Dodgers Are On Employee Search

Dan Evans has been busy at the World Series.

The new Dodger general manager interviewed candidates for front-office positions Sunday, and baseball sources said Evans is eager to hire longtime executive Lee Thomas as a special assistant.

Evans declined comment about his pursuit of Thomas, an advisor to Boston Red Sox General Manager Dan Duquette, but sources said the Dodgers recently asked for permission to interview the former general manager. Although Duquette wants to retain the respected Thomas, the Dodgers expect their request to be granted.

Thomas, also attending the first two games of the World Series at Bank One Ballpark, could not be reached for comment.

Considered a good talent evaluator, Thomas was general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies when they won the 1993 National League pennant. If Thomas joins the Dodgers, he would assist Evans in evaluating major and minor leaguers and advise him on roster moves and trades.

Don Welke, senior scouting advisor, would also continue to be one of Evans’ top consultants on big-league matters. Evans has known Thomas for many years, and sources said he hopes to hire him soon.

Evans also has interviewed former Florida Marlin Manager John Boles to be the farm director, and former Angel Manager Terry Collins for a position in the farm system. Dave Wallace, senior vice president of baseball operations, also is involved in the search process.

Left fielder Gary Sheffield underwent surgery to repair ligament damage in his left index finger.

Despite playing with the injury for most of the season, Sheffield batted .311 with 36 home runs and 100 runs batted in. Of Sheffield’s homers, 24 either tied the score or put the Dodgers ahead, and three provided the difference in 1-0 victories.