Some Tidbits from the Ravine

The Dodgers have returned to Southern California for three exhibition games in the area before heading out on the road to start the season, with Opening Day Monday in Pittsburgh. After a 6-3 loss last night at the Stadium to the Indians, they head down to Anaheim tonight to face the Angels at Angel Stadium, and then the two teams head back to the Dodger Stadium for an afternoon match-up tomorrow.

The roster is much more clearer today as we approach Monday. First, Joe Torre named Charlie Haeger the Dodgers fifth starter, and Blake DeWitt has been named the starting second baseman. Russell Martin has declared himself ready to go, so barring any last minute changes, it looks like he will be ready for Opening Day from his groin injury. The team also released longtime prospect Jason Repko two days ago.

As of right now, the Dodgers 25-man roster will probably look something like this on Monday:

Starting eight: Martin, James Loney, DeWitt, Rafael Furcal, Casey Blake, Manny, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier.

Bench: Brad Ausmus, Garrett Anderson, Jamey Carroll, Ronnie Belliard, Nick Green, Reed Johnson.

Rotation: Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda, Vicente Padilla, Haeger.

Bullpen: Jonathan Broxton, George Sherrill, Ramon Troncoso, Jeff Weaver, Carlos Monasterios, Ramon Ortiz.

Hong-Chih Kuo will start the season on the DL and Ronald Belisario is on the "Restricted List" and will likely start the season on extended Spring Training in the minors.