“If you want to get to heaven, you’ve got to pass through Dodgertown,” Lasorda announces.
Most of the men Lasorda barks at will make more money in one year than he did in his entire career as a player. A few younger players smile at his old-school antics as if they’re above all that. Others know full well that Lasorda is the direct conduit to the last of the Dodger dynasties. He may know a thing or two about getting into shape for a championship season.
Skipper Jim Tracy managed the club into contending form in 2004, capturing the National League West pennant. He's taken his trading cards and tossed together a whole new mix for 2005. Gone are LoDuca, Beltre, Green, Hernandez, Mayne, Lima, and Ventura.
The cast of characters that make up the Dodger roster this spring from the superstar department includes J.D. Drew and ex-Giant and former L.A. fan boo-magnet Jeff Kent. The rest of the puzzle, including signings like Jose Valentin and catcher Paul Bako remain to be sorted out through the spring.
Lasorda is here, along with other Dodger living legends, to help Tracy mold what they hope will be the first dynasty of the 21st century Dodgers.
At many of the clubs, the first week that all of the players on the forty-man roster and the non-roster invitees report to camp is more relaxed and cordial. The air here is intense, professional.
