Dodgers, A’s Hit an Impasse

The Oakland Athletics acquired closer Billy Koch from the Toronto Blue Jays to complete the first phase of a proposed three-way trade with the Dodgers that would send Gary Sheffield to Oakland, but the Dodgers and Oakland were at an impasse late Friday night on the final piece of the transaction, baseball sources said.

Dodger General Manager Dan Evans and Billy Beane of Oakland were in intense negotiations for the second straight day in an attempt to finalize the Sheffield portion of the deal after the Athletics sent triple-A third baseman Eric Hinske and right-hander Justin Miller to Toronto for Koch.

The Dodgers believed they were so close to getting Koch and Oakland Gold Glove outfielder Jermaine Dye for Sheffield and pitchers Luke Prokopec and Mike Trombley that members of the team’s media relations staff remained at Dodger Stadium until almost 9:30 p.m. in preparation for an announcement.

The Athletics unexpectedly, though possibly only momentarily, shifted gears, but sources said the trade could be completed as soon as today.

“I heard about it, but I told [agent] Scott [Boras] not to tell me anything until it’s done,” said Sheffield, contacted late Friday. “I don’t want to know anything about it until everything is completed, and I’m not going to worry about it. I’ve got too much to take care of right now, I’ve got to get ready for next season, and that’s what I’m going to do.

“My numbers are going to go wherever I go. I’m not going to be upset about it because that’s just business. But I just want it to get done. Whatever they [the Dodgers] want to do is up to them, I understand that, but I just want to know. I’m going to play wherever I have to. I’m ready.”

In an apparent negotiating ploy, the Athletics introduced Koch as their newest player in a conference call shortly after former closer Jason Isringhausen reportedly was set to accept a four-year, $27-million offer from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Athletics have other options at closer.

Koch said he is aware of the scenario that could soon send him to the Dodgers.

“My head has been sort of spinning,” Koch said. “I talked with Mr. Beane, and he didn’t indicate anything [about being moved to the Dodgers] to me. Right now, I’m as happy as I can be with Oakland and looking forward to a great season.”

Despite long phone discussions, the Athletics’ eagerness to acquire Sheffield and the Dodgers’ desire to send him to the Bay Area, the clubs still had issues to be resolved, sources said.

Sheffield, Dye and Koch are the primary players involved, but some sources said Beane is attempting to modify other points of the deal.

Moreover, Jason Giambi’s situation could be affecting negotiations.

It appears that negotiations between the New York Yankees and the free-agent first baseman might have hit a snag.

The Athletics might be trying to determine whether they could retain their franchise player and clubhouse leader, though sources said Beane wants to add Sheffield to the lineup even if Giambi stays.

Evans is committed to completing a deal he believes could bolster the Dodgers long term, and Chairman Bob Daly is behind his first-year general manager.

Beane apparently still believes Sheffield could help shift the balance of power in the American League.

Evans declined comment on his talks with Beane but acknowledged “there are so many things going on right now. I have talked to a lot of clubs today.”

The Dodger portion of the deal was contingent on Oakland acquiring Koch from the Blue Jays because Evans and Toronto General Manager J.P. Ricciardi, formerly an Oakland executive, could not reach an agreement for Koch. The Dodgers were not willing to trade starter Eric Gagne, sources said, and Ricciardi was not impressed with the available Dodger prospects.