12:13 a.m. — Dodgers close to deal with Blake

The Dodgers are close to a deal with free-agent third baseman Casey Blake on a three-year, $17 million contract, according to major-league sources.

Blake, 35, is seeking three guaranteed years, and the Dodgers' proposal enables them to retain him after the Twins were only willing to offer two years and an option.

The Dodgers acquired Blake from the Indians last season shortly before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. He batted only .251 for the Dodgers with a .313 on-base percentage, but hit 10 home runs in 211 at-bats and drew praise from Dodgers officials for helping to revive the team along with Manny Ramirez.

If Blake is signed, the Dodgers likely will use Blake DeWitt at second base unless they acquire another player at that position. They are still trying to add a shortstop, and remain in the mix to retain free agent Rafael Furcal.

Monday news and notes

Ken Rosenthal is FOXSports.com's senior baseball writer. Gerry Fraley writes baseball for FOXSports.com. Ed Price covers the Yankees for the Newark Star-Ledger.