Garciaparra is headed to the Dodgers

(Correction: Because of incorrect information provided by the Associated Press, the story on the trade of Nomar Garciaparra in yesterday's Sports section said that Garciaparra won the American League batting championship in 1997. He won it in 1999 and 2000.)

LOS ANGELES -- Five-time All-Star Nomar Garciaparra has agreed to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Team spokesman Josh Rawitch said yesterday that Garciaparra passed a physical and will be introduced today at a Dodger Stadium news conference.

Garciaparra also considered the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, and Houston Astros. He spent several hours with Dodgers executives Thursday and Friday -- the first day with agent Arn Tellem, the second with his wife, former soccer star Mia Hamm. Garciaparra and Hamm live in suburban Manhattan Beach.

The 32-year-old Garciaparra was considered one of baseball's best shortstops for several years while playing with the Red Sox, winning the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1997 and back-to-back AL batting titles in 1999 and 2000. But his playing time was limited during the past two years because of injuries.

He hit .283 with nine homers and 30 RBIs in 62 games for the Chicago Cubs last season, when he earned $8.25 million. He tore a muscle in his left groin running out of the batter's box in St. Louis April 20 and didn't return until Aug. 5.

According to the Orange County Register, Garciaparra will get $6 million in base salary with incentives that could make the deal worth close to $8.25 million.

Garciaparra most likely will play first base or the outfield with the Dodgers. He played mostly third base after returning to the Cubs. New Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said Garciaparra seemed open to changing positions during his meetings.

Colletti has had a busy December, hiring manager Grady Little and adding three free agents -- shortstop Rafael Furcal, third baseman Bill Mueller, and Garciaparra.