Critical free-agent decisions await Dodgers

CHICAGO — The Dodgers’ front office must quickly turn attention to the business of the offseason and 11 potential free agents, most notably closer Kenley Jansen and third baseman Justin Turner.

Also eligible to leave are pitchers Brett Anderson, Joe Blanton, Rich Hill, J.P. Howell and Jesse Chavez; infielder Chase Utley; and outfielder Josh Reddick.

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In addition, the club has a $4.5 million option on catcher Carlos Ruiz, though they will likely will exercise a $500,000 buyout. And starting pitcher Scott Kazmir, who ended the season injured, can opt out of the remaining two years and $35.33 million on his contract and become a free agent.

The focus will be on retaining Jansen and Turner, who have been as valuable to the Dodgers in recent years as any player not named Clayton Kershaw. Management has told …

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