Dodgers continue search for starting pitchers

The Dodgers will continue searching for starting pitchers after talks with the Cincinnati Reds about a deal for Aaron Harang reached an impasse.

“That’s all but dead,” General Manager Ned Colletti said of the talks, first reported on Thursday.

On the day the Dodgers officially announced their signing of Jamey Carroll to a two-year deal, Colletti wouldn’t rule out adding another second baseman. But, he said, “I would rather use any money we have on pitching, if we can.”

Colletti also said he expected Carroll and Blake DeWitt to share playing time at second base. Carroll might also play shortstop, third base and in the outfield.

Of the two pitchers the Dodgers acquired from the Chicago White Sox to complete the Juan Pierre trade, Colletti said 25-year-old reliever Jon Link was the closest to being major-league-ready.

“He has a chance to be on our club this year,” he said.

Link saved 13 games and had a 3.99 earned-run average in 48 relief appearances for triple-A Charlotte last season. The Dodgers also received John Ely in the deal. Ely, 23, was 14-2 with a 2.82 ERA for double-A Birmingham last season.

Colletti said the Dodgers remain interested in re-signing backup catcher Brad Ausmus, but if they fail to do so, they would feel comfortable with A.J. Ellis in that role.

-- Dylan Hernandez

Mercurial outfielder Milton Bradley was traded to the Seattle Mariners from the Chicago Cubs for expensive and underperforming pitcher Carlos Silva.

The dual dumping, which came together in 48 hours, got rid of headaches for each team -- yet has the potential of creating new ones in each city.

Chicago also received $9 million from the Mariners as part of the swap. Silva has $25 million remaining on his contract, and Bradley has $22 million left on his deal.

SOCCER

Donovan’s loan becomes official

Landon Donovan’s short-term loan to Everton of the English Premier League became official Friday. Everton is hoping the Galaxy and U.S. national soccer team star can provide some scoring punch and speed to its lineup. According to the loan terms, Donovan, 27, will play for Everton from January till mid-March, shortly before the Galaxy’s Major League Soccer season begins.

At Everton, Donovan will play with U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard. Everton can use all the help it can get. The club is 15th in the standings in the 20-team league. Each year the three worst teams face “relegation,” being dropped to a lower league. “[Donovan] was voted best player, yet again, in the American league. I need players who can hit the ground running,” said Everton manager David Moyes.

-- Barry Stavro

JURISPRUDENCE

Phillips receives more than 31 years

Former NFL running back Lawrence Phillips has been sentenced to more than 31 years in prison for attacking his girlfriend and driving his car into three teens.

Phillips, 34, was sentenced in San Diego for assault and other crimes.

Phillips twice choked his girlfriend in 2005 in San Diego. Later that year, he aimed his car and struck three teens after a pickup football game in Los Angeles.