At one time it appeared the Los Angeles Dodgers were first in line for his service. Their success with Yasiel Puig is among reasons they would be interested. That interest flamed out in September.

Most likely, Guerrero will wind up a second base. Like Puig he appeared in need of training in baseball fundamentals. He is a better hitting prospect than fielder at this point. Plus, he hasn't played since 2011.

Guerrero apparently was peeved about being left off Cuba's 2012 World Baseball Classic roster, leading to his defection in January. He has been training in the Dominican Republic.

The Cincinnati Reds this week decided to quit their interest in Guerrero. "We scouted him extensively and had a lot of discussions," GM Walt Jocketty told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "But I don't believe anything will happen."

Other teams mentioned in connection with Guerrero are the San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox.

Second base is an interesting position this offseason, with Robinson Cano expected to draw big interest by teams not scared away for his huge contract demands.

Guerrero's flirtation with the Dodgers brought reports in July he had a six-year, $32 million deal lined up.


KERSHAW OFFERED $300 MILLION


Clayton Kershaw is a sure thing as the Los Angeles Dodgers' top pitcher. The team reportedly believed so strongly in him it offered a $300 million contract to bind the lefthander to the franchise the rest of his career.

Talks never were consummated, in part because Kershaw wasn't sure he wanted to make the long-term commitment, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.

Another possible reason: The Los Angeles Times reported Kershaw was miffed when the Dodgers made public information on the discussions.

If the contract numbers are correct Kershaw was on track to become the highest-paid pitcher in baseball, well above the $180 million deal Justin Verlander signed with the Detroit Tigers. Verlander's deal runs through 2019.

Verlander was scheduled to pitch Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, unless the Boston Red Sox closed out the series Saturday.

Kershaw was shelled in Game 6 of the NLCS, won by the St. Louis Cardinals.


GOMEZ HAS SURGERY


Carlos Gomez, fresh off being named the Milwaukee Brewers' most valuable player, is on the mend after right elbow surgery.

That will put a crimp in the center fielder's plans to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic.

Recovery should take long. Assistant GM Gord Ash, quoted on the team website, said the surgery as "routine" and "just a clean-up procedure to remove some bodies that were in there."

Gomez became the first Brewers player to hit 20 homers and steal 40 bases. However, he was beaten up at season's end. In addition to his elbow he was receiving attention on his right knee and left shoulder.

With a three-year, $24 million contract kicking in next season the team wants him to focus on his health before going into offseason play.

Contributors: David Squires, The Associated Press