Evans Believes Dodgers Are on the Right Path

General Manager Dan Evans remains confident about the Dodgers’ course, though even some at Chavez Ravine have concerns.

Evans has been roundly criticized within the organization for, among other things, failing to provide Manager Jim Tracy with better options on offense, preaching patience during the team’s first-half freefall and acquiring second-tier reinforcements when more help was needed.

And Evans is among the biggest targets of fans frustrated about the team’s seventh consecutive season without a playoff appearance.

The Dodgers split a doubleheader Saturday with San Francisco, winning the first game, 5-0, and losing the second, 6-3, before sellout crowds of 42,192 and 42,485 at Pacific Bell Park.

With Saturday’s victory and Arizona’s loss to St. Louis, the Dodgers (85-76) are assured of at least a tie for second place in the National League West.

Shawn Green hit his career-high 48th double, setting a Los Angeles franchise record. The division-champion Giants (99-61) improved to 12-6 against the Dodgers.

Evans has stood firm, focusing on rebuilding the farm system. He is determined to help restore the franchise to prominence.

“Obviously, we’re all disappointed we didn’t win more than we did,” he said. “But winning once and then not winning for a number of years is not my goal. My goal is to have an extended period where we field a very good ballclub.”

There’s still a chance, albeit slim, that Evans and Tracy might not return next season if News Corp. sells the franchise this winter. And if Evans and Tracy are back in 2004, they will be on extremely hot seats.

“I’m not in this for the praise, and the criticism comes with the territory,” Evans said. “As an organization, if you’re concerned about criticism, you’re going to make moves based on what’s good PR. You can’t be afraid of criticism.”

Evans has come under fire in the organization and media for assembling a batting order that has scored 16 fewer runs than the Detroit Tigers.

Most of Evans’ moves to bolster the offense backfired.

The deal that brought catcher Todd Hundley from Chicago helped the Cubs win the NL Central title, as Mark Grudzielanek and Eric Karros made major contributions.

Hundley sat out most of the season after undergoing back surgery, is batting only .182 in 21 games and is guaranteed $6.5 million next season. Fred McGriff and Daryle Ward also disappointed and won’t return.

In fairness to Evans, however, he also acquired eight members of baseball’s top pitching staff and approved the move of converting Eric Gagne to a closer.

Smooth-fielding shortstop Cesar Izturis might be the best at his position in the majors, and utilityman Jolbert Cabrera has provided a big-time boost.

The development of impressive rookie right-hander Edwin Jackson, and the improvement of the farm system, occurred with Evans at the helm.

“The important thing is that this is a work in progress,” Evans said. “I like where we are today, but I’m not satisfied at all. I want us to improve, I want us to get better, but I like what’s going on and the direction we’re headed.

“So the criticism is OK. We’re going to do this the right way, and you only do that with some careful planning.... We get to drink champagne if everything works out well.”