Buck up Dodgers, it can’t be that tiring after six games

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Those poor Dodgers, they must just be exhausted. Get them some oxygen. Make sure they take their little naps. Maybe find them some nice Vitamin B.

Can you imagine? By the time they play their home opener Tuesday, they’ll have already played six games in eight days!

Makes you tired just thinking about it. Or completely confused.

I mean, I’m happy Joe Torre likes his bench and all, but just maybe Manny Ramirez, Casey Blake and Russell Martin could have managed to get out of bed and into the lineup Sunday.

Are these guys getting paid to play 67% of the games this season? That’s some deal.

Six games into the season and only three Dodgers -- James Loney, Rafael Furcal and Matt Kemp -- have started every game. Regular Cal Ripkens.

Look, I get the general concept of resting some regulars in a day game, but I think the boys could handle pushing on the first week or two of the season. Particularly when there are two off-days within the first six games.

This is not intended as a slam at the bench, which has been playing well. Ronnie Belliard, Garret Anderson and Reed Johnson are all stinging the ball.

But if you’re paying Manny almost $20 million this season, I’m thinking you want him in the lineup as much as possible. Four times in six games is not as much as possible.

He couldn’t start Sunday? With an off-day to rest Monday? This is not June or July. Your best players should be out there as much as possible.

Andre Ethier is nursing a sore ankle, but the others should be out there. After missing most of spring training, you’d think Martin could use the playing time.

At least they were nice and rested for their flight home Sunday. Hope someone tucked them in on the plane.

--Steve Dilbeck