Thomas Rejects Dodgers

Longtime executive Lee Thomas has rejected an offer to join the Dodgers, a baseball official attending the World Series said Wednesday.

New Dodger General Manager Dan Evans had hoped to hire Thomas, an advisor to Boston Red Sox General Manager Dan Duquette, as a special assistant. Thomas could not be reached for comment, and the Dodgers do not discuss their hiring efforts.

Thomas, considered a good talent evaluator, was the general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies when they won the 1993 National League pennant.

Evans said he plans to soon inform all-star closer Jeff Shaw whether the club will exercise his $7.05-million contract option for next season.

The Dodgers have five days after the end of the Series to make a decision, but Evans intimated they won’t take that long.

“I’ll come forth fairly quickly after the World Series is concluded,” he said. “I haven’t made that decision yet, but when that time comes I’ll make what I think is the best decision for the ballclub.

“He did a terrific job this season. He had one of the best years, saves-total wise, in the league, and he’s done a great job since he’s joined us. There are a lot of factors involved, including his wishes and plans, but the ball’s clearly in our court.”

Shaw has 10 days to accept or reject the one-year contract. If he declines, the package’s buyout would be reduced from $1.5 million to $1 million.