The Big Dodger in the Dugout?

Tom Lasorda, back in the dugout?

The Hall of Fame manager retired in 1996, but Lasorda still has the touch, leading the U.S. baseball team to an improbable gold medal in the Sydney Olympics.

Now, the Dodgers might call Lasorda to duty again.

Chairman Bob Daly would not rule out Lasorda, a senior vice president, becoming the bench coach for new Manager Jim Tracy, leaving many wondering if the Dodgers are planning another surprising move.

“You’ll have to ask Mr. Daly about that,� Lasorda said at Wednesday’s Dodger Stadium news conference to introduce Tracy, the club’s bench coach the last two seasons.

“I just completed my 51st year here, and I’ve always done what they’ve asked me to do. I’ll always continue to be that way.�

Daly was similarly evasive.

“You know what, I don’t have to say how I feel about Tommy and what he’s meant to the Los Angeles Dodgers,� Daly said. “Tommy is a great asset to the organization, and I need him to be available at all times for a lot of missions, not only for the Dodgers but for baseball overall. It’s up to Jim to work out who his coaches are going to be.�

Lasorda strongly endorsed Tracy, who repeatedly praised Lasorda during the hourlong gathering, saying he was eager to accept Lasorda’s counsel.

Former managers Bill Russell and Davey Johnson were uncomfortable with Lasorda’s presence, but Tracy, based on his comments, plans to embrace Lasorda, encouraging him to increase his role next season.

But will Lasorda return to the dugout?

“I’ll tell you one thing,� Daly said. “In our final meeting [before selecting Tracy], in which Tommy participated along with [General Manager] Kevin [Malone] and his staff, the one thing that I got out of that meeting was that Tommy and Jim are definitely going to have a very close relationship.

“Tommy has offered, at any time, to be available for Jim in any way possible. We have the ambassador for baseball working for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“This is a very special man. We did want him to be part of the [selection] process, and I must say he asked great questions. He will be available for Jim, and I’m sure Jim is smart enough to use him.�