DODGERS COULD BE LEFT OUT IN SEARCH.

Byline: Brian Dohn

Finding a left-handed set-up man for the bullpen is a main focus for the Dodgers, but it appears two of the top free agents the club spoke with - Baltimore's Arthur Rhodes and the New York Yankees' Mike Stanton - won't make their way to Los Angeles.

Rhodes, who pitched for Dodgers manager Davey Johnson in Baltimore, is contemplating a four-year deal with the Yankees believed to be worth at least $3 million a year. Coming off a 3-4 season in which he had a 5.43 ERA, Rhodes is also considering signing with his old team, the Orioles.

The cost for Rhodes apparently is too high for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers also spoke with Stanton's representatives. Stanton is one of the top lefty relievers in the free-agent class - he was 2-2 with a 4.33 ERA and 21 holds last season - but a source said Stanton will opt to re-sign with New York despite getting offers from other clubs. Stanton spent the last three seasons with the Yankees.

If Rhodes and Stanton don't sign with the Dodgers, the club is expected to try to acquire a lefty via a trade.