Their Rivalry Will Endure

SAN FRANCISCO -- The San Francisco Giants expect their longtime rivalry with the Dodgers to endure regardless of who purchases the Dodgers from News Corp., because they’ll still dislike the Dodgers and believe the feeling will be mutual.

San Francisco owner Peter Magowan said Thursday that a change in Dodger management would begin “a new chapter” in the history of the clubs’ on-field (and sometimes off-field) battles. And Magowan has a message for groups bidding for the Dodgers: commit to the game.

“Quite frankly, I’m getting tired of people coming in for only [a few] years and then putting teams up for sale again,” said Magowan, in his 11th season as the Giant president and managing general partner. “We’ve seen this happen with the [Florida] Marlins, the Angels and now the Dodgers, and it’s just not good for baseball.

“Whoever comes in with the Dodgers, I hope they come in for the long term and understand the commitment it takes.... It’s better if they come in for the long haul in L.A.”

The rivalry intensified off the field during News. Corp’s five-plus years in baseball ownership, with the Dodgers repeatedly rejecting the Giants’ scheduling requests.

Most Dodger officials downplay the perception of a front-office feud.

“The strong competition between the two organizations takes place on the field, not between front office or ownership,” said Derrick Hall, senior vice president.

However, a few acknowledge the rivalry extends beyond the field.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” Manager Jim Tracy said. “People in our front office don’t necessarily wear these uniforms, but they’re a part of us. As a result of that, they’re very competitive also. There are certain things where they don’t want to be dictated to. It obviously gives you some things to talk about.”

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Darren Dreifort, out of the rotation until April 19 because of the schedule, underwent a precautionary MRI exam and bone scan on his surgically repaired right knee, and the results were negative, Tracy said.

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Tracy bristled at the suggestion, also raised last season, that he is overworking All-Star closer Eric Gagne, who pitched on four consecutive days entering the four-game series against the Giants.

“We don’t make too many mistakes here with our pitchers,” Tracy said. “We’ve got a lot of very intelligent people who understand what’s going on here.”