DODGERS NOTEBOOK: FREE-AGENT FOCUS TO BE ON FLOYD.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Dodgers general manager Dan Evans continued to work toward finding an impact bat for the lineup, and though he plans to speak with Fred McGriff's agent soon, the thought of outfielder Cliff Floyd coming to Los Angeles gained a little steam.

Evans met with Floyd's agent, Seth Levinson, late Friday night and made sure it was understood that the Dodgers like Floyd, but in order to make such a move would have to cut more salary, sources said Saturday.

However, to move payroll Evans would probably have to find a taker for right-hander Andy Ashby, who is making $8 million in 2003 and will see his $8.5 option for 2004 vest if he pitches 168 2/3 innings next season.

Several teams made initial inquiries about Ashby, who has a five-team, no-trade list but serious negotiations about trading him have yet to take place.

Floyd, who turned down a three-year, $24 million contract offer from Boston this offseason, also is drawing interest from the New York Yankees and Baltimore. However, he has a history with Dodgers manager Jim Tracy. Floyd played for Tracy in the minor leagues and both parties said they enjoyed it.

``I think the next week to 10 days there is going to be a lot of discussions from a lot of clubs,'' Evans said. ``You've already seen things pick up since the arbitration offers on (Dec. 7) and I think there's ongoing discussions.''

Evans also wouldn't rule out a run at Japanese free-agent outfielder Hideki Matsui, who entered into the equation after Eric Karros was traded and right fielder Shawn Green said he would move to first base if the club so desired.

One player the Dodgers have crossed off their list is Detroit outfielder Robert Fick, baseball officials said. After scouts and Dodgers officials made the rounds and spoke with other clubs about the product of Cal State Northridge and Newbury Park High, the Dodgers backed away.

The Dodgers also inquired about Texas outfielder Juan Gonzalez, sources said, but that would have to include a salary swap such as Ashby and a third team would probably have to get involved.

However, finding a way to acquire Floyd is the major objective. Evans has about $4.5 million to $5 million to spend on a bench player, a left-handed reliever and a starter for either the outfield or first base. He has said a left-handed reliever wasn't a necessity, which could clear more money for a player of Floyd's stature.

--No psychological plans: Evans and Joe Urbon, the agent for Dodgers left-hander Kazuhisa Ishii, said there are no plans to retain a psychologist to help Ishii when he gets back on the mound. Ishii was hit in the head with a line drive in September and hasn't pitched since, but the club is not worried.

Dodgers trainer Stan Johnston recently returned from a trip to Japan and gave glowing reports about Ishii's physical and mental condition.

``Stan feels that, physically, there are no issues,'' Evans said. ``I haven't had any conversations with anybody exploring anything as far as (mental) problems with Kazu because he's shown us through conversations, in a lot of one-on-one discussions, that there's been no issues whatsoever.''

Ishii already started working out in Japan and will come to Los Angeles in mid-January to participate in some of the winter workouts. Ishii also is going to tinker with his delivery in spring training so his elbow does not touch his knee during his windup.

--Offering contracts: Evans said the club plans to tender contracts to their remaining arbitration-eligible players, who are Adrian Beltre, Odalis Perez, Guillermo Mota, Alex Cora and Giovanni Carrara.

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CLIFF FLOYD

The Dodgers have appeared to make the slugger their free-agent target.