Former Giant Jeff Kent shows off his new Louisville Slugger with his name and Los Angeles Dodgers burnished into the end. Kent, who was runner up to Barry Bonds
for most boos of a Giants player at Dodger Stadium, may give L.A. fans something
to cheer about this season.

Lasorda, the man who once told team broadcaster Ross Porter in a post-game radio interview that he truly believed that God was Dodger blue, wastes no time reminding former Giants and Yankees whose house they are now in.

“It makes you angry that someone else is wearing your uniform?” Lasorda chides Kent about the Giants.

“The only thing that makes me angry is that I’m not in it,” Kent shoots back. Later, Kent interrupts a TV interview to show Lasorda the Dodger bat that now bears his name. "You see, Tommy. It says 'Jeff Kent, Los Angeles Dodgers" as he gives Lasorda a big hug for the cameras.

That’s about as warm as the first week of spring training has been.  The air is intense, as Tracy’s search for the mix that will bring the Dodgers back to the World Series has solidified a few positions.

Unless your last paycheck could purchase a small country, your spot on the opening day roster is far from certain.

Horse Race Behind Home

The biggest question mark is behind home plate.  The trade that dealt LoDuca last season and Brent Mayne's departure leave a number of catchers to consider.

Five masked men are competing for a shot at shepherding the Dodger’s pitching staff to a championship season. Paul Bako has the inside track for the starting spot. The number two spot may be a real horse race.