Ex-Angel Molina Draws Interest

Bengie Molina’s price tag has dropped so far that the Dodgers are interested in signing him for one year, multiple sources said Wednesday.

General Manager Ned Colletti has spoken twice to Alan Nero, the agent for the former Angel Gold Glove catcher, and could make an offer this weekend.

The Toronto Blue Jays have expressed the most interest in Molina, who turned down a three-year, $18-million offer from the New York Mets in November but now might get only a one-year contract.

The Blue Jays have reportedly offered Molina $4 million for one year, and the New York Yankees also might be interested.

Colletti has worked under the assumption that Dioner Navarro would be the Dodger catcher, and the Dodgers signed aging free agent Sandy Alomar Jr. as a backup.

Highly regarded prospect Russell Martin is expected to begin the season in triple A and eventually would challenge Navarro.

However, the Dodgers are having second thoughts about simply handing the job to Navarro because they acquired a large number of veterans during the off-season and believe they can contend in the National League West.

Navarro, 21, was impressive in 50 games after being promoted from triple A in July. In 176 at-bats, he batted .273 with three home runs and 14 runs batted in and had an above-average on-base percentage of .354.

Although he displayed a strong arm, Navarro had trouble throwing out base stealers.

Molina, 31, hit .273 in seven seasons with the Angels, including a career-high .295 in 410 at-bats last season. His 15 home runs were also a career high and he drove in 69 runs.

Molina would provide experience behind the plate. He was a Gold Glove winner in 2002 and 2003.