Lasorda Might Coach U.S.
CHICAGO — Tom Lasorda might manage the home team at Dodger Stadium one more time.
With major league officials unsure whether an active manager could -- or should -- be away two to three weeks in spring training to participate in the World Baseball Classic in March, Lasorda could lead the United States team.
Lasorda managed the Dodgers from 1976 to 1996 and last managed in 2000, when he led the U.S. to a gold medal in the Sydney Olympics.
“I have a tremendous respect and admiration for him. He did a marvelous job on and off the field at the Olympics,” Commissioner Bud Selig said.
“Of course he is somebody we will consider.”
Said Lasorda: “I would really like to do that. That would be special, simply because you’re talking about the United States.”
Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium are considered leading contenders to play host to the championship round of the tournament, but baseball officials are concerned about committing to Dodger Stadium for fear that the construction planned there in the winter might not be completed by March.
The Dodgers are expected to replace every seat in the ballpark and fix defects in the new luxury seats.
Spokesman John Olguin said the Dodgers hope to be involved with the tournament but said he could not comment on the renovations because the plans have not been finalized.
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Jeff Kent has driven in more runs than any major league cleanup hitter besides Milwaukee’s Carlos Lee, according to Stats Inc. Lee has 60 runs batted in, Kent 53.
But the anemic Dodger offense has provided Kent with far fewer opportunities. With runners in scoring position, Kent is batting .421 in 57 at-bats, Lee .300 in 90 at-bats.
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ON DECK
Opponent -- San Diego Padres, four games.
Site -- Petco Park, San Diego.
TV -- FSN West 2.
Radio -- 980, 1330.
Records -- Dodgers 33-35, Padres 38-31.
Record vs. Padres -- 4-1.
Tonight, 7 -- Brad Penny (3-3, 4.02) vs. Jake Peavy (5-2, 2.79).
Tuesday, 7 p.m. -- Derek Lowe (5-7, 3.69) vs. Woody Williams (2-5, 4.47).
Wednesday, 7 p.m. -- D.J. Houlton (2-1, 5.77) vs. Tim Stauffer (1-2, 4.10).
Thursday, 12:30 p.m. -- Elmer Dessens (0-0, 2.40) vs. Brian Lawrence (4-6, 4.57).
