O Dowd

ATLANTA -- The Orioles likely will ask Kevin Malone, the leading candidate to replace Roland Hemond as general manager, to go through a second interview in Baltimore this week, a club source said.Malone, 38, the former GM of the Montreal Expos, had a successful interview two weeks ago. At that time, ex-San Diego Padres GM Randy Smith appeared to be the front-runner to replace Hemond. But Smith went to the Detroit Tigers, and Malone, who appears to be the club's leading choice will get a second, more intensive round of questions.

The Orioles are close to signing free-agent infielder Bill Ripken, two club sources confirmed last night.Orioles manager Davey Johnson couldn't be reached for comment, but according to the club sources, Ripken could be used in a number of roles. If the Orioles sign one of the expensive free-agent second basemen, Roberto Alomar or Craig Biggio, Ripken would be used in a backup role, playing at second and third.If the Orioles don't sign Alomar or Biggio -- and there's a good chance of that, given Alomar's contract demands and Biggio's inclination to remain in the National League -- Ripken could be used in a platoon role, playing against left-handers.

Citing a desire for innovation, common direction and greater emphasis on international scouting, the Orioles named Florida Marlins executive Frank Wren yesterday as the ninth general manager in the club's 35-year history.The selection of Wren, 40, concluded a hectic 36 hours that began Thursday with an early-morning phone call from majority owner Peter Angelos and an agreement on a guaranteed three-year contract reached early yesterday afternoon. Terms were not disclosed.Angelos was similarly impressed by the qualifications of the four finalists for the job, but chose the former Marlins assistant general manager because of an instant rapport that developed between the two, according to Orioles chief operating officer Joe Foss.

WASHINGTON - The nation's capital spent much of yesterday looking over its shoulder and scanning the skies overhead. In a city that escaped last Sept. 11 without the devastation that was perhaps intended for it, anxiety and caution abounded. Even as Washington carried on business as usual, any sudden move or unexpected sound jangled a multitude of nerves. James O'Neill flinched when the whine of a low-flying aircraft bounced off the walls of the Lincoln Memorial. "What's that?" asked O'Neill, a businessman from Appleton, Wis. "It's eerie," he said.

DANA POINT, Calif. -- Orioles officials continued to explore possible player moves at the general managers' meetings yesterday at the scenic Ritz-Carlton Hotel, but the most intriguing trade talks involving the club may have taken place during the World Series.Colorado Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd confirmed that the clubs talked about possible trade combinations involving controversial Orioles superstar Albert Belle and Rockies stars Dante Bichette and Darryl Kile, but could not agree on a suitable package.

The Cleveland Indians don't abuse opposing teams like they did last year, when they had Carlos Baerga hitting third and Jim Thome batting seventh or, sometimes, eighth in the lineup. They're not as capable of scoring 20 runs in a game; their offense isn't as dynamic as it was in 1995.They might win 100 games in this 162-game season after going 100-44 in 1995.But, believe it or not, the Indians are a better team than they were last year; much better equipped for the demands of postseason play; more capable of beating the Atlanta Braves in the World Series.

Orioles general manager Roland Hemond spotted a reporter before the final game of the 1995 season yesterday and he charged, hands outstretched, and placed one on each of the man's shoulders. His voice conveying panic, Hemond asked frantically, "What's happening?! What's happening?!"And then Hemond laughed -- a well-timed joke. Someone in Hemond's position usually wouldn't crack jokes: He doesn't know what's going to happen in the days to come, whether he'll be fired, whether manager Phil Regan will be retained, what will happen to assistant general manager Frank Robinson, what direction the team will take.

Bally Entertainment Corp. yesterday announced the appointment of Dennis O. Dowd as the new president of Rosecroft Raceway and Delmarva Downs, effective Sept. 11.Dowd, 47, has an extensive background in harness and thoroughbred racing in New Jersey and is leaving the presidency of Freehold Raceway for his new position.During his tenure at Freehold, attendance and handle improved annually with his innovations regarding simulcasting, off-track betting growth and service to fans receiving much of the credit.

Orioles chief operating officer Joe Foss will conclude the initial phase of his general manager's search early this week when he interviews Chicago White Sox assistant GM Dan Evans, according to club sources.The process will then accelerate, as up to three of five candidates might return to interview with majority owner Peter Angelos. The successor to Pat Gillick will likely be named before the World Series, which starts Oct. 17.This week's maneuvering apparently won't be limited to the front office.

The Orioles will interview Joe Klein today for the general manager position left vacant by Roland Hemond's resignation last week.Klein, who lives in the Baltimore area during the off-season, was fired by the Detroit Tigers yesterday, a move that had long been expected. The Tigers likely will announce the hiring of Randy Smith as their new GM on Monday.Klein, 53, took over as GM of the Tigers in January 1994. He never really had the chance to shape the club throughout an entire off-season -- when he took over, Detroit already had $27 million committed to seven players.