CLOSING IN ON A CLOSER DODGERS HAVE EYE ON JAYS RELIEVER.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

In their effort to revamp their bullpen, the Dodgers are focused on Toronto closer Billy Koch and free-agent set-up man David Weathers.

Dodgers general manager Dan Evans spoke with new Toronto general manager J.R. Ricciardi about Koch, and two scenarios are in place. The Blue Jays are willing to trade Koch for right-hander Eric Gagne, but the Dodgers would rather send a package that includes right-hander Luke Prokopec and minor-leaguers, sources said.

The Dodgers also are trying to get a third team involved in a possible deal, one option being the Oakland Athletics.

Also, Evans talked with Weathers' representatives about a deal that would pay Weathers $10 million for three seasons, sources said.

Dodgers manager Jim Tracy, speaking on a conference call Monday to announce the final two years of his contract have been picked up, explained the Dodgers' thinking.

``First and foremost, you have to build your ballclub from the ninth inning back,'' Tracy said. ``That being said, we're obviously looking for a closer. That's the first thing we have to do. The center-field situation is one that we're trying to address.

``I really believe the club is built from the ninth inning back because the last thing you want to do is know you've put together a ballclub that's going to work like heck over the course of two hours and 30 minutes a night to win a baseball game, only to lose it in 10 or 15 minutes. That's totally counterproductive to the mood and the focus of a ballclub.''

Finding a closer became the Dodgers' top priority after they elected not to exercise the option on Jeff Shaw's contract last month.

The Dodgers' top target when the offseason began was Anaheim's Troy Percival. However, Angels general manager Bill Stoneman's asking price was too high and the Dodgers moved on.

The Dodgers then turned to Koch, who turns 27 next week. Koch has a fastball in the high 90s that occasionally is clocked at 100 mph. He saved 36 games in 44 attempts last season and was 2-5 with a 4.80 ERA, by far his worst year in three seasons closing for the Blue Jays. Koch has 100 saves in 117 chances in his career.

Prokopec, 23, was 8-7 with a 4.88 ERA last season and Gagne, 25, was 6-7 with a 4.75 ERA.

While Koch is clearly atop the Dodgers' list, Evans also is monitoring the fate of Chicago White Sox closer Keith Foulke. Evans, a former White Sox assistant general manager, has inquired about Foulke's availability but is getting mixed signals. The latest round of negotiations for a long-term deal involving Foulke broke down recently and the White Sox might shop him at the winter meetings.

Evans tried to acquire Weathers from Milwaukee at the trading deadline last season, but the Chicago Cubs had more to offer. Weathers, 32, is one of the top set-up men in baseball. He went 4-5 with a 2.41 ERA last season. Opponents batted .216 against him.

Free-agent closer Jason Isringhausen is off the Dodgers' list at this point.

Also, third baseman Adrian Beltre must decide today whether to play for $2.3 million next season or take the Dodgers to arbitration.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo: (1) KOCH

(2) Torontos Billy Koch had 36 saves last season, but his record was 2-5 with a 4.80 ERA.

Janscha/Associated Press