Russell Expected To Return As Manager Of Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers will hold a news conference at Dodger Stadium today, probably to announce that interim manager Bill Russell will return next season as manager.

Jay Lucas, the team’s director of publicity, would not divulge the subject of the news conference Wednesday, but it has appeared clear for several weeks that Russell will keep the managerial job he received suddenly in midseason.

Russell, who turns 48 later this month, has managed the team since June 25 - a day after Tom Lasorda was hospitalized with what turned out to be a minor heart attack.

Pitcher Greg Maddux of the Atlanta Braves won his seventh straight Gold Glove as Rawlings saluted the top defensive players in the National League.

Joining Maddux were first baseman Mark Grace of the Cubs; second baseman Craig Biggio of Houston; third baseman Ken Caminiti of San Diego; and shortstop Barry Larkin of Cincinnati.

The outfielders were Barry Bonds of San Francisco; Marquis Grissom of Atlanta; and Steve Finley of San Diego. The catcher is Charles Johnson of Florida.

Seattle Mariners infielders Doug Strange and Brian Hunter and outfielder Alex Diaz became free agents when they refused to have their contracts outrighted. The Mariners also announced that right-handed pitcher Bob Milacki has been claimed on waivers by Boston.

Barry Bonds, apparently disgruntled over his father Bobby’s dismissal as the Giants’ batting coach, has told his representatives he wants to be traded.