GM Says Tracy’s Job Is Safe

Jim Tracy appears destined to post his first losing record in five seasons as Dodger manager. He also appears destined to keep his job, according to General Manager Paul DePodesta.

Several times this season DePodesta has made it clear that Tracy is not in jeopardy of being fired. He said so again this weekend, adding that he hasn’t given any thought to changing managers during the off-season, either.

“Not just Trace, but the entire coaching staff has done an excellent job,” DePodesta said.

Tracy might employ the bunt more than DePodesta would prefer and the manager might disagree with the front office on how to best utilize certain players -- Hee-Seop Choi and Antonio Perez, in particular.

But that doesn’t mean it’s time for a change, the general manager said.

“We have a lot more similarities than differences,” DePodesta said. “People point out the differences, but they are few and far between.

“Anyway, it’s healthy to disagree. It creates discussion and debate. It’s important with a scouting director and an assistant general manager too. It’s important not to have clones.”

*

The Dodgers are expected to add four to seven players when rosters expand Sept. 1. More could come from talent-rich double-A Jacksonville than from triple-A Las Vegas.

“My feeling is to bring up guys we are going to use, who can play a specific role,” DePodesta said. “I love to reward guys for having good years. But you can’t reward all of them.”

*

Paul Bako, the Dodger backup catcher who is out for the season because of a knee injury, will join the team in Atlanta to serve as a tutor to rookie Dioner Navarro. Bako, 33, is an eight-year veteran who wants to become a coach when his career is over.

Tracy and pitching coach Jim Colborn hatched the idea recently and ran it past DePodesta, who reacted enthusiastically.

*

Pitcher Odalis Perez went home to the Dominican Republic for personal reasons and is scheduled to join the team tonight in Atlanta. He received permission from DePodesta and Tracy. Perez is scheduled to start against the Braves on Wednesday.