DODGERS NOTEBOOK: HOFFMAN FUTURE UP IN AIR.

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Staff Writer

Glenn Hoffman spoke to his new boss Kevin Malone on Friday, but it will be some time before the current Dodgers manager knows if he will keep his job or be reassigned to a minor-league position.

Malone, named executive vice president and general manager during a news conference at Dodger Stadium, said he respects Hoffman, who is 39-33 since taking over June 22 for fired manager Bill Russell, but offered no guarantees.

``I will in the next two weeks get a chance to spend some time with Glenn, get to know him better, see what his managing talents and abilities are,'' Malone said. ``I will gather information and evaluate the situation and really look at where this organization needs to go, what type of manager they need here and with the help of everyone, we'll make the decision at the end of the season.''

Hoffman has received high marks from many in the organization, most notably Tom Lasorda, who was bumped Friday from interim general manager to senior vice president.

``Glenn was brought into a tough situation and I think he has brought dignity to job,'' Lasorda said. ``It could have gotten away from him, but he had an idea what he wanted to do.''

Like everyone else, Hoffman is uncertain about the future. Before Russell and general manager Fred Claire were fired, Hoffman was the manager of Triple-A Albuquerque and minor-league field coordinator under farm director Charlie Blaney.

Malone might want to bring in his own guy. But if that happens, Hoffman is expected to receive a position in the organization. He likes the job he has.

``I've got 16 more games to play and I'll concentrate on that,'' Hoffman said. ``We've done some things here. But until the season is over, there is no reason to speculate.''

Lasorda update: Lasorda took the GM job on an interim basis after Claire was fired. He made two big trades that brought veterans for a chance to get back in the race.

The Dodgers didn't, but Lasorda's pickups have performed well. During the last home stand, Lasorda received a huge ovation, but said Friday he knows it's time to step down.

``I think this job belongs to a younger man,'' said Lasorda, who will stay on as a senior vice president. ``I'm handing the baton to Kevin and wish him a great deal of success. I'll always be here if he needs me.''

Dreifort throws: Right-hander Darren Dreifort, who skipped a start due to a sore right shoulder, played catch for the first time in several days and said his condition has improved.Pitching coach Charlie Hough, however, is not ready to put him back in the rotation.

``If he comes to me and says he's ready, I'd have to think about it,'' Hough said. ``But I don't think he's close yet.''

DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO

Time: 7:05 p.m., at Qualcomm Stadium.

TV/Radio: Channel 5; 1150-AM, KWKW 1330-AM

Matchup: In the third of four games with the Padres, Dave Mlicki (8-7, 4.58) faces right-hander Stan Spencer (1-0, 3.32). In his last start (Tuesday) at Arizona, Mlicki lost for just the third time in 17 starts with the Dodgers. He allowed three earned runs in seven innings, the seventh consecutive game he has gone at least six innings. Spencer is a control pitcher, who has struck out 17 and walked two in his first three big-league starts. Last Monday he allowed three runs in seven innings but lost 5-4 to the San Francisco Giants.

- Matt McHale

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Box: DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO (See Text)