BURDEN ON MALONE; ORIOLES ASSISTANT NAMED DODGERS' GENERAL MANAGER.

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Staff Writer

Kevin Malone, who helped steal away Pedro Martinez and Henry Rodriguez when he worked in Montreal, might have taken on a bigger challenge Friday, when he was put in charge of bringing the Dodgers back to respectability.

Already saddled with $53 million guaranteed to 12 players for next season, Malone was named executive vice president and general manager to reshape an organization rocked by the club's sale, executive firings, big trades and general underachievement.

``There is some definite work needed here, but I see a championship not too far off,'' Malone said. ``I like our nucleus. With a few additions and a few subtractions, I like our chances in 1999.''

Malone, 41, has a background in scouting and player development that began in the San San Fernando Valley in 1985 when he worked with the Angels. He spent four years with Montreal (1991-95) when the Expos acquired top Dodgers prospects Martinez and Rodriguez and was Montreal GM for two seasons before working the past four years as assistant GM in Baltimore.

It was his experience with the Orioles that might help him most in his new assignment. He watched GM Pat Gillick's team falter this season despite a $71 million payroll. The Dodgers budget swelled to $61 million with two blockbuster trades, including a seven-player trade May 15 that sent franchise player Mike Piazza to Florida.

``In Baltimore the team lost sight of what was important - winning,'' said Malone, who was given a four-year contract with a club option for two more. ``People were not on the same page and had their own agendas.''

Sounds a lot like the team he has inherited in Los Angeles. The Dodgers season was marked by power struggles in the front office and power outages on the field. With 16 games to play entering Friday's game with San Diego, the Dodgers were 75-72, trailing the NL West-leading Padres by 17 games.

Malone was selected over two other finalists, Cincinnati's GM Jim Bowden, a favorite of interim GM Tom Lasorda, and former Yankees GM Bob Watson, an African-American candidate being pushed by National League president Leonard Coleman after winning a World Series title in 1996.

Florida GM Dave Dombrowski, the favorite of the Dodgers new owners at Fox, removed himself from the search Tuesday night when he agreed to a five-year, $5 million contract to remain with the Marlins.

But the Dodgers were clearly pleased with the choice.

``To me, today is huge,'' said Dodgers shortstop Mark Grudzielanek, who played for Malone in Montreal. ``It just feels like the start of a turnaround. Since I've been here we've needed something to ignite the organization. This guy is great. Believe me.''

The year before Grudzielanek joined the Expos (1994), Malone helped lead Montreal to the National League's best record (74-40), six games ahead of Atlanta. But because of budget constraints, the Expos had to let go of NL MVP Larry Walker and 1997 World Series hero Moises Alou.

Several times during an afternoon news conference at Dodger Stadium, Malone stressed the need to develop the Dodgers' farm system. Rated fourth overall before the season by Baseball America, several top prospects were traded, including Paul Konerko and Dennis Reyes to Cincinnati and Wilton Guerrero and minor-leaguers Peter Bergeron, Jon Tucker and Ted Lilly to Montreal.

Those deals were made by Lasorda, who was given the title of senior vice president and will help Malone in an advisory capacity. Lasorda received in return Grudzielanek, left-hander Carlos Perez and closer Jeff Shaw. All have performed well, but the team has not.

There are several issues facing Malone when the season ends Sept. 28.

A decision on the future of manager Glenn Hoffman, who took over June 22 when Bill Russell was fired. Malone has received good reports and the two share a background working in the minor leagues.

Finding a way to keep Shaw, who saved his 42nd game Thursday afternoon. Because Shaw was acquired during the middle of a multi-year contract, he can demand a trade in the offseason. If it is not granted a trade, he is eligible for free agency.

``I've known him a long time,'' said Malone, who signed Shaw in Montreal in 1993. ``I know he likes living and playing in Ohio, but I also know he wants to win, and I think his best chance is with us.''

Finding a No. 1 starter to replace injured Ramon Martinez. The leading free agents are San Diego's Kevin Brown and Houston's Randy Johnson.

What to do at shortstop. Jose Vizcaino, signed to a three-year, $9.5 million contract before the season, has not played since June 21, when he severely sprained his left ankle. Grudzielanek has played well, but is not as solid defensively as Vizcaino and is not a natural No. 2 hitter.

Deciding the future of Bobby Bonilla, who has two years and $12 million left on his contract. Bonilla was coming off two major surgeries during the winter and did not play well.

Figuring who to put in right field - Gary Sheffield, the team's best player after coming over in the Piazza trade, or Raul Mondesi, who has 30 homers but wants his old spot back after suffering wear and tear in center.

``He is an experienced baseball man, who has been a player, a coach, a scout and a successful general manager,'' club president Bob Graziano said. ``His knowledge of the game in addition to his track record of building winning teams and strengthening his scouting and minor-league departments will benefit our team for many years to come.''

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2 Photos

Photo: (1--Color) New Dodgers general manager Kevin Malone chats with Tom Lasorda, the team's former interim GM and now senior vice president.

(2) Dodgers president Bob Graziano speaks at a news conference to introduce new GM Kevin Malone, left.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News