DODGERS NOTEBOOK: WOULD GILLICK USURP LASORDA'S POWER?

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Staff Writer

Kevin Malone's interest in hiring former Baltimore boss Pat Gillick as a Dodgers scout and adviser would appear to limit the future role of former interim general manager Tom Lasorda, now a senior vice president.

But Malone, who completes his first week as Dodgers GM today, said Lasorda will remain an important member of the club's decision-making process and that his role as senior vice president would not change if Gillick is added.

Gillick has disputed reports that he officially stepped down Wednesday as Orioles general manager, but it is only a matter of time. His contract, however, does not expire until Nov. 26. Because of Gillick's status, the Dodgers cannot make an offer.

``He's still under contract, so I really can't discuss it, but the way I see it, Pat would stay on the East Coast and Tommy would be here locally,'' Malone said. ``He (Gillick) would be more like a major-league scout. There would not be a problem of stepping on each other's toes. My relationship with Pat is very special. He does so many things well.''

Malone, who will accompany the team this weekend to San Francisco for the final trip of the year, shares his general manager's box at Dodger Stadium with Lasorda.

Malone and Lasorda, who replaced the fired Fred Claire on June 22, have spoken about Malone's need to put his stamp on reshaping the organization.

``He understands the situation,'' Malone said. Lasorda maintains he will do whatever is asked to help the team.

Malone also said Gillick, who led the Orioles to a wild-card berth in 1996 and an AL East title last season, will receive many offers from other clubs once the season is over.

Gillick is a Southern California native who went to USC and was considered for the Dodgers GM position in 1987 after Al Campanis was fired. That job went to Claire.

But despite three years in Baltimore, Gillick's family remains in Toronto, where he built the Blue Jays into back-to-back World Series champions in 1992-93.

``I haven't discussed anything with Kevin at all even though there have been rumors otherwise,'' Gillick said. ``I haven't made a decision with respect to leaving Baltimore. Whatever transpires, I've always tried to conduct myself in a professional manner. While I'm with the O's, I'm going to do everything possible to help this organization.''

Shaw rebounds: Closer Jeff Shaw, who blew four saves during a six-game stretch in the final week of August, saved his sixth straight Wednesday night despite allowing three singles in the ninth inning to the Colorado Rockies.

It was a tense ninth for Dodgers starter Brian Bohanon, who pitched eight innings for his first victory in five starts.

Shaw twice allowed late-inning homers to cost Bohanon victories during the closer's slump.

Shaw, last year's National League Pitcher of the Month for September, has converted 20 of 21 save opportunities during the past two Septembers.

DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO

Time: 7:35 p.m., at 3Com Park.

TV/Radio: Channel 5; 1150-AM, KWKW 1330-AM (Spanish).

Matchups: In the first of three games with the Giants, Dave Mlicki (8-7, 4.71) faces right-hander Mark Gardner (12-5, 4.46). Mlicki is coming off his worst start since July 18 in St. Louis, giving up seven runs in five innings last Saturday against San Diego. Gardner defeated Brian Bohanon 6-2 on Sept. 6. He hasn't won since. Matchups for the rest of the series: Saturday (1:05 p.m., Ch. 11) - Ismael Valdes (10-9, 3.86) vs. right-hander Russ Ortiz (2-4, 5.19); Sunday (1:05 p.m.) - Carlos Perez (10-13, 3.75) goes after his fourth consecutive complete-game victory game. The Giants have not decided on their starter.

- Matt McHale

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Photo, Box

Photo: LASORDA

Box: DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO (See Text)