Free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal is close to selecting a team as he begins comparing the offers he has received.

Dodgers' owner Frank McCourt hinted Tuesday that the team might be reluctant to sweeten the offer they made Manny Ramirez.

Andy Pettitte has spoken more than once with his former manager Joe Torre about joining the Dodgers, according to major-league sources.

Agent Scott Boras denied a report that the Red Sox have offered free-agent catcher Jason Varitek a contract, which has spurred rumors that he could sign elsewhere.

If they are unable to re-sign Rafael Furcal, the Dodgers are thinking about pursuing veteran free agent shortstops such as Orlando Cabrera or Edgar Renteria in hopes of signing them to a short deal that could buy them time until prospects Ivan DeJesus Jr.

Dodgers' third base coach Larry Bowa believes that the team needs to re-sign free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez.

Free-agent third baseman Casey Blake reportedly would like to play for the Twins, but the team isn't thrilled with giving him a three-year deal.

Free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal told El Caribe that he would return from his native Dominican Republic to the United States on Monday to sign a contract.

The Braves, Dodgers, and Mets are believed to be among teams that have inquired about Ranger's starting pitchers Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla.

Andre Ethier credits Manny Ramirez for having a positive influence on his play at the plate.

Derek Lowe is becoming a hotter commodity on the free agent market than the Mets expected, and they are reportedly considering passing on the pitcher.

Dodgers' pitcher Chad Billingsley had surgery on Saturday after fracturing his leg in a fall at his Pennsylvania home, according to an Associated Press report.

Derek Lowe is drawing interest from a long list of teams, including the Mets, Braves, Phillies, Giants, Mariners, Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers.

The Twins and Casey Blake have made progress discussing the framework of a potential deal, length, and general salary range, his agent Jim McDowell said Thursday.

The Yankees intended to make four-year offers on A.

An agent familiar with the situation said Wednesday he expected the San Francisco Giants to make an offer to CC Sabathia's agents.

As first reported by ESPN's Peter Gammons, CC Sabathia doesn't intend to decide on his next team until after the Thanksgiving weekend.

There are rumblings that the Dodgers either have offered or are about to offer CC Sabathia a six-year contract worth between $110 and $120 million.

The Mets continue to maintain communication with free agent Raul Ibañez, but they'll face competition.

Scott Boras, according to executives with two different teams interested in Derek Lowe, is telling clubs he wants "a Zito-type contract" for the free-agent right-hander.

While they wait for a decision from CC Sabathia, the Yankees have expressed strong interest in righthanded pitchers Derek Lowe and A.

Peter Gammons recently took the pulse of several general managers, and many of them believe the Dodgers will land CC Sabathia, the Giants will bid big for Manny Ramirez, and that the Blue Jays will continue to make Milton Bradley their number one priority.

The Dodgers, according to Peter Gammons, haven't given up on getting Larry Lucchino to go west and bring their business into the 21st century.

As expected, the Dodgers have withdrawn the contract offer they extended to free agent Manny Ramirez a week ago, but they will continue negotiations.

With Greg Maddux retiring, the Dodgers see the possible addition of Randy Johnson has an opportunity to fill in as an innings eater and a veteran presence on a young rotation.

If the Braves acquire Padres right-hander Jake Peavy, one of their next steps will be to pursue free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, major-league sources say.

Responding to media speculation that the Dodgers want to trade Russell Martin, Ned Colletti said the opposite is true.

Manny Ramirez's agent Scott Boras fired a shot towards the Dodgers when he said Wednesday, "Beginning Friday, I will begin, for the first time, taking serious offers," suggesting the proposed three-year deal from the Dodgers that could wind up worth nearly $60 million won't be good enough to retain Ramirez.

Manny Ramirez will reportedly be guaranteed at least $45 million if he accepts the Dodgers' initial offer to stay with the team.

According to unnamed sources, the Dodgers' initial offer to Manny Ramirez includes a club option for a third season that could increase the contract's value to $60 million.

Russell Martin has reportedly fallen out of favor with the Dodgers.

A majority of fans in Los Angeles would like to see the Dodgers re-sign Manny Ramirez after a tremendous offensive display during his time with the team.

Dodgers' Manager Joe Torre is being patient but remains optimistic that the team can retain free agent slugger Manny Ramirez.

The buzz that has been circulating about Robinson Cano ending up with the Dodgers has not gone away, but Yankee officials expect him to remain in the Bronx.

The Dodgers' offer to Manny Ramirez is believed to be worth $45 million over two seasons, but it is unlikely to get a deal done.

The Dodgers are offering Rafael Furcal a two-year contract for about $25 to 30 million, according to a person familiar with their thinking.

The Dodgers have declined the option on Brad Penny's contract for the 2009 season, freeing up $7.

The Dodgers made a lucrative offer to free-agent Manny Ramirez on Wednesday, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

Dodgers right-hander Greg Maddux reportedly intends to retire from Major League Baseball.

Angels' closer Francisco Rodriguez headed a list of nineteen more players to file for free agency on Monday.

Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti is expected to meet with agent Scott Boras for the first time this week to begin discussing the future of Manny Ramirez.