Green’s Left to Ponder Future

If not for Javier Vazquez’s reluctance and the Dodgers’ hesitation because of it, Shawn Green probably would have waived his no-trade clause and continued his career in Arizona.

As it is, not two months from spring training, Green still belongs to the Dodgers, with whom he has one season remaining on a contract that will pay him $16 million.

Still seeking to sign at least one starting pitcher -- General Manager Paul DePodesta has targeted Derek Lowe and Kevin Millwood, in that order -- the Dodgers could move again to trade Green, particularly if he would bring a pitcher or a catcher.

Green’s agent, Greg Genske, said Wednesday that the news of the Dodgers’ three-way trade with the Diamondbacks and New York Yankees was a revelation for Green, even though the deal ultimately fell apart.

“He had always envisioned spending the rest of his career as a Dodger,” Genske said. “The events of the last week have caused him to reevaluate that.”

In the event the Dodgers had re-signed Adrian Beltre, DePodesta had said his plan was to return Green to right field and employ Hee-Seop Choi at first base.

Beltre signed with the Seattle Mariners, however, and today the Dodgers are expected to sign outfielder J.D. Drew, assuming he is cleared in a morning physical.

If Jayson Werth returns in left field and Milton Bradley in center field, DePodesta’s choice appears to be to return Green to first base or trade Green or Choi. Choi is 25, earned $310,000 last season, is arbitration-eligible and has drawn trade interest. Green is 32.

“If Shawn is ultimately to continue his career with the Dodgers,” Genske said, “he’s happy to report to spring training and prepare for the season and play out the remainder of his contract.”