DODGERS TO RELY ON NEW GM EVANS TO CLEAN UP.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

SAN DIEGO - Reviving a barren farm system caused by poor drafts and bad trades and dealing with an overburdened payroll that has the flexibility of a block of ice is now the responsibility of Dan Evans.

Evans, who spent 19 years with the Chicago White Sox but the last four months as an adviser to the Dodgers, was officially named the Dodgers' executive vice president and general manager on Wednesday.

Dave Wallace, who served as interim general manager since April 19, was made senior vice president, baseball operations, and will oversee the minor-league system and have major input into scouting and player-personnel decisions.

Those expected announcements should signal the start of the revamping of the Dodgers' baseball operations as the organization tries to regain its stature as one of the best-run in baseball, a reputation further eroded during the two-plus seasons Kevin Malone misguided the team.

``To be given the responsibility that I've been given is something I'm humbled by,'' Evans said. ``I have tremendous respect for (the position), and at the same time I'm aware that the only way a job like this gets done well is by incorporating people's judgment and values.

``And I believe that we have a lot of people here in our organization that I can lean on for information to help me make better decisions so when we make decisions they'll be carefully thought through.''

Evans, 41, and Wallace, 54, will work in tandem to add a support staff that was ripped apart to the point the Dodgers haven't had an assistant general manager for the last year. That will include the hiring of a farm director and several senior advisers.

``I can't stress it enough,'' Wallace said of the importance of a support staff. ``It directly translates into what you have going on in the organization. Your support staff has to include people in player development, people who have seen a number of major-league games over the years, good, experienced baseball people.''

Evans and Wallace each received three-year deals with two one-year club options. Evans will be paid approximately $1.8 million, sources said.

``I am extremely pleased with the work of both Dan and Dave this season,'' Dodgers chairman Bob Daly said in a statement. ``Dave is a tremendous baseball mind who will continue to assist Dan. With Dan, you have a guy who has proven that he has the talent, experience, relationships and enthusiasm to take on this role and to have a positive impact on this organization, both on and off the field.''

The communication, professionalism and symbiotic relationship among Wallace, Evans and rookie manager Jim Tracy pleased Daly from the get-go. Evans joined the organization May 31, and by mid-July, sources said Daly spoke of the possibility of hiring Evans as Malone's successor.

The most pressing issue for Evans is exactly what it's been the last two years - a bundle of high-priced contracts filled with no-trade clauses. The Dodgers have $83 million guaranteed to 13 players for 2002, have three starting pitchers (Darren Dreifort, Kevin Brown and Andy Ahsby) who underwent arm surgeries, a need for a leadoff hitter and questions about their middle defense.

They also have a $115 payroll that ranks behind only the Yankees and Boston, and Chan Ho Park, James Baldwin and Terry Adams all are free agents after the season.

However, a cautious Evans said he would wait to comment about those situations until he can meet with other members of the organization after the season concludes.

The Dodgers also are saddled with a weak farm system that is only showing signs of developing at the lower levels.

``I think the ideal situation for a club is to have a steady flow of talent from the minor leagues to the major leagues, and at the same time also be able to use the minor-league players to make some trades when necessary,'' Evans said.

``What we need to do as an organization is get together, decide what our priorities are and where we need to improve ourselves, and act accordingly. At this time, I'm just not prepared to make a statement as to where we would go.''

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo: (color) no caption (Dan Evans) Box: EVANS FILE