Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president, met with four teams, including the Boston Red Sox about Ellis Burks, but little was accomplished.
"It's a tougher match this year," Claire said. "We definitely have limited opportunities."
Those opportunities became even more limited when the Cleveland Indians, who met with five teams to discuss Joe Carter, did not include the Dodgers. And representatives for Milwaukee free agent Robin Yount have not talked to the Dodgers in several days.
The Dodgers still are seeking a center fielder, but Claire now says that he would not have to be a leadoff hitter.
"I think Kal Daniels could do that," he said of the injured Dodger outfielder.
Among the center fielders Claire probably will discuss this week are Kansas City free agent Willie Wilson, New York Met Juan Samuel, Philadelphia Phillies Len Dykstra and Von Hayes and Pittsburgh's Barry Bonds.
Baseball Notes
Fred Claire said he expects the Dodgers to lose two players in today's major league draft, during which non-roster players with at least three years of experience can be selected by other teams. The two are triple-A pitchers who were once top prospects: William Brennan, who was 6-9, 5.23 earned-run average for Albuquerque, and Greg Mayberry, who was 8-4 with a 3.96 ERA for the Dukes. Most of the Dodgers' best prospects have less than three years experience. The Dodgers have the 10th selection in the draft but, because their roster is at its 40-man limit, Claire said they would not make a selection.
Times staff writer Bill Plaschke contributed to this story.
