BRIEFLY MCCOURT EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED.

Byline: - Daily News Wire Services

The Dodgers have scheduled a 2:30 p.m. news conference today to introduce Frank McCourt, who is expected to be unanimously approved as the team's new owner in a conference call.

McCourt's $430 million bid needs the approval of 22 of baseball's 30 owners, which is likely because the ownership committee gave its approval Tuesday.

McCourt is scheduled to make his first public comments since he reached agreement with News Corp. to buy the team Oct. 10.

- Rich Hammond 

--Third baseman Dean Palmer announced his retirement. Palmer, 35, who was signed to a minor-league deal by the Detroit Tigers last month, has been plagued in recent years by neck and shoulder injuries.

--All-Star Melvin Mora agreed to a $10.5 million, three-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles, avoiding salary arbitration.

--Todd Zeile (UCLA, Hart High of Newhall) finalized his $1 million, one-year contract with the New York Mets.

--Wrigley Field is closer to landmark status after a Chicago City Council committee unanimously approved a plan that would declare the ballpark a landmark.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Suspended Ohio State tailback Maurice Clarett won't take part in offseason workouts even though he's been cleared by the school.

MOTOR SPORTS: A bankruptcy judge in Indianapolis rejected a bid by the Indy Racing League for an offer by a group of CART team owners to bring that open-wheel series out of Chapter 11.

SOCCER: After months of wrangling, soccer's world governing body has committed itself to enacting a global anti-doping code.

HORSE RACING: Fudge Fatale, the longest shot in a field of nine at 55-1 odds, led all the way in winning the $76,850 Tuzla Handicap for older fillies and mares at Santa Anita.