Bowa’s 2005 option exercised by Phillies

New Orleans — Phillies manager Larry Bowa received more job security Friday.

Philadelphia exercised its 2005 option on Bowa and added team options for 2006 and 2007.

Bowa, the 2001 NL Manager of the Year, has led the Phillies to a 252-233 record in three seasons, twice finishing second. Philadelphia led the NL wild-card race late last season but faded in September, finishing third behind Florida, which went on to win the World Series.

Bowa’s 252 wins in his first three seasons are the most by a Phillies manager since Pat Moran had 278 from 1915-17.

January vote possible on sale of Dodgers

New Orleans — Frank McCourt has completed the application for his proposed $430 million purchase of the Los Angeles Dodgers from News Corp., and the deal could be put to a vote by baseball owners next month.

Bob DuPuy, baseball’s chief operating officer, said McCourt submitted the papers to baseball Dec. 5.

“Several of us met with he and his wife on Wednesday,” DuPuy said.

DuPuy declined to speculate if the sale would be ready for a vote at the next owners meeting, which probably will take place Jan. 14-15 in Scottsdale, Ariz.