Agent: Free agent Jamey Carroll headed to Dodgers

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Dodgers have reached preliminary agreement with free agent Jamey Carroll on a $3.85 million, two-year contract.

Carroll's agent, Jonathan Maurer, confirmed the deal Thursday, with the second baseman expected to undergo a physical in the next few days.

Maurer said the deal includes incentives up to $525,000 a year based on at least 275 plate appearances.

Carroll played the last two seasons in Cleveland, which offered him a two-year deal, along with Oakland and the Dodgers, Maurer said. The Indians were eliminated first.

Although Oakland offered more money and playing time, Maurer said Carroll wanted to play for Dodgers manager Joe Torre and coach Don Mattingly, who is from Carroll's hometown of Evansville, Ind.

The Dodgers have penciled in Blake DeWitt as the starting second baseman.

"Jamey has said he looks to partner with Blake DeWitt and form a tremendous 1-2 punch at second base to help this team get back to the playoffs," Maurer said.

Carroll could also spell Rafael Furcal at shortstop and Casey Blake at third base.

Infielders Doug Mientkiewicz and Angel Berroa, and pitcher Josh Towers were among nine players who agreed to minor league contracts.

The 36-year-old Mientkiewicz dislocated his right shoulder while sliding into second base for a double on April 16, went on the disabled list and wasn't activated by the Dodgers until Sept. 2. He was just 6 for 18 with three RBIs last season.

Berroa, who turns 32 next month, hit .148 with two RBIs in 27 at-bats for the New York Mets last season. If added to the 40-man roster, he would get a split contract calling for salaries of $600,000 in the majors and $81,000 in the minors.

Towers, a 32-year-old right-hander, had no record and a 3.38 ERA in two relief appearances for the Yankees this year. He would get $700,000 in the majors and $100,000 in minors if added to the 40-man roster.

Los Angeles also agreed to minor league contracts with right-handers Luis Ayala, Francisco Felix, Justin Miller and Juan Perez; first baseman John Lindsey; and outfielder Prentice Redman.