Evans to Get Job

Completing an expected move, the Dodgers plan to announce that Dan Evans has been promoted to general manager today in an afternoon conference call with reporters, baseball sources said.

“I’ve been impressed with him from the first day he showed up,” Manager Jim Tracy said. “His work ethic is second to none. You look at a guy like that, that’s been around for 20 years, it’s obvious he’s paid his dues.”

Chairman Bob Daly and Evans’ representative began negotiating the terms of his multiyear contract Monday.

Daly, sources said, has given the rookie general manager complete operational control, though he will report to the former studio boss.

Evans is expected to augment the scouting department and make other staff changes, though another management purge is unlikely. The Dodgers will soon seek permission to interview employees under contract with other clubs

Evans succeeds Dave Wallace, whom he had assisted since joining the Dodgers in late May.

Wallace will resume his duties overseeing the farm system, and play a major role in player-personnel decisions at the big league level.

The team’s highest-ranking baseball officials will have new titles to reflect their duties in a reorganized front office, with Evans becoming the lead executive in baseball operations and Wallace serving as his top assistant.

Evans and Wallace, accompanying the club on the trip, declined comment about their status.

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The annual speculation regarding Gary Sheffield will begin soon, with numerous reports about the outfielder being traded to contenders.

However, general managers from other clubs said that they believe Sheffield will remain with the Dodgers for many reasons.

Sheffield has a $9.5-million salary next season and his limited no-trade clause complicates the process, as the Dodgers discovered in spring training.

If traded, Sheffield could demand to be traded again after the 2002 season, potentially stirring problems.

Agent Scott Boras has convinced Sheffield to put aside his desire for a new contract, so don’t be surprised if he’s back at Chavez Ravine next season.