For the Dodgers, the start of spring training will be something of a fork in the road -- and no, that isn't a reference to the possibility of getting lost at their sprawling new complex in Glendale, Ariz.
If the Dodgers re-sign Manny Ramirez, they will boast one of the strongest lineups in the National League. If not, they might be stuck with the same pop-gun attack they featured before they acquired Ramirez last July 31. One issue that could prove disruptive, if only in the beginning, is manager Joe Torre and his recently released book, "The Yankee Years." Although the tome has nothing to do with the Dodgers, the perception that Torre might have violated the code of keeping certain things inside the clubhouse could create issues of trust with his present players. At the very least, it figures to create a media circus when camp opens.
As far as on-field battles, the most prominent one figures to be for spots in the rotation, and it isn't clear yet as to how many of those spots will be available. The only locks so far are Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, Hiroki Kuroda and Randy Wolf, who was signed on Feb. 6.
That would leave a rehabilitated Jason Schmidt, a promising James McDonald, offseason free agent acquisition Claudio Vargas and non-roster invitee Shawn Estes to vie for the fifth spot.
There also could be a battle in the bullpen, but as the team prepared to go to camp, there actually weren't enough proven players to fill out the group. Closer Jonathan Broxton, Hong-Chih Kuo, Guillermo Mota, Ramon Troncoso and Cory Wade are the only locks. The club figured to sign another free agent reliever.
Other than left field, where the Dodgers might look at free agent Adam Dunn if they can't re-sign Ramirez soon, the rest of the positions are set.
WHERE, WHEN: Camelback Ranch, Glendale, Ariz. First exhibition game is Feb. 25 against the Cubs.
TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE: RHP Jason Schmidt hasn't appeared in a major league game since June 2007, and his anticipated return last season from surgery to repair three separate issues with his right shoulder never materialized. No one is counting on him, but he is expected to be at full strength by the start of camp and could be in the rotation by Opening Day.
TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT: 2B Blake DeWitt was the feel-good story of the season last year, going from minor league camp to the starting lineup on Opening Day, and he stayed in the lineup for much of the season. But DeWitt arrived in the majors at least a year ahead of schedule, and despite his solid makeup, the dreaded sophomore jinx could be a factor.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Joe Torre brought his Bronx magic west with him, guiding the Dodgers to a division title despite a less-than-eye-popping 84-78 record in his first season. He then led the Dodgers to their first postseason series victory in 20 years. This will be the first full season for hitting coach Don Mattingly, who had a major impact on the team's approach at the plate.
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