As the mediator in the Los Angeles Dodgers' ownership divorce case prepared his settlement proposal, he consulted not only with Frank and Jamie McCourt but with representatives from Bingham McCutchen, the firm that employs Larry Silverstein, the lawyer who drew up the couple's controversial marital agreement and whose testimony could determine who owns the team.

The mediation process is confidential, but analysts said the mediator likely invited Bingham to help fund a settlement now rather than risk a potentially more costly malpractice suit later.

The mediator, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Peter Lichtman, has given each of the McCourts until the end of the month to accept or reject his proposal. In the absence of a settlement, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott Gordon has until Dec. 28 to rule whether to uphold a marital agreement that would give Frank McCourt sole ownership of the Dodgers.

Kansas City put former Pirates pitcher Bryan Bullington on unconditional release waivers, allowing the right-hander to sign with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Japan's Central League. Bullington, 30, was designated for assignment Nov. 19.

San Diego offered salary arbitration to three free agents: right-handed pitchers Kevin Correia and Jon Garland, and catcher Yorvit Torrealba. The Padres did not offer arbitration to infielders David Eckstein and Miguel Tejada. The deadline for free agents to accept arbitrations is Tuesday.

Free agent Vladimir Guerrero has won the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award after helping the Texas Rangers earn their first trip to the World Series before he was released. Guerrero beat out Boston's David Oritz and Minnesota's Jim Thome. The nine-time All-Star hit .306, with 25 homers, 106 RBIs and 73 runs in 129 games at DH. Guerrero struck out 56 times in 523 at-bats. Overall, Guerrero hit .300 with 30 homers, 115 RBIs and 83 runs in 152 games.

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