Dodgers Make More Changes

Continuing an organizational shake-up, the Dodgers are making more staff changes three weeks after firing manager Davey Johnson.

Minor league pitching coordinator Jim Benedict, media relations director Julio Sarmiento and scouts Phil Favia and Marty Maier won’t return next season, sources said Saturday.

And other front-office roles are being revised as Chairman Bob Daly and General Manager Kevin Malone work to improve their baseball management team.

It appears that Bill Geivett, assistant general manager, might have a reduced role in baseball operations if he remains with the Dodgers, sources attending the World Series said.

Geivett, in his second season with the club, had been Malone’s most trusted advisor until late this season.

However, sources said that Malone has been recently relying more on Ed Creech, the club’s scouting director.

Geivett did not return a phone call, and attempts to contact Malone on his cell phone were unsuccessful.

Contacted at home, Derrick Hall, senior vice president, declined comment on specific changes, but acknowledged the Dodgers have made staffing moves.

“Changes will always take place, and they’re unfortunate, but it’s no different than in any other season,” Hall said. “It is merely our desire to have a strong management team that shares goals and directions for the organization.”

It’s common for clubs to revise their staffs in the off-season, but these moves surprised many.

Malone, Geivett and Benedict worked together with the Montreal Expos, and Malone often praised Benedict despite the concerns of some club officials, who objected to Benedict’s teaching methods.

Sarmiento, who formerly worked for the Florida Marlins, was in his first season with the Dodgers, and Favia and Maier held key scouting positions.

Benedict was reluctant to discuss his situation, saying he enjoyed his time with the Dodgers.

“I truly feel good about our effort the last two years, and I wouldn’t do anything differently,” Benedict said in a phone interview. “You look in the mirror every day, and you’d like to have good things happen, but this obviously isn’t one of them.”