Only a few days remain before the start of a new season.
As Dodger fans in Santa Clarita and beyond eagerly await Monday’s first Dodger game of the 2010 season, some of the team’s players may be just as anxious to learn whether or not they will be on the final roster.
Most recently the Dodgers shed pitcher Eric Stults, who will play in Japan, and backup outfielder Jason Repko.
Repko had spent nearly 10 years with the Dodgers waiting his turn to play consistently. It seems that he was finally passed by as a result of the Dodgers signing Reed Johnson and likely adding Garret Anderson to the mix. Backup Xavier Paul is also still a part of the team.
So far only four of the five starting pitcher spots have been announced. Opening day starter Vicente Padilla is joined by Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda and Clayton Kershaw. The fifth starter spot could be won by knuckleballer Charlie Haeger or Ramon Ortiz.
The infield remains unchanged, with Ronnie Belliard taking on second base duties over Jaime Carroll and Blake Dewitt. All three players appear to be likely additions to the team’s final roster.
Russell Martin has been making starts in the minor leagues, although it is unclear whether his groin injury will keep him out of the lineup opening day in Pittsburgh.
KHTS AM-1220 will broadcast the Dodgers’ first regular season game on Monday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m.