Dodgers, angling to protect themselves against the possible loss of free-agent right-hander Greg Maddux, are the front-runners to sign free-agent left-hander Randy Wolf.
Wolf, 30, has informed at least one of his suitors that he is close to signing with another club. Rival executives say that club is the Dodgers, and the proposed deal is believed to be for one year with a club option for 2008.
The Dodgers remain interested in Maddux, but possibly not at his desired price; they also are in the mix for other free-agent starters, including right-hander Jason Schmidt. The Padres, believed to be the only other club for which Maddux would pitch, are expected to intensify their pursuit of him this week.
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