In less than three days, the Dodgers will begin their ’09 spring training season with pitchers and catchers reporting to the club’s new facilities in Glendale, Arizona.
The rotation has four set as of now: Billingsley, Kuroda, Kershaw, and newly-signed Randy Wolf. The fifth spot could go to: Jason Schmidt (depending on how his rehab, at best he could be ready by Opening Day), James McDonald, newly acquired Claudio Vargas, or Minor League-invitee Shawn Estes.
The Dodgers have also signed RHP Jeff Weaver to a minor league deal. Weaver will not be in the run for the fifth spot in the rotation, though he is reporting to Spring Training in a few days and will compete for a bullpen spot, but will more than likely see most of his time with one of the farm teams.
The Dodgers may actually benefit from Andruw Jones’ signing with the Rangers. If Jones makes their roster plus fills his incentives, the Dodgers could get as much as $750,000 back.
While pitchers and catchers report this week, the Dodgers’ first exhibition game isn’t until February 25th against the Cubs.
