The Dodgers will have to figure out what to do at second base next season. Nearly all of the core players will return.

BIGGEST NEEDS: The Dodgers still are in the market for a veteran backup outfielder, preferably one who bats from the left side. As of now, the top fourth outfielder candidates are Jason Repko and Xavier Paul, both right-handed hitters.

ARRIVALS: RHP Josh Towers (minor league free agent from Yankees), INF Jamey Carroll (free agent from Indians), RHP Justin Miller (minor league free agent from Giants), INF Nick Green (minor league free agent from Red Sox).

DEPARTURES: LHP Randy Wolf (free agent, signed with Brewers), INF Juan Castro (free agent, signed with Phillies), OF Juan Pierre (traded to White Sox), INF Mark Loretta (retired), 1B Jim Thome (free agent, signed with Twins), RHP Jon Garland (free agent, signed with Padres).

FREE AGENTS: LHP Eric Milton, RHP Jason Schmidt, RHP Jeff Weaver, 2B Orlando Hudson, RHP Guillermo Mota, LHP Will Ohman.

Weaver was an invaluable long man out of the bullpen who made a number of key spot starts. Hudson was an All-Star and Gold Glove winner but will not return.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: None.

IN LIMBO: Manager Joe Torre is heading into his final season as manager, and he let it be known at the end of last season that he expects 2010 to be his final year on the job before retiring. But reports have indicated that Torre might be up for another season or two calling the shots from the Dodgers bench.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--RHP Travis Schlichting (back spasms) looks to be recovered from two back injuries in 2009 and was testing himself in the Arizona Fall League.

--OF Xavier Paul (staph infection, sprained ankle) was in the major leagues for just 11 games before landing on the disabled list May 21. He stayed there the rest of the season. He already is at full strength.

--LHP Eric Milton (back surgery in July 2009) could be ready by spring training. He missed nearly all of the previous two seasons after left elbow surgery.

--RHP Jason Schmidt (right shoulder) had no life on his fastball in a late-season return from shoulder surgery and was sent back to the disabled list. He figures to retire.

--RHP Vicente Padilla (gunshot wound in right leg) was hurt Nov. 3, but the injury was reportedly minor.

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