Spring training on the horizon...

Glendale AZ,

In less than two weeks, pitchers and catchers return to spring training. This year will be a little different for the Dodgers. The Dodgers have moved on from spring facilities in Havana, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. The Dodgers have even left a place that will resignate through time in Vero Beach, Florida. Dodgertown USA will take shape this year in Glendale, AZ at the brand new Camelback Ranch.

No longer will the Dodger greats of past and future lace up their cleats under the Florida sun. A drier climate with warmer skies will light up this year. The batters box at Holman stadium will be quiet and chalk free this year, that same snow white chalk powdering new dirt. Just as spring training brings new excitement and hopes of playing in the Fall Classic, the new Camelback Ranch at Glendale will usher in new fans with hopes of their own. New memories will be produced alongside new talent. Position players will arrive shortly after the batteries, and work on calisthenics and conditioning for a long season will begin. Fans will seek out autographs from their favorite veterans and up-and-comers alike. One child may get to taste that first Dodger Dog while her father teaches her to keep score. Another boy will be perched atop his mothers shoulders to watch batting practice. The sweet sound of the crack of the bat will be with him forever. Spring training is like a reserved spot in baseball heaven. The grass is neatly manicured, the skies are painted, and the World Series is within reach for everyone.

Wow, you can get so easily caught up in the excitement of the spring. When last season ended, it was not where they finished but how they played. Now is the time to secure those players for the season upcoming. Most notably on the list of every fan is free agent slugger Manny Ramirez. Back in November, Dodgers GM Ned Colletti extended a two-year offer worth $45 million guaranteed to Manny and his super agent, Scott Boras. Boras didn't respond, and the offer was pulled. Mr. Boras is still looking for a six-year contract in the range of $25 million per year. With the state of the economy and the advanced age that Manny would be (42) when that contract might set to expire, that's hardly a bargain. Ramirez could see his legs and bat speed expire long before then. The Dodgers are however, looking to bolster the pitching staff. According to the team website, they are keeping tabs on former Dodger, Randy Wolf. The former El Camino Real High School prospect could add an extra arm in the middle of the rotation and some much needed veteran presence for our young club. Wolf pitched just 18 games for the Dodgers in 2007 and has had two Tommy-John surgeries. His last year was a good one however, Randy bounced back starting 33 games last year. It is rumored that he would also like to pitch closer to home. In 2007 Wolf purchased a Hollywood Hills home from Guns and Roses rocker Slash.