Dodgers add Roy Clark as key scouting executive

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Dodgers on Wednesday hired Roy Clark as a top scouting executive, the latest step in the expansion of a front office that had been decimated by cuts under former owner Frank McCourt.

Clark, a key ally of Dodgers President Stan Kasten when both men were with the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals, helped build strong minor-league systems in both organizations.

In a news release, the Dodgers said Clark would serve as a national cross-checker -- that is, one of the top advisors to scouting director Logan White. However, it is expected that Clark will not just make suggestions to White but work with him in making the Dodgers’ final draft decisions.

“Roy is an extraordinary talent and has two decades of experience with two great scouting and player-development organizations in Atlanta and Washington,” Kasten said at the owners’ meetings in Orlando, Fla. “The list of guys he’s been a part of drafting includes not only major leaguers but all-stars.

“It’s a huge in a shot in the arm for a team that looks to become scouting- and player-development-based.”

Clark was a minor-league coach for the Seattle Mariners in 1984, when White pitched for the Mariners’ Pioneer League affiliate in Butte, Mont.

“Roy is an excellent talent evaluator and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Dodgers,” White said in a statement released by the Dodgers. “He’s a terrific addition and I’m looking forward to teaming him with Paul Fryer and John Green as national cross-checkers.”

With the Braves, Clark helped draft such future all-stars as Brian McCann, Adam Wainwright, Jason Heyward, Craig Kimbrel and Freddie Freeman. In Clark’s 22 years in Atlanta, the Braves were selected three times as Baseball America’s organization of the year.

Under Kasten, the Dodgers have hired experienced advisors who could step in should the Dodgers wish to make changes in the executive ranks -- including Clark, a possible general manager or scouting director, and Gerry Hunsicker, the well-regarded former general manager of the Houston Astros.

Hernandez reported from Orlando, and Shaikin reported from Los Angeles.