Colletti will return as GM

Ned Colletti will return as the Dodgers’ general manager next season, club owner Frank McCourt said Wednesday.

McCourt had declined to discuss the issue all season, even after the Dodgers clinched the National League West championship. However, after the Dodgers lost in the National League Championship Series, McCourt said Colletti would be back.

The Dodgers won a playoff series for the first time in 20 years, reaching the playoffs for the second time in three years under Colletti.

“What we’ve accomplished is something significant for the organization,” McCourt said.

“We’ve turned a big corner. I’m proud of Ned and all the people in the front office. I’m proud of Joe and all the coaches. I couldn’t be more pleased with the job everybody has done.”

McCourt declined to say whether he would discuss a contract extension with Colletti, whose four-year deal expires after next season.

McCourt did dismiss reports that he would hire a president of baseball operations to oversee Colletti and his department.

In saluting his front office, McCourt noted that the World Series goal remains.

“At some point in time, organizations need to stop talking about winning and go win,” he said. “That’s what we’ve accomplished this year. Now we have to move forward.

“We’ve tasted winning. We’re not going to let that slip away.”

-- Bill Shaikin