LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Now that the Los Angeles Dodgers have Andruw Jones and Jeff Kent in the lineup next season, they can turn their attention to finding a starting pitcher.

Their first choice appears to be free-agent Japanese right-hander Hiroki Kuroda.

Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti made clear his desire to land the 32-year-old Kuroda at a Dodger Stadium news conference where Jones was introduced Wednesday, a week after the sides agreed to a $36.2 million, two-year contract.

Several teams have expressed interest in Kuroda, who has a 103-89 record with a 3.69 ERA in 11 seasons with the Hiroshima Carp of the Central League.

"We've had conversations," Colletti said, acknowledging an offer has been made but refusing to elaborate. "I would love to meet with Mr. Kuroda. I would love to meet with him as soon as I can."

Kuroda was 12-8 in 26 starts for the Carp last season. He led the Central League with 15 victories in 2005, and had a league-best 1.85 ERA in 2006.

The Dodgers are thought to be a leading contender for Kuroda's services, but Colletti said: "I don't have a feel for what their thought process is. I think we're probably hopeful. I expect to hear from the agent."

Kuroda is friends with Dodgers closer Takashi Saito, and the two are represented in Japan by the same sports agency.

"I'm sure that Takashi said hello once or twice," Colletti said with a smile.

Colletti said he's never seen Kuroda pitch in person, adding: "But the right people have seen him. What do I like about him? He's a good pitcher. He has some of the great attributes we admire in a pitcher."

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