They Might Want Baker, but Giants Playing Hard to Get

The Dodgers still plan to pursue Dusty Baker despite the San Francisco Giants’ increased efforts to retain their popular manager, baseball sources said Saturday.

The Giants have already begun to address Baker’s concerns, re-signing veterans Baker believes are key to the club’s continued success.

Closer Robb Nen, who could have become a free agent after the season, received a four-year, $32.5-million extension in part because Baker wanted him to return.

Giant President Peter Magowan acted quickly to reaffirm his belief in Baker because of the Dodgers’ strong interest in the two-time National League manager of the year, whose contract expires after the season.

Baker is the Dodgers’ top choice to replace Davey Johnson, who is under contract next season, but is not expected to return because of the team’s disappointing play and his poor relationship with General Manager Kevin Malone.

Many believe Baker will become the highest-paid manager in baseball history, making in excess of $3 million per season.

The Dodgers have proven they will pay--and overpay--to acquire whom they want, and Baker’s longtime friend and agent, Jeff Moorad, also represents Dodger first baseman Eric Karros and right fielder Shawn Green.

However, it’s doubtful that Baker would consider managing the Dodgers unless sweeping changes were made in the front office, sources said.

The Giants do not have the resources of Fox behind them, but their management situation has been stable and productive and they are leading the Dodgers by 10 1/2 games in the NL West.

Even some Dodger officials doubt Baker, who parted with the organization on bad terms as a player, could be lured back to Chavez Ravine under any circumstances.

Moorad declined comment.

The Giants suspected that a Dodger official contacted Baker without permission before Johnson was hired in 1998.

Magowan won’t hesitate to file tampering charges if any team approaches Baker before the Giants are eliminated from the playoffs.

Chairman Bob Daly must determine how much Baker is worth to the Dodgers--and what’s the next step if they don’t get him.

*

Daly decided earlier this season that Malone would return in 2001, but there are other situations to be evaluated.

In arrangements uncommon in baseball, Jerry Weinstein, director of player development, and Ed Creech, scouting director, have been permitted to live outside Southern California.

Weinstein, formerly a community college coach, lives in Sacramento, and Creech lives in Georgia.

Moreover, it’s common knowledge that Creech and Bill Geivett, assistant general manager, have had a rocky relationship.

DODGERS’ DARREN DREIFORT

(10-8, 4.61 ERA)

vs.

ROCKIES’ PEDRO ASTACIO

(12-8, 5.16 ERA)

Coors Field, noon PDT

TV--Channel 5 Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330)

* Update--Dreifort took the loss Monday in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 12-1 victory at Dodger Stadium. Dreifort is 1-3 with a 5.77 earned-run average against the Rockies. Astacio was forced to leave in the first inning of his last start Wednesday after Eric Young of the Chicago Cubs lined the game’s first pitch off Astacio’s right thumb.