DODGERS NOTEBOOK: LASORDA SAYS TENURE TO DEPEND ON FACTORS.

Byline: Marc J. Spears Daily News Staff Writer

Tom Lasorda has always had interest in one day being the general manager of the Dodgers. But since he is now 70, he might prefer that his GM days are short-lived.

That issue was just one of many topics that Lasorda touched on in his second day on his new job. He said he plans on making some personnel changes and has talked to other clubs, but he wouldn't pinpoint the areas where the team needs improvement. Also, he vehemently denied a report that he was trying to get former manager Bill Russell fired.

``For me, age is a factor,'' said Lasorda on Tuesday. ``I feel great, but we have to get someone a lot younger in here. I'm just trying to get this team in the right direction.

``Right now, I am doing the job because they asked me to. If they ask me at the end of the season to stay, I'm doing a good job and I'm feeling well, I'll see.''

Avila visits: Dodgers vice president Ralph Avila, who oversees operations in the Dominican Republic, was expected to make a short visit to Los Angeles. But after the death of Al Campanis on Sunday, Avila will attend the funeral Friday, help out Lasorda and team president Bob Graziano and probably won't depart until this weekend.

Avila, who is in his 28th season with the organization, arrived in L.A. on Monday afternoon following a 12-hour flight from Taiwan, where he was helping the Sinon Bulls.

``The main reason that I wanted to stay here was for Al's funeral,'' said Avila, who has been instrumental in signing such players as Ramon Martinez and Raul Mondesi. ``But in the meantime, I can help Tommy or Graziano in any capacity they need.''

Beltre promoted: In a surprise move after Tuesday night's loss to the Angels, the Dodgers purchased the contract of heralded third-base prospect Adrian Beltre from Double-A San Antonio and optioned infielder Alex Cora to Triple-A Albuquerque. Also, the Dodgers sent right-hander Ramon Martinez, who will have shoulder surgery next Tuesday, to the 60-day disabled list.

The 20-year-old Beltre, the 1997 Florida League MVP, was ranked as the third-best prospect in the minors by Baseball America before the season. Through Monday, the Dominican was batting .321 with 20 stolen bases and 13 home runs in 246 at-bats. The last Dodger to be promoted from Double-A was Garey Ingram in 1994.

Scioscia looks ahead: Dodgers coach Mike Scioscia has dreams of one day managing on the major-league level. And now that it doesn't seem likely that it will happen in Los Angeles, he will likely be open to looking elsewhere.

``You can't pick where you want to manage,'' he said. ``But when the opportunity comes and you like the environment, that's your chance.''

Etc: Former Dodgers general manager Fred Claire is holding a press conference this afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pasadena. . . . Third baseman Bobby Bonilla, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a intestinal infection Saturday, is continuing to improve. He is expected to be at Dodger Stadium today. . . . Albuquerque coach Jon Debus will manage the Dukes until a replacement is named.

DODGERS vs. ANGELS

Time: 7:35 p.m. at Dodger Stadium.

TV/Radio: FSW2; KRLA 1110-AM, XTRA 1150-AM, KWKW 1330-AM (Spanish), XPRS 1090-AM (Spanish).

Matchups: The Angels' Chuck Finley (7-4, 2.74 ERA) opposes the Dodgers' Darren Dreifort (4-6, 3.55 ERA). The Freeway Series moves north for two games in Los Angeles.

--- Joe Haakenson

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BOX: DODGERS vs. ANGELS (see text)