Breaking Camp
Lineup:
CF: Dave Roberts
C: Paul Lo Duca
RF: Shawn Green
LF: Brian Jordan
1B: Fred McGriff
3B: Adrian Beltre
2B: Alex Cora/Jolbert Cabrera
SS: Cesar Izturis

Bench:
C Todd Hundley
IF Mike Kinkade
IF Jason Ramano
3B Ron Coomer
OF Daryle Ward

Rotation:
Hideo Nomo
Odalis Perez
Kevin Brown
Kazuhiza Ishii
Darren Dreifort

Bullpen:
Eric Gagne - closer
Paul Shuey
Paul Quantrill
Andy Ashby
Guillermo Mota
Tom Martin

Spring Cuts
RP Giovanni Carrara
IF Terry Shumpert
IF Quivio Veras
P Wilson Alvarez
P Pedro Borbon

Second Base Shakeout
After Mark Grudzielanek's trade to the Cubs this past offseason, the media all but handed the starting second base job to rookie Joe Thurston. Unfortunately, Thurston stumbled this spring hitting just .241 (13-54) with a .296 SLG. With several more versatile veterans hitting the ball well, Thurston was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas to begin the year. I still expect Thurston to be up at some point soon. Instead of the rookie, the Dodgers will use a platoon at second base of Alex Cora and minor league veteran Jolbert Cabrera, who was acquired last season from Cleveland. Cabrera, who hit .340 this spring, will face left-handed starters, while Cora will play against righties.

Brown and Dreifort Sharp
Heading into the spring, the Dodger rotation looked like a huge question mark with Kevin Brown and Darren Dreifort coming back from injuries. While there is still a season to be played, Brown and Dreifort looked sharp all spring.

Kevin Brown was virtually untouchable this spring and has the Dodgers coaching staff thoroughly excited. In 26.1 innings, he allowed 23 hits, 4 runs (1.03 ERA) and 3 walks while striking out 34. After his 3rd start of the spring, pitching coach Jim Colborn said, "It was his best stuff... better velocity, real consistent delivery, great movement on all his pitches, good control and good pace to his pitching." If Brown can stay healthy, he'll re-establish himself as staff ace. (Knock on wood)

Darren Dreifort, 31, is looking to return from his second Tommy John surgery. In 18.1 innings, he allowed 15 hits, 4 earned runs and 4 walks while striking out 19 strikeouts. Dreifort has been impressive this spring as his attitude is a drastic shift from his earlier years. He's changed his delivery to put less pressure on his elbow and the results are certainly encouraging. Being the 5th starter should take some pressure off Dreifort this season.

The odd man out of the rotation for now is Andy Ashby. Ashby will serve in the role that Omar Daal served in last year - long reliever and spot starter. Ashby had a brutal spring throwing 10.1 innings allowing 21 hits, 13 earned runs (11.32 ERA) and 5 walks while striking out 7. He has a $8.5 million 2004 option that vests if he pitches 168.1 innings; the Dodgers won't let him reach that mark.

Local Perspective
Dodger fans are excited heading into opening day. Kevin Brown's spring is very encouraging and if he can stay healthy, the Dodgers will contend for the NL West title. The bullpen is deep and the starting rotation is stronger than in 2002. The offense is slightly improved as well with the addition of Fred McGriff. All signs point to another tight race between the Giants, D'Backs and Dodgers.

Mota Suspended
Guillermo Mota was suspended for 4 games and fined $1,500 for his role in the Piazza-Mota beaning part II. Mota hit Piazza last spring and apparently neither have forgotten about it. There are sure to be more fireworks when these two teams meet again.

Add
Alex Cora (2B: will get most of the at-bats against righties)
Darren Dreifort (won the 5th spot in the rotation)
Drop
Joe Thurston (optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas)
Andy Ashby (relagated to long relief)

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Check back every Friday for the latest Dodger news. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about this column, please use the comments section below or feel free to e-mail me at dodgers@fantasyinfocentral.com.