Free-Agent Cutbacks: Samuel, Griffin, Carter : Dodgers: Hansen, Offerman, Hernandez figure to benefit. Claire says youngsters need to be given the chance.

Three weeks after the Dodgers finished one game short of a division championship but far below expectations, a purge of their veterans has begun.

The Dodgers will not make an effort to re-sign second baseman Juan Samuel, shortstop Alfredo Griffin or catcher Gary Carter for next season, according to Vice President Fred Claire.

Claire said Wednesday he has informed all three potential free agents that they will not be offered contracts because their positions will be taken by younger players during what is shaping up as a transitional 1992 season.

The only way they might return to the club is if the Dodgers offer them arbitration later this winter to fill a sudden hole in the roster, but that is unlikely.

“We have spent a lot of time talking about the direction of the club, and we feel this is the way to go,” said Claire, who recently returned to Los Angeles from last weekend’s organizational meetings in Mesa, Ariz.

“Young players have emerged through our system, and we feel we should give them a chance. Players like Alfredo, Juan and Gary have been very valuable to our organization. None of the calls are easy. But we have to set a course for where we are going.”

The transition began Sunday when Bill Russell, the valued bench coach, was sent to triple-A Albuquerque in hopes that he can return to replace Manager Tom Lasorda.

Samuel’s spot will probably be taken by a combination of Lenny Harris and Mike Sharperson. They can be moved from third base with the emergence of Dave Hansen, the rehabilitation of Jeff Hamilton or a free-agent acquisition such as Steve Buechele of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Griffin will be replaced by Jose Offerman, an uncertain move considering that Offerman played poorly late in the season. Carter will be replaced as backup catcher by Carlos Hernandez.

Claire said he will pursue the Dodgers’ other six free agents, including first baseman Eddie Murray and pitchers Orel Hershiser and Mike Morgan.

This does not assure the return of any of those free agents, particularly Murray. Sources say he may be offered a one-year contract, which he has said would be unacceptable.

Additionally, the Dodgers have picked up the one-year, $1.6-million option on pitcher Bob Ojeda’s contract, but that means little. Ojeda is expected to force a trade if the Dodgers do not agree to add a couple of years to the contract. Because Ojeda was traded last season in the middle of a multiyear deal, he has that power.

“I can’t comment on things that haven’t happened yet,” Claire said.

Although there were no surprises among the three veterans purged, the move caps a roller-coaster season for Samuel. He was the Dodgers’ best player in the first half with a .313 average, nine home runs and 43 runs batted in. But during the second half, he batted .223 with three homers and 15 RBIs, finishing with a .271 average.

Griffin battled injuries to hit .243 and become one of the Dodgers’ steadiest players in the final month.

Carter, who probably assured his departure when he complained about lack of playing time late in the season, batted .246 with six homers and 26 RBIs.