WINTER MEETINGS NOTES

Dodger Chairman Robert Daly is becoming accustomed to being the new boss at Chavez Ravine, but Daly apparently plans to rely heavily on General Manager Kevin Malone.

Daly has taken an active role in charting the club’s course but does not plan to attend the winter meetings, leaving attempts to cut payroll and improve the bullpen and bench in Malone’s hands.

“Kevin is the general manager,” Daly said. “Obviously, if it comes down to talking about anything of a significant nature, he’s going to run it by us [Daly and President Bob Graziano], but this is his area.”

*

Dodger second baseman Eric Young may be headed to the St. Louis Cardinals after all.

The Dodgers and Cardinals discussed a deal involving the speedy leadoff batter during the general managers’ meetings. It wasn’t completed, in part, because the Cardinals were leery of assuming the remaining $9 million Young is owed for the final two years of his contract.

Now, it appears the Cardinals are interested in Young again because some of their other plans have changed, leaving more payroll flexibility.

Malone and St. Louis General Manager Walt Jocketty are expected to talk today.