The Dodgers made initial overtures to several free agents during this week's general managers' meetings, one of whom was Brian Giles. The slugging outfielder, who hit .301 with 15 homers and 83 RBI for San Diego last season and was fourth in the majors with a .423 on-base percentage, would fill the club's stated need for a run-producing bat in the middle of the order. However, while the Dodgers are expected to make a preliminary offer to Giles this weekend, the situation is rife with complications, not the least of which is the club's interminable search for a general manager. Joe Bick, Giles' Cincinnati-based agent, said Friday that several teams have expressed interest in his client. Bick wouldn't say how many, but it is believed to be more than a dozen. And with the free-agent negotiating season now officially under way, the Dodgers, at least for now, will be at a distinct disadvantage in their pursuit of those players.