Boras, Dodgers Meet Again About Dreifort

Agent Scott Boras met Friday with the Dodgers to continue negotiating a multiyear contract for free-agent pitcher Darren Dreifort.

Boras, who also represents all-star shortstop Alex Rodriguez, and Chairman Bob Daly had a long discussion about Dreifort, who was 12-9 with a 4.16 earned-run average last season.

Dreifort, 28, is considered the second-best starter remaining in a pitching-thin market behind only left-hander Mike Hampton.

Friday’s meeting was the first formal negotiating session in weeks. Boras had earlier rejected the club’s five-year, $45-million offer. Dreifort is seeking a five-year, $55-million deal, and the Colorado Rockies are actively pursuing him.

Boras declined comment both on Dreifort’s situation and whether Daly also expressed interest in signing Rodriguez.

The Dodgers have not actively pursued Rodriguez, arguably baseball’s best all-around player, focusing instead on starting pitchers.

Rodriguez, expected to make at least $20 million a season, said the Dodgers are one of the teams on his list. But it is still unclear whether he is on the Dodgers’ list.

“As we have said, our top priority is pitching, and we hope to improve our staff,” said Derrick Hall, senior vice president. “That is why we are focused on free-agent pitchers and Darren Dreifort is one of them. We met with Scott and only discussed Dreifort.”

The Dodgers declined to identify other pitchers they are pursuing, but baseball sources said they hope to sign left-hander Denny Neagle and right-hander Kevin Appier if Dreifort leaves.

The Rockies and Boston Red Sox appear to be in the lead to sign Neagle, and many teams are pursuing Appier. Are the Dodgers worried about coming up empty?

“We just want to be fiscally responsible, but we also are committed to putting a winning team on the field,” General Manager Kevin Malone said. “We owe it to our fans. They deserve that, and that’s what we’re going to try to do.”