Advertisement

Garciaparra ‘open’ to third, outfield

Share
Times Staff Writer

Whether he returns to the Dodgers or joins another team, first base is not necessarily the first option for Nomar Garciaparra.

The Dodgers on Tuesday signed utility infielder Ramon Martinez to a one-year contract worth $800,000, leaving seven players from this year’s team available in free agency. Those players can sign with other teams as soon as Sunday, and General Manager Ned Colletti said he has no offers on the table to any of them.

Colletti said he has talked with the agents for Garciaparra, outfielder Kenny Lofton and pitchers Greg Maddux and Eric Gagne about possible new contracts. Garciaparra, 33, played shortstop for the first eight seasons of his career, then third base for the Chicago Cubs in 2005 and first base for the Dodgers this year.

Advertisement

Colletti said Arn Tellem, the agent for Garciaparra, told the Dodgers his client would be “open-minded” about “playing first base, third base, maybe the outfield.” If Garciaparra returns, Colletti said he envisions him playing one or two positions but not moving around the field on a regular basis.

The Dodgers depth chart includes James Loney at first base, Wilson Betemit at third base and J.D. Drew, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp in the outfield. Loney, Ethier and Kemp each made his major league debut last season. The Dodgers also plan to pursue a big bat in free agency, with targets including third baseman Aramis Ramirez and outfielders Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano.

The Dodgers promoted scouting director Logan White to assistant general manager. Under White’s direction, the club has revitalized its minor league system, with draft selections including Loney, Kemp, Jonathan Broxton, Chad Billingsley and Russell Martin, all of whom contributed to the Dodgers’ 2006 playoff team.

Colletti said White would do some major league scouting but would focus on expanding the Dodgers’ scouting operations abroad. The Dodgers promoted scout Tim Hallgren to replace White as scouting director, but Colletti said White would continue to help evaluate high school and college players.

bill.shaikin@latimes.com

Advertisement