Dodgers, Jeremy Giambi Agree on Contract

Continuing recent efforts to fortify their bench, the Dodgers on Friday signed free agent Jeremy Giambi to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

Giambi batted only .197 with five home runs and 15 runs batted in during an injury-plagued season in 2003 with the Boston Red Sox, but the Dodgers like the potential upside of a 29-year-old with a career on-base percentage of .377.

“Here’s a guy who’s still young and might be able to contribute to our success this year, and we’re going to give him every opportunity,” Dodger General Manager Dan Evans said.

“He’s going to come to camp and try to win a job as a left-handed bat off the bench.”

Evans said Giambi, who did not play after Aug. 5 because of a torn ligament in his left shoulder, is recovering from off-season surgery and should be ready for spring training.

If he makes the team, Giambi will join a bench also expected to include Bubba Trammell, who last week signed a one-year contract.

Giambi’s best season came with Oakland in 2001, when he batted .283 with 12 home runs and 57 RBIs in 124 games. He batted .259 with 20 homers and 45 RBIs in 2002 and split time between the Athletics and Philadelphia Phillies.

“He’s looking to get himself back to where he was a year ago,” said Evans, who anticipates using Giambi in the outfield and at first base.

The Dodgers also signed reliever Rick White to a minor league contract. The deal will pay him $700,000 if he makes the major league roster.

White, a right-hander who pitched last season for the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros, could make an additional $200,000 in performance bonuses.

“He’s been very durable, very successful throughout his career,” Evans said of White, who is 28-40 with a 4.17 earned-run average and 12 saves in 11 seasons. “He brings a veteran presence and knows how to get guys out.”

-- Ben Bolch

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Ivan Rodriguez has been offered a $40-million, four-year contract by the Detroit Tigers, a source told Associated Press.

The 10-time All-Star catcher and his agent, Scott Boras, were in Detroit on Thursday, according to the source.

Tiger President and General Manager Dave Dombrowski had said earlier this week the team was interested in Rodriguez but has declined to elaborate much on his discussions with Boras.

“We continue to explore the situation,” Dombrowski said. “I don’t expect anything imminently.”

The Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles also have expressed interest in Rodriguez.

Rodriguez had a $10-million, one-year deal with the Florida Marlins last season and helped them win the World Series. He asked for a $40-million, four-year contract from Florida, which broke off talks Dec. 7 by refusing to offer salary arbitration.

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Kerry Wood agreed to a $9.75-million, one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, who hope to work out a multiyear deal.

Wood filed for arbitration Thursday. By signing the 26-year-old right-hander to the one-year deal now, the Cubs avoid having to exchange salary figures Tuesday in arbitration.

Former Boston Red Sox manager Grady Little was hired by the Cubs as a scouting consultant and assistant to General Manager Jim Hendry.

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The New York Mets and free-agent infielder Todd Zeile reached a preliminary agreement on a contract, contingent on his passing a physical early next week.... Outfielder Orlando Palmeiro agreed to a $750,000, one-year contract with the Houston Astros. Palmeiro played all or parts of eight seasons with the Angels before joining the St. Louis Cardinals last season.

Shortstop Rey Ordonez agreed to a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres and was invited to spring training. He’ll earn $650,000 if he makes the big league club.

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Associated Press contributed to this report.