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Weaver Ready to Extend Deal

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Times Staff Writer

Jeff Weaver would love to discuss a contract extension with the Dodgers, but each side appears to be waiting for the other to make the first move.

Weaver’s agent, Scott Boras, said he would welcome a call from General Manager Paul DePodesta.

“Certainly, Jeff has let everyone know he wants to do something,” Boras said. “I haven’t heard anything from Paul.”

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DePodesta said he preferred not to initiate contract talks during the season, since some players do not wish to negotiate then.

“We’ll take our cue from the player,” DePodesta said. “It’s not that I’m trying to put it on him, but I don’t want to be the cause of any distraction.”

After the Dodgers signed Brad Penny to an extension Sunday, DePodesta said he would be willing to discuss one with Weaver. That would be fine with Weaver, who said he would not be distracted by negotiations, because he would leave them to Boras.

“It wouldn’t be me talking,” Weaver said. “I have complete trust in my agent. My distractions are what goes on between the lines.”

In the last six months, the Dodgers have signed three starting pitchers to contracts of similar annual amounts -- Penny (three years, $25 million), Derek Lowe (four years, $36 million) and Odalis Perez (three years, $24 million). Neither Weaver nor Boras would discuss an asking price, but it is unlikely Weaver would forgo free agency this fall for a lesser contract.

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Excess Temptations, a horse whose owners include Penny and former Dodger Paul Lo Duca, won the sixth race Thursday at Hollywood Park.... Outfielder Jayson Werth, with six strikeouts in his last 16 at-bats, did not start, but had a pinch-hit double in the ninth inning.... Third baseman Andy LaRoche, who hit .333 with 21 home runs at Class-A Vero Beach, was promoted to double-A Jacksonville.... In honor of Father’s Day, fans are invited to play catch in the Dodger Stadium outfield on Sunday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

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ON DECK

Opponent -- Chicago White Sox, three games.

Site -- U.S. Cellular Field.

TV -- FSN West 2 tonight and Saturday, Channel 13 Sunday.

Radio -- 980, 1330.

Records -- Dodgers 33-32, White Sox 43-22.

Tonight, 5 PDT -- D.J. Houlton (2-0, 5.72) vs. Mark Buehrle (7-1, 2.91).

Saturday, 4 p.m. -- Elmer Dessens (0-0, 4.00) vs. Freddy Garcia (6-3, 3.78).

Sunday, 5 p.m. -- Jeff Weaver (6-6, 5.15) vs. Jose Contreras (3-3, 3.81).

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