DODGERS NOTEBOOK: JOHNSON'S FATE COULD BE DECIDED ON FRIDAY.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

SAN DIEGO - Davey Johnson will likely manage his last game with the Dodgers today in San Diego.

But he said if it is his final game, at least would leave in good conscience, knowing the organization is in better shape then when he arrived.

After the season ends, Johnson will take a few days to go fishing before returning to Los Angeles. People close to the situation said he might meet Friday with Bob Daly, Dodgers managing partner, chairman and CEO.

While it's been widely reported Johnson would lose his job after the season, no announcement is expected before the meeting with Daly.

``When it's all over, I'm leaving it (the organization) better than when I got here,'' said Johnson, 152-150 in two seasons with the Dodgers. ``I don't have trouble sleeping at night. There are a lot less questions that need to be resolved to be a division winner than the club I inherited.

``I know people may differ with you and say, `Well, you were a pennant contender.' But they have their views and I have mine.''

After winning 77 games a year ago, the Dodgers entered Saturday with 85 wins and everyone in management says the club is in better shape than it was two years ago.

Though Johnson had problems with second baseman Eric Young and the club traded Raul Mondesi in the offseason, the Dodgers, according to scouts, are better in both areas. While general manager Kevin Malone is the one who pulls the trigger in the deals, Johnson had plenty of input.

It was also Johnson's decision to give shortstop Alex Cora time to mature in the minor leagues by starting veteran Kevin Elster. And, also under Johnson's direction, the Dodgers remade the bullpen and strengthened the bench.

``I've always felt from the day I first took a job in the big leagues, as long as I feel good every day that I'm on this job that the decisions I'm a part of - good baseball decisions making the club better today as well as tomorrow - that's what I can do,'' Johnson said. ``And the way I handle the talent and use it on the field is consistent with that belief. It's got to be not only the best lineup for today, but it's also the best lineup for tomorrow.''

Given where the organization was in 1998, coming off an 83-79 finish in which general manager Fred Claire and manager Bill Russell were fired during the season, Mike Piazza and Hideo Nomo were traded and Fox was beginning its run, Johnson said he's pleased with the direction of the Dodgers.

``Everybody says it's been very frustrating and very disappointing, and I don't buy into that part of it,'' Johnson said. ``I buy into the part that we've made a lot of strides and we're closer. There's people in place that weren't in place that now have a better chance.''

--Park's preference: Right-hander Chan Ho Park finished the best season of his career with his first shutout Friday in a 3-0, two-hit victory against San Diego. He finished the season 18-10, ranks fifth in the National League in wins, seventh in ERA (3.27), second in starts (34), eighth in innings pitched (226) and second in strikeouts (217).

It all has Park in position to sign a huge contract extension in the offseason if the Dodgers and Park's agent, Scott Boras, can reach an agreement. However, Park said he'll think little about that.

``I don't want to talk about that, I don't want to think it,'' Park said. ``I just want to do my job, and I want to go back home, rest and not worry about that. That's not my job.''