Dodgers Are Not in Scioscia’s Plans

News Corp. hopes to complete the sale of the Dodgers this winter. Because the Dodgers last appeared in the playoffs in 1996 and last won a postseason game in 1988, a new owner might well choose to replace General Manager Dan Evans and Manager Jim Tracy.

The popular choice for manager could be Mike Scioscia, who played for the Dodgers’ World Series championship teams in 1981 and 1988 and managed the Angels to their first championship last year. Scioscia lives in Thousand Oaks, closer to Dodger Stadium than to Edison Field. His contract with the Angels extends through 2007, and he said he would not ask out should the Dodger job become available.

“I’m very happy here,� Scioscia said. “I’m very excited about bringing another championship -- or championships -- to the Angel organization. I have no intention of not fulfilling my contract here. I’m excited about the opportunity to achieve in the Angel organization. That’s where my focus is.�

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The Angels consider Garret Anderson the best defensive left fielder in the American League -- Scioscia believes he should win a Gold Glove -- but team officials have not ruled out moving Darin Erstad to left field next year.

“I’m not opposed to it,� Anderson said. “I’m hoping Erstad can come back and play center field. But I’ll do whatever is going to make the team better defensively. I’ll trust their judgment.�

According to Scioscia, doctors have not recommended Erstad be restricted to a specific position to minimize his risk of injury, although left field or first base could be easier on a player who hurls his body all over the field. A partially torn hamstring limited him to 67 games this season, and Scioscia said the Angels hope to decide by January whether Erstad will play first base, center field, left field or possibly right field next season.

Erstad won a Gold Glove in center field in 2002 and in left field in 2000. Anderson played well in center field in 2000 and in right field in 1998.

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Troy Glaus said doctors told him he does not need surgery to repair the partially torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He will continue rehabilitation and said he sees no reason why he cannot play 150 games at third base next season.... Second baseman Adam Kennedy said doctors told him his left hand -- broken when hit by a pitch Saturday -- can heal without surgery. He should be fine in four to six weeks, he said.... Pitching coach Bud Black said he has spoken with General Manager Bill Stoneman about a 2004 contract and expects to sign one soon. Black is the only Angel coach not already under contract for next season.... The Dodgers drew 3,138,626 and the Angels 3,061,094, marking the first time in major league history that two teams in the same market each drew 3 million fans. The Yankees led the majors in attendance this season at 3,420,657, followed in order by the Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, Dodgers and Angels.