Dodger Makeover Continues

Another day, another Dodger.

Free-agent pitcher Brett Tomko has agreed to terms on a two-year, $8.7-million contract that includes a club option for a third year and a $1-million buyout, two sources with knowledge of the negotiations said Wednesday.

Tomko, 32, is scheduled to take a physical today. Barring any complications, he would become the sixth free agent signed by the Dodgers this off-season and third this week, but the first pitcher.

Tomko, who also was pursued by the San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Washington Nationals, would become the Dodgers’ fourth starter behind Derek Lowe, Brad Penny and Odalis Perez.

Durable and consistent, Tomko is 81-73 in nine seasons, although he was only 8-15 for the San Francisco Giants while making $2.65 million last season. The right-hander has pitched more than 190 innings and made at least 30 starts in each of the last four seasons.

However, he has not posted an earned-run average under 4.00 since his rookie year with the Cincinnati Reds in 1997 and has given up more than a hit per inning in five consecutive seasons. The Dodgers will be his sixth team.

Tomko, whose fastball is consistently 92 to 93 mph, has pitched well at Dodger Stadium, going 4-2 with a 2.93 ERA in 13 career starts.

The signing brings the total spent on free agents by new General Manager Ned Colletti to about $70 million, including incentives. About half the amount will be paid out in 2006, taking the Dodger payroll beyond $90 million.

The spending might continue. The Dodgers want to add another starting pitcher before spring training -- preferably one who fits in the front of the rotation. Currently D.J. Houlton, Edwin Jackson and Chad Billingsley would compete for the fifth spot, but the Dodgers prefer that Houlton be used in a swing role and Jackson and Billingsley begin the season in triple A.

Colletti continues to have discussions with Scott Boras, the agent for right-handers Kevin Millwood and Jeff Weaver, the best pitchers remaining on the free-agent market besides Roger Clemens.

The Dodgers have until Jan. 8 to negotiate with Weaver, who expressed a desire to re-sign with the Dodgers near the end of last season and is thought to be seeking at least a four-year, $38-million offer.

Colletti is exploring other free-agent and trade possibilities. Free agent Byung-Hyun Kim, who pitched well against the Dodgers for the Colorado Rockies last season, and left-hander Shawn Estes are low-budget options.

The Chicago White Sox are shopping right-hander Jon Garland, but the asking price might be too high for the Dodgers, who don’t want to trade top pitching prospects.

Garland was a cornerstone of the White Sox’s World Series championship season, posting an 18-10 record and 3.50 ERA. He made $3.4 million and is arbitration eligible, but is on the trading block because he turned down a three-year offer.

However, the White Sox want pitching prospects in return and Colletti is reluctant to part with top minor league starters Billingsley, Justin Orenduff and Chuck Tiffany.

In other moves, the Dodgers re-signed outfielders Jon Weber and Tydus Meadows to minor league contracts. Both spent last season at double-A Jacksonville.