The Dodgers are leaning toward hiring Ned Colletti as general manager, sources said Monday, and an announcement is expected before Frank McCourt leaves for owners' meetings in Milwaukee on Wednesday afternoon. Barring an unexpected development, McCourt will choose either Colletti ? the San Francisco Giant assistant GM of nine seasons ? or Dodger assistant GM Kim Ng. Two high-level Dodger sources said the job has not been offered to anyone. Former Boston GM Theo Epstein had preliminary conversations with McCourt last week, but after consulting with friends within baseball apparently came to a mutual decision with the Dodgers that the job wasn't for him. Epstein has been linked to venture capitalist Frederic V. Malek, who heads one of the leading groups trying to buy the Washington Nationals. John Hart, another former GM who had discussions with McCourt, removed himself from consideration Monday, saying he will remain a consultant with the Texas Rangers.