Dodgers expected to sign Adam Kennedy

Their visions of landing Prince Fielder already something of the past, the Dodgers are spending another off-season shopping in the bargain aisle. The next player they sign is expected to be former Angels infielder Adam Kennedy, with whom they are closing in on an agreement, according to people familiar with the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal hasn't been finalized. Kennedy attended J.W. North High in Riverside and played at Cal State Northridge, but that was long ago. He will turn 36 in January. He batted .234 with seven home runs and 38 runs batted in in 114 games for the Seattle Mariners last season. Kennedy was a utilityman for the Mariners and would probably be in the same role with the Dodgers. He should be affordable even to the cost-conscious Dodgers. He was paid 750,000 last season. Kennedy batted .280 over seven seasons with the Angels as their regular second baseman. He was the most valuable player of the 2002 American League Championship Series after hitting three home runs in a Game 5 victory over the Minnesota Twins. The Angels went on to win the World Series. If the Dodgers sign Kennedy, he would join a modest free-agent haul that includes outfielder Juan Rivera (one year, 4.5 million), second baseman Mark Ellis (two years, 8.75 million) and catcher Matt Treanor (one year, 1 million). The Dodgers' payroll, which was around 110 million this year, is expected to be lower next season. Dylan Hernandez