As Dodgers’ spring training nears, ready the ink on the 25th man

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Three days until pitchers and catchers report to the Dodgers’ spring camp, and you know what that means.

Countless inches of copy about who will be the 25th man on the roster.

Players at the farthest end of the bench will be completely scrutinized. Does he bat left or right? Switch-hitter, play multiple position, can pinch-run, good with the glove, out of options?

They’ll be analyzed to the finest detail, and largely for naught.

Because whoever emerges on that final roster, chances are strong one week into the season it will change.

Somebody will get hurt. An extra starter will be called up. Won’t need as many relievers. A kid isn’t getting enough playing time. A regular who started on the DL returns. Something, guaranteed.

That’s not to say that last man can’t emerge as a valuable player. Happens frequently. That making the team isn’t huge for a rookie.

It’s just that the roster is a constantly evolving thing. Situations change, players fail to deliver, others surprise, new injuries strike.
Last year the Dodgers season-opening roster included pitcher Claudio Vargas and outfielder Delwyn Young. Three days later Vargas and Young were on the DL.

In 2008 infielder Angel Chavez made the roster and was designated for assignment three days later.

Can Angel Berroa, Nick Green or Brian Giles make this year’s opening-day roster? If they don’t, that doesn’t mean they won’t be back in a couple of days. Or still be able to have significant impact.

In 2006 Takashi Saito started the year at Triple-A Las Vegas.
-- Steve Dilbeck