Pettitte, 36, has spoken more than once with his former manager, Joe Torre, about joining the Dodgers, according to major-league sources.

And, lest anyone forget, Pettitte has a history of changing teams as a free agent when he does not feel completely wanted.

Go back to 2003, when the Yankees dragged out their negotiations with Pettitte, only to lose him to the Astros despite making a significantly higher last-minute offer.

Or, go back to 2006, when the Astros would not budge off their one-year proposal to Pettitte, only to see the Yankees grab him by offering a higher salary and the option to return for a second year.

Pettitte lacks the leverage he had in either of those negotiations. Not only is he older, but he also posted a 5.35 ERA after the All-Star Game last season.

His first choice is to stay with the Yankees. The Yankees say they want him back. But at the moment, the Yankees are focused on the top free-agent starting pitchers — CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe.

For Pettitte, the Dodgers would represent a viable alternative. So could a team such as the Cardinals, who also might want Pettitte on a one-year deal.

While Pettitte's hometown Astros are in dire need of starting pitching, owner Drayton McLane still might be peeved about the pitcher's departure in '06. Pettitte's return to Houston, one source says, is "highly unlikely."

The Astros are trying to re-sign free-agent left-hander Randy Wolf. Right-hander Ben Sheets and lefties Mike Hampton and Randy Johnson are among the other starting pitchers on their radar.

However, the team needs to shed payroll and likely will explore trades for players such as third baseman Ty Wigginton, closer Jose Valverde and shortstop Miguel Tejada, sources say.