Castro, 36, hit .193 with two home runs and 16 RBI in 61 games with Baltimore and Cincinnati last season, but the Dodgers liked his ability to play shortstop as a possible backup to Rafael Furcal.

"He's happy with it," agent Oscar Suarez said. "It's a good situation for him."

The split contract would pay Castro $700,000 in major league salary plus incentives beginning at 250 plate appearances. The 14-year veteran would make less in the minors, and he has an out clause in the contract.

The Dodgers had interest last season in bringing back Castro, who began his career in LA from 1995 to 1999 after being signed out of Mexico.

Instead, Castro signed a minor league contract in May with the Rockies after being released by the Reds and was eventually traded to the Orioles, where he started 47 games at shortstop.

A journeyman who can also play third base and second base, Castro can stay put this spring, as he resides in Glendale, Ariz., site of the Dodgers' new spring training complex.

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SENIOR ADVISOR LAJOIE, 74, RESIGNS

Bill Lajoie has resigned after three seasons as senior advisor to General Manager Ned Colletti.

Lajoie, 74, was one of Colletti's first front-office hires and assisted with professional scouting and consulting on trades.

He was the Tigers' general manager from 1984 to 1990 and more recently a high-ranking executive with the Red Sox.

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JONES LEAVES WINTER TEAM

Outfielder Andruw Jones, who is expected to be traded or released after restructuring his contract, reportedly left his Dominican Winter League team to return home because of an illness to his wife.

Reach Diamond Leung at dleung@PE.com