Evans may be on list

DALLAS -- The search for a Red Sox general manager has not been set aside, despite the intense focus on other issues -- trading Manny Ramírez and David Wells, re-signing Johnny Damon, other trades and signings.

Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino, in what would seem a clear signal the Sox are not satisfied with the candidates they have interviewed to date, met Tuesday with Dan Evans, the former Dodger general manager and current special assistant to Seattle GM Bill Bavasi. Ten years ago Evans was on Lucchino's list of finalists for the Padres GM job that went to Kevin Towers.

Lucchino seemed reluctant to characterize his session with Evans as an interview.

''The search process is essentially on hold this week, to enable us to focus on the business of the winter meetings," he said in an e-mailed message last night. ''I did have a conversation with Dan Evans in the hotel, who reiterated his interest in being considered for the position. No interviews are scheduled."

Evans, 45, who spent 19 years in the White Sox organization, spent three years as GM of the Dodgers before being ousted by incoming owner Frank McCourt in February, 2004, in favor of Paul DePodesta.

Evans has worked in big markets with hands-on owners (Jerry Reinsdorf in Chicago, Bob Daly in LA), he has experience in talent evaluation and statistical analysis, and he is familiar with many of the key players in Boston. In addition to Lucchino, Evans worked with manager Terry Francona when Francona was managing in the White Sox system.

At the time of Evans's hiring in LA, he received raves from his peers, including this one from Yankees GM Brian Cashman. ''I don't think the Dodgers could have picked a better choice to run that storied franchise," Cashman said.

Evans was involved in meetings with the Mariners yesterday and said he could not comment on his meeting with Lucchino. Former Orioles vice president Jim Beattie, who has interviewed three times for the Sox position and was considered a leading candidate to replace Theo Epstein, did not respond to a phone message last night.

Myers left out

Lefthanded specialist Mike Myers made 65 appearances for the Sox last season after Francona had urged Epstein to make a deal with St. Louis to bring him back after the Sox let him go following the 2004 season. Myers, who held lefthanded hitters to a .158 average last season, had hoped to have a more predictable offseason and thus was disappointed when the Sox elected not to offer him arbitration. Bill Lajoie, speaking for the Sox baseball operations team, said the Sox could not afford the luxury of having two ''one-batter" pitchers in their bullpen. They already have righthanded submariner Chad Bradford.The Red Sox also did not offer arbitration to John Olerud (retired), Matt Mantei, and Kevin Millar. The Sox cannot renegoatiate with those players until May 1.

As things currently are aligned, Lenny DiNardo is the only lefty in the Sox pen.

Myers could wind up with the Yankees.

''What came as more of a surprise," Myers said, ''was that the Red Sox never made a formal offer."