Dodger Sights Now on Koch?

The Dodgers have dropped out of the bidding for free-agent closer Jason Isringhausen but are trying to acquire Billy Koch of the Toronto Blue Jays, baseball sources said Tuesday.

Isringhausen, considered the top remaining free-agent closer, is not in the Dodger budget, and signing him would cost the club a draft pick. The right-hander is expected to sign with the Texas Rangers or St. Louis Cardinals.

Based on how baseball calculates payroll, the Dodgers have almost $93million committed to 16 players under contract next season. General Manager Dan Evans does not plan to be active in free agency because he believes the club must retain its picks to rebuild the farm system.

Evans does not comment specifically on his plans, but baseball executives said he believes Koch is a good fit for the Dodgers because of his contract situation, and they would not lose a draft pick in a trade.

Koch, who turns 27 on Dec. 14, is under contract for $2.35 million next season. He was 2-5 with a 4.80 earned-run average in 2001, but had 36 saves in 69 appearances and at least 31 saves in each of his three seasons.

Evans is working on a three-team trade involving the Oakland Athletics, but sources said he has encountered hurdles.

The Blue Jays want the Dodgers to take back right fielder Raul Mondesi, traded to Toronto in 1999 for right fielder Shawn Green. The Dodgers do not want Mondesi, owed $11 million in 2002 and $13 million in 2003.

Dodger officials believe that right-handed setup man Matt Herges might be ready for the closer role soon, and he would be the top candidate next season if Evans cannot acquire a proven closer.

The Dodgers are considering many trade scenarios involving relievers, and they hope to sign free-agent setup man David Weathers.

Evans has had talks with Danny Horwits, Weathers’ agent, and the sides are moving forward on a multiyear contract. However, many teams are pursuing Weathers, considered one of the top available relievers.

“There are a number of teams interested in getting a deal done,” Horwits said. “In the last few days, several of those teams are starting to press harder and harder to get a deal done.”

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The Dodgers are requesting too much for all-star left fielder Gary Sheffield, executives said.

The club wants two or three standout major leaguers for Sheffield, according to teams that have had talks with the Dodgers.

The Atlanta Braves, New York Mets and New York Yankees are the clubs most interested in acquiring the six-time all-star--but not at the current price.

The Dodgers want second baseman Alfonso Soriano and left-handed starter Andy Pettitte from the Yankees, and closer Armando Benitez from the Mets as the centerpiece of a multiplayer trade.

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Evans said he is considering re-signing Chan Ho Park, but sources said he still has not met with agent Scott Boras about the free-agent starter.

Boras declined comment on Park’s situation, saying he does not discuss negotiations with teams.

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Adrian Beltre is expected to exercise a clause in his contract that permits him to file for arbitration today. He hopes to receive more than the $2.8 million he is guaranteed next season.