DODGERS UPDATE: OFFER TO ASHBY OFF THE TABLE.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

The Dodgers' pursuit of free-agent right-hander Andy Ashby ended Tuesday when the club rescinded its contract offer for three years plus an option for a fourth.

Signing Ashby had been a priority for the Dodgers, who are trying to acquire two starting pitchers during the offseason.

``We have withdrawn our three-year offer and have notified Andy Ashby's agent of that decision,'' Dodgers senior vice president Derrick Hall said.

Ashby and the Dodgers had a deal in place late last week. But after agreeing to it, Ashby and his agent, Adam Katz, on several occasions told the Dodgers they needed more time to think about it, sources said. The deal, including the option, would have been worth $30 to $32 million.

``It doesn't mean we're angry with each other or we're not speaking,'' Katz said. ``At this point, I don't know (what's in the future).''

Katz didn't rule out Ashby getting involved with the Dodgers again, but a source said, ``That's unlikely.'' Ashby was 12-13 with a 4.10 ERA with Philadelphia and Atlanta last season.

The Dodgers will continue their pursuit of homegrown free-agent Darren Dreifort and right-hander Rick Reed. They might also again try to get involved in the bidding for free-agent Kevin Appier and are targeting lefty Terry Mulholland.

In other news, the commissioner's office fined the Dodgers $100,000 for their signing of minor-league left-handed pitcher Felix Arellan. No sanctions were levied in the areas of scouting or player development, particularly because the offense took place under the previous regime.

Arellan, who went 0-1 with a 6.11 ERA in Single-A Great Falls (Mont.), was seeking free agency but remains the property of the Dodgers. Arellan's agent, Gus Dominguez, said the Dodgers signed the Venezuelan pitcher before his 16th birthday, a violation of major-league rules.

However, baseball stipulates any such claim must be made within one year of the date of discovery. The commissioner's office ruled Arellan, 19, knew of the offense when he signed July 2, 1997. Dominguez said the rules violation wasn't known until January 2000.

``We're in the process of talking to the commissioner's office and we're probably going to contest (the ruling),'' Dominguez said. ``It seems there could be some miscommunication with the commissioner's office and our client, and the interpretation of what our client said.''