BASEBALL NOTES

Setting their off-season course, the Dodgers are focusing on acquiring Toronto Blue Jay right fielder Shawn Green if he becomes available, baseball sources said.

Dodger General Manager Kevin Malone has had talks with Toronto officials about the power-hitting left-handed batter, who will be eligible for free agency after the 2000 season and might be traded because of his contract situation. Green made $2.825 million this season, and the Blue Jays have offered him a five-year, $50-million extension, sources said.

Some player-personnel executives consider Green, 26, in the same class as Ken Griffey, Jr., and Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. They are expected to sign multiyear deals averaging between $17 million and $20 million annually, and Green might command as much in next season’s free-agent market.

Green’s agent, Jeff Moorad, will meet with Toronto General Manager Gord Ash during the general managers’ meetings beginning Friday in Laguna Niguel.

“At this point, Shawn is the property of the Toronto Blue Jays,” Moorad said late Monday, responding to other teams’ strong interest in Green. “Until we’re directed to redirect our focus, we’re going to engage the Blue Jays about a long-term contract for Shawn.”

Adding a left-handed slugger to the Dodgers’ right-handed dominated batting order is Malone’s top off-season priority.

Right fielder Raul Mondesi and pitcher Ismael Valdes are likely to be involved in any deal for Green. Moorad also represents Mondesi.

Malone, who has declined to comment regarding his plans to improve the disappointing ballclub, has had conversations with many general managers about many players, but Green is one who best fits the Dodgers’ needs.

Green batted .309 with 42 home runs, 45 doubles, 123 runs batted in and 20 stolen bases. The Southland native had a breakthrough season in 1998, batting .278 with 35 homers, 33 doubles, 100 RBIs and 35 stolen bases.

The Dodgers are among only a handful of teams considered to have the resources to acquire and sign the former Tustin High standout. Many believe Green will play for either the Dodgers or New York Yankees next season.