Dodgers: Thursday pregame notes

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PHOENIX -- There’s still no sign of Manny Ramirez, who remains in negotiations with the Dodgers, according to his agent, Scott Boras.

The Dodgers today will visit the only other team that has publicly acknowledged its interest in Ramirez, the San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers will take batting practice here at Camelback Ranch before heading out to Scottsdale for the 12:05 p.m. PST game.

Manager Joe Torre will field a lineup that includes shortstop Rafael Furcal and second baseman Orlando Hudson. Torre spoke on Wednesday about the importance of letting them spend as much time together as possible, saying they’ll start again on Friday against the Seattle Mariners and be given days off on Saturday.

Russell Martin will catch today in what could be his only game behind the plate before leaving to join Canada’s World Baseball Classic team on Sunday.
Utility infielder Mark Loretta will get a look at first base. Torre said that Loretta could be a right-handed option to spell James Loney on days the Dodgers face a left-handed pitcher.

Randy Wolf will start. Other pitchers making the trip today include Jonathan Broxton, Guillermo Mota, Eric Stults and Jeff Weaver.

Matt Cain will pitch for the Giants.

Here’s the Dodgers’ lineup:

SS Rafael Furcal

2B Orlando Hudson

C Russell Martin

1B Mark Loretta

3B Blake DeWitt

LF Delwyn Young

CF Jason Repko

RF Xavier Paul

DH Tony Abreu

P Randy Wolf

-- Dylan Hernandez