DODGERS UPDATE: MUELLER INKED TO PLAY 3B OUTFIELD, PITCHING ARE NEXT PRIORITIES.

Byline: Tony Jackson  Staff Writer

Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti crossed one more item off his extensive holiday shopping list Wednesday, signing free-agent third baseman Bill Mueller to a two-year contract.

Terms were not disclosed, but the deal is believed to carry a guarantee of between $9.5 million and $10 million.

With Mueller finally in the fold after a three-week negotiation, the Dodgers now will turn their attention to adding a starting pitcher and an outfielder. Meanwhile, the possible addition of a first baseman has become a low priority, and it is increasingly likely the club will begin a second consecutive season with light-hitting Hee-Seop Choi manning the position.

``It's debatable,'' Colletti said. ``If something shows up that we think will improve our club at first, we will take a shot at that. But we still need to shore up our outfield and our starting pitching. (Olmedo) Saenz could play (first), too.''

The Dodgers are pursuing several free-agent outfielders, but Colletti characterized as ``premature'' an Internet report that former Boston center fielder Johnny Damon will be in Los Angeles for a formal visit with Dodgers officials this weekend. But when pressed on the subject, Colletti wouldn't deny that such a visit is at least tentatively planned.

Another first base and outfield possibility is free agent Nomar Garciaparra, in whom Colletti admitted the Dodgers have interest. But Garciaparra never has played first base or the outfield in his 10-year major-league career.

``It's an intriguing possibility,'' Colletti said. ``I would want to talk to him before I commented on that. He has been an infielder ... all of his career.''

Mueller, who won an American League batting title while playing for new Dodgers manager Grady Little with Boston in 2003, gives the Dodgers four switch-hitters in their revamped everyday lineup and five when shortstop Cesar Izturis returns from the disabled list sometime around the All-Star break. Mueller, who will turn 35 during spring training, also gives the club an offensive presence at third base, where the Dodgers used six different players in 2005.

Those six players combined to hit .228.

``This guy's makeup is as good as anybody's,'' said Colletti, who was San Francisco's assistant GM during five of Mueller's six seasons with the Giants. ``I have known him since he was a minor-league player, and his determination got him to the big leagues. I think he will be a positive influence, not only to the veterans on this club but also to the young players.''

Mueller was traveling and wasn't available for comment until today.

Mueller accepted the two-year deal with the Dodgers despite widespread reports he had been offered a three-year guarantee from Pittsburgh, something the Pirates denied in a press release issued by the club immediately after Mueller signed with the Dodgers. But Ron Shapiro, Mueller's Baltimore-based agent, seemed to indicate that someone offered his client a three-year deal, whether it was the Pirates or another club.

``He decided to forego three years somewhere else and play where he wants to play and the position he wants to play,'' Shapiro said. ``Bill ... and his wife Amy were analyzing what is best for them as a family, where they want to live and where he wants to play.''

Although the Muellers live in suburban St. Louis, Amy Mueller is a Bay Area native.

Colletti said Mueller could hit anywhere from second to sixth in the Dodgers lineup, but the best fit appears to be the No. 2 spot behind new leadoff hitter Rafael Furcal. Mueller batted .295 for the Red Sox last season with 34 doubles and a .369 on-base percentage. Although he has just 82 home runs in nine-plus major-league seasons, he has a career average of .292 and has struck out just once every 8.3 at-bats.

Tony Jackson,[phone]

tony.jackson(at)dailynews.com

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