McCourt and Hart to Meet

John Hart and Dodger owner Frank McCourt spoke by telephone Sunday, a discussion in which Hart maintained his interest in becoming general manager of the Dodgers.

After several days of confusion, during which Texas Ranger officials claimed Hart had no intention of leaving his position as consultant to Ranger owner Tom Hicks, Hart and McCourt scheduled a formal interview, perhaps for this week.

McCourt, who is not expected to attend the general managers meetings that begin today in Indian Wells, also could contact Theo Epstein today.

Epstein resigned as general manager of the Boston Red Sox a week ago and later disclosed he had been contacted by an intermediary from another organization, confirmed to be the Dodgers. Epstein said he requested time to prepare the remaining Red Sox staff for the general managers meetings.

Several of Epstein’s friends suggested he would prefer a position with the Washington Nationals, should the organization’s new owners make changes in the front office.

The Dodgers will be represented at the general managers meetings by Kim Ng, assistant general manager, and Roy Smith, scouting and player development vice president. Ng interviewed Saturday with Frank and Jamie McCourt to replace Paul DePodesta.

-- Tim Brown