Dodgers Aren’t Too Concerned as Yankees Enter Floyd Bidding

The New York Yankees appear to have entered the bidding for free-agent outfielder Cliff Floyd, but that doesn’t seem to concern the Dodgers, who until Wednesday appeared to be the only team seriously interested in the slugger.

“We can’t worry about what’s going on with other clubs,” said Dodger General Manager Dan Evans, who has about $4.5 million to spend on a hitter. “We’re not going to be impaired by anything anyone else does.”

According to reports, the Yankees contacted Floyd’s agent in an attempt to gain bargaining power in their negotiations with Japanese outfielder Hideki Matsui. But even if the Yankees aren’t serious about Floyd, they could drive his price up.

Floyd, expected to accept an arbitration offer from the Boston Red Sox if he doesn’t reach a deal with the Dodgers by tonight, is seeking a multi-year contract in the $8-million-a-year range. The Dodgers would prefer to pay something closer to $6 million a year.

There were also indications that Floyd may not even be the top choice to replace first baseman Eric Karros. Free agent Fred McGriff, who is willing to sign a one-year deal for less than Floyd, “is definitely in the top tier of choices,” Evans said, and the Dodgers continued to negotiate with McGriff’s agent Wednesday.

By passing on Floyd, the Dodgers could buy more time and explore new options that will materialize after Friday’s deadline for teams to tender contracts.

Philadelphia first baseman Travis Lee is not expected to be offered a contract and would become a free agent. There is also speculation that Boston’s Brian Daubach, who hit .266 with 20 homers and 78 RBIs in only 444 at-bats, won’t be tendered.