Dodgers updates on Rafael Furcal, Takashi Saito, Mark Loretta

LAS VEGAS -- The contract the Dodgers offered to Rafael Furcal this week is laden with incentive clauses, General Manager Ned Colletti acknowledged today.

“We would like to share some risk with the player and if he’s willing to do that, we can figure something out,” Colletti said. “If he doesn’t want to and doesn’t have to, he probably won’t be here.”

Furcal would “blow past” the incentive benchmarks that the Dodgers have proposed and receive the kind of annual salary he is seeking -- if he gets as many at-bats as he's had during a typical season.

Furcal, 31, was limited to 36 games this year because of back problems.

Colletti said that acquiring a shortstop remains his top priority, and that he expects to be in touch with Furcal’s representatives again before the end of the winter meetings Thursday.

Takashi Saito’s status also is uncertain. Friday is the deadline to tender contracts to players. The Dodgers might part ways with the All-Star closer if they can’t agree on terms of a new contract to ensure they can avoid facing him in arbitration.

Saito would probably receive a sizeable raise from the $2 million he earned this year if he goes to arbitration.

Dodgers assistant general manager Kim Ng has had “several” conversations with Saito’s representatives and has made a one-year, incentive-laden offer.

“It’s a stare-down right now,” Colletti said.

In other news, Colletti said that the one-year deal Mark Loretta signed with the Dodgers is guaranteed for $1.25 million and includes incentive clauses.

Loretta grew up in Arcadia and said he used to attend about 10 Dodger games every year.

“This was my first choice going in,” Loretta said.

-- Dylan Hernandez

Photo: Rafael Furcal is shown during an NLDS game against the Chicago Cubs in October. Credit: David Banks / EPA

Comments

[Paul]

Sammy, think Rays!

[Ralph]

Furcal in the lead-off spot is the spark-plug of the Dodger engine. Give him a benefit of a doubt and re-sign him for his production and leadership capabilities. With a healthy Furcal, spear-heading the offense, the Dodgers could make it to its first World Series since 1988. Make him an offer that will make him think twice. That will let him know the Dodgers really want back in DODGER BLUE.

[avi]

hey what happened to the other news about the dodger s so did they singed any body else to day and why did the redsoxs singed the dodgers pither to a one year contract that was so stupied . from avi