Tracy Requests an Extension

Jim Tracy has formally asked the Dodgers for a contract extension, wanting to ensure that if he is going to endure the lean times, he will be around to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

The request came during one of several meetings the manager had recently with General Manager Paul DePodesta, sources said Tuesday. Tracy has one year left on a two-year deal that would pay him about $750,000 with incentives that could increase the value to about $900,000.

Tracy, who has a five-year record of 426-379 after a 2-0 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium, has an opt-out clause that must be exercised within seven days of Sunday’s finale. Technically he cannot shop for other jobs during that time, and teams interested in him must gain permission from DePodesta before contacting Tracy.

However, intermediaries often are used to convey interest. By the end of the seven-day window, Tracy should have a clear idea of his marketability from the many teams expected to be shopping for a manager.

He has made it clear that his preference is to stay with the Dodgers. In addition to his tenure with the franchise, he has roots in the L.A. area. One of his sons, Chad, will be a junior catcher at Pepperdine. Another son, Mark, will be a senior catcher at Claremont High.

But Tracy would consider leaving if the Dodgers refuse to provide an extension and he can get a multi-year deal somewhere else. The Dodgers have not determined whether to give him an extension, and one high-level official said it is a close call.

Should the Dodgers decide not to meet Tracy’s request, they could fire him shortly after the season and would be responsible for his 2006 salary only if he couldn’t find another managerial job.

Speaking hypothetically, DePodesta said the Dodgers would not wait until after the opt-out period to fire Tracy “out of respect for what he’s done here.”

Tracy won’t comment on his request for a new deal, but clearly the topic was discussed in his frequent meetings with DePodesta the last six weeks.

So, while the games have become increasingly meaningless, the meetings became increasingly meaningful.

“We’ve spent a lot of time together lately,” DePodesta said. “The goal was to become very comfortable with the direction we are going. Although creative conflict is healthy, it is critical to our vision for the GM/manger dynamic to have enough consistent elements to move forward.”

DePodesta and Tracy held two lengthy closed-door meetings in Denver when the Dodgers played the Rockies in early September. Other talks have included front-office lieutenants Kim Ng and Roy Smith. Another meeting, perhaps the one where the extension was requested, included Tracy’s agents, Alan and Randy Hendricks, and Dodger owner Frank McCourt.

DePodesta’s status also has been a topic of conjecture. He has three more years on his five-year deal, and a high-level Dodger source said Tuesday that McCourt remains supportive of him and that he is in no danger of being fired this off-season.

Another Dodger with an uncertain future made a strong statement in support of Tracy. Taking the mound for perhaps the last time as a Dodger, Jeff Weaver held Arizona scoreless until the eighth, when Chad Tracy’s home run followed a ground-rule double by Luis Gonzalez.

Weaver (14-11) will be a free agent after the season and efforts to sign him to an extension were unsuccessful.

“Tracy has been in my corner since my first day here and he will be an integral part of my decision,” he said. “I know he has things on his plate to figure out. Keeping him around is the first priority.”

Weaver, who has pitched 444 innings in two Dodger seasons, is making $9.25 million and will seek a multi-year deal of similar average annual value. Although the Dodgers need to shore up their starting rotation, he might prove too expensive.

“I love pitching here. I’ve had a couple of good years and feel my best years are ahead of me,” he said. “It might be a couple of months before anything happens. I’m just going to sit tight.”

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Shortstop Cesar Izturis, who had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Sept. 16, said his recovery is coming along well and he should be ready to begin throwing by spring training.... Jeff Kent signed 300 bobblehead dolls that will be handed out randomly Thursday.... Former USC Coach Rod Dedeaux, 91, will celebrate the 70th anniversary of his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers today.

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Tracy’s record

Jim Tracy will have his first losing season in five as manager of the Dodgers.

*--* YEAR W L WP FINISH * 2001 86 76 531 3rd 2002 92 70 568 3rd 2003 85 77 525 2nd 2004 93 69 574 1st 2005 70 87 446 -- Totals 426 379 529 --

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* -- In National League West