Colletti Turns His Attention Elsewhere

The Dodgers are expected to announce today the signing of free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, who had agreed in principle to a three-year, $39-million contract pending a physical examination.

General Manager Ned Colletti remains hopeful that he can address roster deficiencies at third base, outfield, starting pitcher and first base.

“Other than that,” he said with a wry smile, “I think we’re pretty well set.”

Colletti said he had made an offer to at least one of three free-agent third basemen -- Bill Mueller, Joe Randa and Nomar Garciaparra. Mueller is thought to be considering an offer from the Pittsburgh Pirates as well.

He has not yet met with agent Scott Boras, who represents several attractive free-agent pitchers, former Dodger right-hander Jeff Weaver among them.

And, Colletti said, he is more likely to add an outfielder through trade than free agency. Tampa Bay’s Aubrey Huff, Cincinnati’s Adam Dunn, Florida’s Juan Pierre, Philadelphia’s Bobby Abreu and Pat Burrell, Texas’ Kevin Mench and Boston’s Manny Ramirez have drawn the most interest at these meetings.

Although he said first base was “the least of our concerns,” asked specifically about Hee-Seop Choi as the full-time starter, Colletti said, “I wouldn’t want to have to comment either way right now.”

The Dodgers have talked to the Texas Rangers about acquiring Alfonso Soriano, whom they have considered playing at first base.

The balance of rebuilding the major-league team and minding the minor-league system could be a challenge for Colletti, as it was for his predecessor, Paul DePodesta.

“Could I fix a lot of holes for the 2006 season and have half the farm system?” he asked. “I could have done that yesterday.”

The Oakland Athletics, who once expressed interest in acquiring Milton Bradley, have turned their attention to Frank Thomas. The Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and, perhaps, Pittsburgh Pirates remain on-and-off suitors for Bradley, who met Tuesday with Cub Manager Dusty Baker, who said afterward, “We have a support staff here I think that can make a difference.”

-- Tim Brown

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The Toronto Blue Jays kept up their spending spree by agreeing to terms with starter A.J. Burnett on a five-year, $55-million contract.

The deal was announced hours after the Blue Jays gave General Manager J.P. Ricciardi a three-year contract extension.

It was the second major free-agent signing this off-season for the Blue Jays, who gave closer B.J. Ryan a $47-million, five-year deal last week.

A 28-year-old right-hander with a 98-mph fastball and a no-hitter on his resume, Burnett is 49-50 in his career, all with Florida. He had reconstructive elbow surgery and sat out almost all of the 2003 season, then went 12-12 with a 3.44 earned-run average last year.

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First baseman John Olerud, a former batting champion and two-time All-Star, has retired after 16 seasons, the Boston Red Sox said. Olerud, 37, was an All-Star in 1993 and 2001 and a .295 career hitter with 255 home runs and 1,230 RBIs in 2,234 games.

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The Cincinnati Reds reached a preliminary agreement to trade first baseman Sean Casey to the Pittsburgh Pirates for left-hander Dave Williams, a deal that addresses each team’s biggest need. The deal is subject to players’ passing physicals, an official on a team involved in the trade said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

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Florida Marlin President David Samson visited San Antonio as part of a preliminary search for a possible new home for the team. Samson said the city was the first stop on a tour that will last three to five months.

Samson was escorted by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff and San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger. Samson also is expected to visit Las Vegas, Portland, Ore., and other cities he didn’t disclose.

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Left-hander Steve Kline was acquired by the San Francisco Giants from the Baltimore Orioles for right-hander LaTroy Hawkins and cash.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.