Can Colletti clean up the Dodgers' mess?

Even on a secure line, without the Giants listening in, Colletti has plenty of work to do. This is a flawed organization with a flawed roster. Owner Frank McCourt's promise to keep the payroll up around $100 million is a hollow phrase from the past. Industry sources expect the Dodgers to check in at around $75 million when the '06 season opens.

Several industry sources expect Colletti to name veteran Jim Fregosi as his new manager, though Colletti said this week he still wants to speak with others.

"I don't know that Superman can come in and change in any organization things overnight," Baer said. "It will probably take him time to make a huge impact, but he'll do it."

Colletti, a 25-year major league baseball veteran, worked as Sabean's assistant for the past nine seasons. During that time, the Giants won three NL West titles and finished second five times.

"I think it's a very good hire," San Diego's Towers said. "He's very experienced in the front office. He's been part of a very successful franchise. He not only knows the National League, but the National League West, too."

That undoubtedly is one of Towers' concerns. With men ranging from Kevin Malone to Paul DePodesta in charge of the Dodgers, and with owners from the Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. to Frank McCourt, Towers -- and others in the division -- at times could sit back and enjoy watching the disintegration of a once powerful franchise.

But the minute the Dodgers put in charge someone who knows what they're doing, given their resources and brand name, they immediately become a threat again.

The question is, is Colletti that guy?

"There was some air sucked out of the room when it became clear that he was going to be moving to L.A," Baer said.

He added: "He deserves a chance, he really does. I don't know how people missed him over the years. People valued him as a No. 2, No. 3, all that, but he has tremendous skills.

"He has an open-mind policy, not just an open-door policy. He very much is the kind of guy who is willing to listen to all ideas, and he'll come up with good ones himself. He's creative."

Exactly how creative, we'll soon learn. Right now, here's a short list of the men who could be Jim Tracy's successor (in order of likelihood):

Jim Fregosi

Pros: Longtime baseball man who will add another piece of credibility to the Dodgers. Guided the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies to the World Series, where they lost to Toronto. Phillies have not returned since. Also has managed the Angels, White Sox and Toronto. Developed solid relationship with Colletti when Fregosi served as special assistant to the GM in San Francisco in 1997 and 1998. Knows the game very well.

Cons: Might know the game too well for his own good. Eventually, according to one executive, Fregosi will want to become general manager and president, too. "I don't know what his shelf life will be like after a few years, but he's sharp as hell," the executive said. "He gets ahold of Milton Bradley, Jeff Kent, whatever's going to happen, Jim can handle those guys."

Bud Black

Pros: Respected pitching coach of the Los Angeles Angels. Is a Southern California guy who knows the area well and knows the landscape around the Dodgers. Is viewed within the industry as someone who could manage, work as a GM, hold another front office-type job, whatever he wants.

Cons: Black removed his name from consideration on Wednesday and will remain with the Angels. Isn't sure if now is the right time to manage with one daughter in high school and another in middle school. Has never managed before, so if the Dodgers want someone who "has won the last game of the season" -- Colletti's words -- Black doesn't yet have that going for him.

Terry Collins

Pros: Has managed successfully both in Houston and Anaheim. As the club's director of player development, Collins knows the prospects inside and out -- and under McCourt, the Dodgers are expected to hold the line at a $75 million payroll and begin leaning on some of these prospects.

Cons: Too fiery to last long. The players eventually turned against him in Houston and Anaheim -- it was especially ugly in Anaheim. In six seasons of managing, his Astros and Angels finished second five times. But he hasn't managed since 1999.