Gagne Will Return in Search of a Title

Shortstop Greg Gagne, who deliberated whether he wanted to return to the Dodgers or even continue playing baseball, signed a one-year, $3-million contract Thursday with the Dodgers that includes a $3.2-million club option in 1998.

“I want to finish up some business out there,” said Gagne, 34, who batted .255 with 10 home runs and 55 RBIs, and solidified the infield with his defense. “That team could have done more last year, so there’s a lot of work ahead.”

Gagne, who signed as a free agent a year ago, could find himself flanked by two new infielders in 1997.

The Dodgers, according to sources, will pursue a trade for second baseman Jose Vizcaino, who originally was signed by the Dodgers in 1986 and played last season for the New York Mets and Cleveland Indians. They also will try to acquire free-agent third baseman Dave Hollins, who played for the Minnesota Twins and Seattle Mariners last season.