Malone’s departure from L.A. having little effect on the 51s

Steve Guiremand

Monday, April 23, 2001 | 9:47 a.m.

Call it the trickle-down theory.

A baseball manager's fate is often tied to that of his general manager. Ditto minor league managers and instructors.

So when Dodgers GM Kevin Malone resigned last week, it definitely caught the attention of Las Vegas 51s manager Rick Sofield and company.

"I'm very disappointed but I wish him well," Sofield said before the 51s' 4-1 victory over Calgary on Sunday afternoon at Cashman Field. "Obviously, there were things on his mind. Anytime you resign you put stress on the family. No one wants to do that.

"I'm a big Kevin Malone fan. He's a very talented man. Obviously, he did what he thought was best for the organization and that's how he's always been. He was GM when I was hired, so obviously there is some loyalty there."

Sofield was asked if he was concerned about his future with the Dodgers now that Malone has left.

"Nah, I have more worries than that," he said. "I can only do what I can do.

"I do the best that I can at my job. The organization will evaluate where I fit in. Hopefully, I do a good enough job where they are appreciative. That's all I can do."

Dave Wallace has replaced Malone as interim GM and reportedly does not want the job on a permanent basis. Speculation in Los Angeles this week is that the Dodgers have targeted Cleveland GM John Hart, Oakland's Billy Beane and New York Mets assistant general manager Jim Duquette as their top candidates for replacing Malone.

Dodgers chairman and CEO Bob Daly has said he'd like to have his new GM by the All-Star break.

Wallace may attend tonight's game against Calgary to watch Las Vegas pitcher Carlos Perez make a start. The Dodgers have until May 4 to make a decision on whether to promote Perez to the main club or release him and eat his $7.5 million salary.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Orosco, who was released by the Dodgers on March 30, is now willing to accept a minor league assignment. Orosco was expected to make L.A.'s opening day roster, but the Dodgers wanted the 21-year veteran to start the season in Las Vegas after compiling an 0-3 record and 6.35 ERA during spring training.

Wallace and his staff are expected to decide this week whether to re-sign the left-handed relief specialist who pitched in just six big league games last season with St. Louis where he had a 0-0 record, 3.86 ERA and no saves.

Carrara and relievers Mark Kiefer and Jim Dougherty combined to strike out 14 Cannons. That's the most in one game by the 51s staff this season.

Center fielder Chris Prieto, shortstop Shawn Gilbert and first baseman David Post each had two hits and an RBI to lead the 51s (8-9) offensively.