Dodgers Move Russell, Smith Up From Minors

ATLANTA —  The Dodgers seemingly took another step toward preparing an eventual successor to Manager Tom Lasorda on Sunday when they promoted former Dodgers Bill Russell and Reggie Smith.

Russell, who managed the Dodgers’ triple-A team in Albuquerque the past two seasons, will become the team’s bench coach, a position he held from 1987 through 1991 after his retirement as a player in 1986.

“It’s not really in my mind about replacing Tommy,” Russell said. “I’ve been managing at Albuquerque for two years and it’s showed me that yes, it’s something I want to do.”

Russell will replace Joe Ferguson, the bench coach last season who probably will be offered the job as the Eye in the Sky, the coach who positions the Dodger fielders.

That job was held by Ron Roenicke, who was fired along with first base coach and hitting instructor Ben Hines.

Smith will replace Hines as hitting instructor.

Smith’s promotion is no surprise after the way he helped Eric Davis and several other players throughout the season. Smith served as the club’s minor league field coordinator and hitting instructor the past season and will continue to oversee the minor league hitting program.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, but with Reggie, he has worked with a lot of our younger players and with others who are coming up,” said Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president.

Claire has not replaced Russell, but said the priority is to fill Smith’s position as field coordinator

The latest moves appear to be an effort toward grooming the successor to Lasorda, whose contract was extended in July through the 1994 season.

However, Dodger President Peter O’Malley said: “We felt that Billy and Reggie would make a contribution to the ’94 team, and it should not be looked at in any other way.”

Returning will be pitching coach Ron Perranoski, third base coach Joe Amalfitano and bullpen coach Mark Cresse.