Park Is Offered Arbitration

The Dodgers offered arbitration to free-agent pitcher Chan Ho Park on Friday but not to Terry Adams and James Baldwin, meaning Adams and Baldwin probably won’t return next season.

The club could re-sign Adams and Baldwin in May, but General Manager Dan Evans is exploring other options to acquire starters. The Dodgers would not receive draft picks as compensation if they sign with other teams.

Evans said he is interested in Park, considered the top starter among the free agents. By making Park an offer before Friday’s deadline, the Dodgers would receive draft compensation for him.

Park has until Dec. 19 to accept the offer, but he is expected to sign a multiyear deal with another club or the Dodgers.

Baldwin was 3-6 with a 4.20 earned-run average in 12 starts for the Dodgers after being acquired in a trade with the Chicago White Sox. He was winless in five starts in September, going 0-4 with a 5.23 ERA.

Adams was 12-8 with a 4.33 ERA in his first season as a starter. He established career highs with 1661/3 innings and 141 strikeouts.

The Dodgers acquired Adams in a five-player trade with the Chicago Cubs in 1999. Several clubs are considering signing Adams.

Left-handed reliever Jesse Orosco, the majors’ all-time leader in appearances, has accepted a one-year, $800,000 contract, agent Alan Meersand said.

Orosco will be invited to spring training. The deal, which is not guaranteed, includes $200,000 in performance incentives and $130,000 in termination pay.

Orosco, who turns 45 on April 21, was 0-1 with a 3.94 ERA in 35 appearances last season.

Adrian Beltre’s new one-year contract is for $2.3 million plus $250,000 in performance incentives. The final season of his previous deal also was for $2.3 million, but included a $500,000 prorated signing bonus without incentives.

The Dodgers are bidding for right-handed setup man Dave Weathers, expected to sign a multiyear deal during next week’s winter meetings.