As the Dodgers were closing in on a deal to make Joe Torre their manager Tuesday, Grady Little vacated the position by announcing his resignation.
Little, who managed the Dodgers for two seasons, denied that his departure was related to news that the club was targeting the former New York Yankees manager to replace him, saying the move was "mutually decided" between him and General Manager Ned Colletti.
Colletti denied that the team's managerial position had been offered to anyone.
But baseball sources said the Dodgers and Torre had agreed to the terms of his contract and were settling the final details of what is believed to be a three-year deal worth about $4 million a season. Torre wants to appoint his own coaches, among them Don Mattingly, and is negotiating how much money will be spent on them. He also wants input on player personnel moves, which could lead to the free-agent pursuit of Alex Rodriguez.
The deal could be completed as early as today.
Torre's agent, Maury Gostfrand, did not return phone calls.
Colletti also could not be reached until he and Little were on a conference call Tuesday afternoon with reporters to discuss Little's decision. Colletti had not returned phone calls over the last five days.
Why Little decided to resign abruptly remained a mystery at the conclusion of the call. He was under contract for next season, and had an option for 2009.
Little cited "a combination" of personal reasons, denying it had anything to do with the fracturing of the Dodgers' clubhouse last season or a falling out with Colletti. One team source said that Little took offense when Colletti was critical of the coaches in an end-of-the-season meeting with them.
"That's news to me," Colletti said when asked of a rift with Little.
"That's news to me too," Little said.
Colletti said he never wavered from his stance that Little could return if he wanted and that he spoke to other managerial prospects only in case Little decided to quit.
Colletti admitted that he had discussions with Joe Girardi, who was named the Yankees manager Tuesday. He would not say if he has spoken to Torre.
It is uncertain whether the Dodgers have contacted anyone other than Torre and Girardi for their managing job. Baseball rules require teams to interview a minority candidate for any vacant manager's position.
