BASEBALL NOTES

The Dodger blue cap is about to be tossed into the ring of contenders battling to sign free-agent left-hander Randy Johnson.

Dodger General Manager Kevin Malone and Alan Nero, one of Johnson’s agents, are discussing a face-to-face meeting of Malone and Johnson, possibly Friday.

Johnson, who is looking for a contract of three to four years at an average of at least $12 million, is being wooed by the Houston Astros, for whom he pitched in the final two months of last season, as well as the Angels, Texas Rangers and Diamondbacks.

A Dodger meeting with free-agent right-hander Kevin Brown is also expected to be arranged, perhaps also this week.