and end the speculation. It was good to ease everyone’s mind, no question about it.”

Left fielder Gary Sheffield agreed.

“It makes me personally feel good that Davey is getting that support now,” said Sheffield, Johnson’s biggest supporter in the clubhouse.

“I know those rumors floating around bothered Davey and they probably bothered me as much.

“I can’t speak for anybody else, but you know Davey is somebody in your corner who will always support you. I always enjoy playing for managers I want to play for because I feel I play better in those situations.

“That’s what I have with Davey.”

Johnson came under scrutiny at the All-Star break because Chairman Bob Daly made strong comments about the high-priced club’s disappointing performance to that point.

The Dodgers were 44-42 and fourth in the West, six games behind the first-place Arizona Diamondbacks.

Among other things, Daly said “the frustrating part is that you would like to see the Dodgers win more ballgames when we don’t hit home runs. . . . That means pinch-running, defensive switches . . . everything we have to do to win a ballgame.”

Daly was perceived to be criticizing Johnson, who some believe relies too heavily on home runs.

But club officials said that wasn’t Daly’s intention--only the result.

Regardless, Johnson is pleased about management’s support.

“I was sensing a lot of negativity following this ballclub and I’m glad that’s lifted,” he said. “I’m happy this has been cleared up.”

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

MATT HERGES

(8-1, 3.16 ERA)

vs.

MARLINS’

RYAN DEMPSTER

(10-8, 3.86 ERA)

Pro Player Stadium, 4 PDT

TV--Fox Sports Net 2

Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Update--Herges is scheduled to make his second start. The 30-year-old rookie right-hander had a no-decision Aug. 7 in the Chicago Cubs’ 7-3 victory at Dodger Stadium. Herges gave up five hits and three runs in six innings. Dempster is making his second start against the Dodgers. The right-hander pitched seven shutout innings and got a no-decision in the Marlins’ 2-1 victory Sept. 7 last season.