Editor's Note: Bullpen, Bench Need Age

As the Dodgers fill out their final 25-man roster to open the season, their are many key decisions to make. That includes the fifth starter, the bullpen, and the bench. Here are my recommendations:

Juan Castro: He's very versatile in the infield, and can provide a solid and dependable glove when needed.

Doug Mientkiewicz: He can play both infield and outfield, and has a gold-glove to back up his sudden hitting emergence.

James McDonald: Already a lock for the rotation, he should be a temporary starter until someone else appears on the market. That said, he could use the starts and will let the team see what he has to offer at the beginning of the season.

Ronald Belisario: He can complement hard-throwing Jonathan Broxton and Guillermo Mota, and even substitute them when tired. A lively fastball makes him smart money to make the club.

Jeff Weaver: A past-his-prime pitcher can be this year's Chan-Ho Park, brief starting stints and all. His checkered past is the only thing keeping him from being a lock for the 'pen.

Shawn Estes: While the ship has sailed on Estes making the team, he deserves to at least be in a situational lefty role for lack of anyone more qualified.

Dark Horses who deserve a look:

Blake DeWitt: Still too young to be depended on, DeWitt needs innings and can only get them in Triple-A.

Chin-lung Hu: A highly touted prospect that has become nothing more, he needs to improve his bat before he can play in the majors.

Eric Threets: Is only on this list because he is one of the few lefties remaining.

Claudio Vargas: Vargas was nothing if not sturdy and dependable, and could even become long-reliever #2 if given the chance.

Ramon Troncoso: A human stock market, Troncoso has been nothing but high's and low's during his career.

Late Rally Sends Dodgers Packing

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 7-4 in an exhibition, their last exhibition in Los Angeles. Part of the team will travel to San Francisco to play the Giants, while the rest will go to San Diego to prepare for the season-opener. Milwaukee scored 3 runs in the seventh and 4 in the ninth to come from behind. Clayton Kershaw threw three hitless innings, and Ronald Belisario helped his cause by throwing a scoreless inning while striking out two. Rafael Furcal had a double, run scored and RBI, and Andre Ethier had a two-run double. Kershaw had his own double, and Juan Pierre had two hits.

Kings Show Muscle Too Late

The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Phoenix Coyotes 6-1, a victory that came too late as the Kings have been already eliminated. LA scored at least one goal in each period, and Jonathan Quick made 29 saves to hold Phoenix to just one goal. Brian Boyle and Alexander Frolov both scored twice, and Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams each had a goal in the third period. Shane Doan scored the Coyote's only goal.

Clippers Feel Rocky-Mountain Low

The Los Angeles Clippers fell to the Denver Nuggets 120-102, their 58th loss of the season. Denver had a .531 shooting percentage, along with 11-for-22 shooting from 3-point range. The Clips were missing Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, Mardy Collins, Ricky Davis, and Al Thornton to different injuries. The Nuggets scored at least 30 points in the first three quarters. Zach Randolph led the shorthanded LA with 22 points and 12 rebounds. DeAndre Jordan came off the bench to score 21 points and grab 8 rebounds. J.R. Smith led Denver with 34 points off the bench, and Carmelo Anthony added 18.

Dodgers Can't Keep Up with Brewers

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 7-2 in an exhibition. Chad Billingsley pitched five innings, struck out five, and gave up a two-run homer. Guillermo Mota, Will Ohman, Jeff Weaver, and Tanyon Sturtze each gave up at least one run in just two innings combined. Russell Martin hit a two-run home run, and Matt Kemp reached base three times.

Lakers Hit Sweet 60, Look for More

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 93-81, their 60th win of the season. It was the first time the Lakers hit the 60 win mark since the '99-'00 season. The win also came after Cleveland fell to Orlando, putting LA just one win back of the Cavs in the race for the best record in the NBA. Houston made 18 turnovers, and the Lakers held the Rockets to just 37 points in the second half. LA won despite shooting .395 from the field. Kobe Bryant had 20 points and 7 assists, and Pau Gasol led with 23 points in addition to 10 rebounds. Derek Fisher scored 15 points and grabbed 5 steals. DJ Mbenga led the bench with 8 points and 2 blocked shots. Yao Ming had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Ron Artest led Houston with 21 points. Luis Scola had 16 points and 9 rebounds.

It's Official: Kings Eliminated

Whatever small hope the Kings had clung to as they entered yesterday's game against Phoenix was dashed as the Coyotes defeated Los Angeles 2-1. Ed Jovanovski and Scottie Upshal both scored in the third period for Phoenix, and their goalie Al Montoya made 31 saves. LA had a one-goal lead entering the third period, but Jonathan Quick could only make 30 saves on 32 shots. Derek Armstrong scored the Kings' lone goal.

Dodgers' Debut Goes Smoothly

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 6-2 in an exhibition, their first game of the year at Dodger Stadium. Casey Blake had a two-run homer, and Andre Etheir had a solo shot and a triple. Manny Ramirez walked twice, singled, had an RBI and scored a run. James Loney had three hits, including a double, and Matt Kemp and Rafael Furcal both doubled. Randy Wolf pitched three innings, giving up only a run, and Will Ohman, Corey Wade, Guillermo Mota, Ronald Belisario, and Ramon Troncoso combined to pitch five scoreless innings of relief.

Floyd Stays with Trojans

USC basketball coach Tim Floyd turned down an offer to become head-coach of the Arizona Wildcats, instead remaining with USC. Floyd was given the opportunity to replace interim-coach Russ Pennel. Floyd has led the Trojans to three straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament, as well as a Pac-10 championship just a few months ago.

Clippers Get Stung

The Los Angeles Clippers fell to the New Orleans Hornets 104-98, their 57th loss of the season. The Clips could not hold a fourth-quarter lead as New Orleans shot .531 from the field. LA had shot 50% but committed 24 turnovers that resulted in 28 points. Chris Paul led the Hornets with 30 points and 14 assists, and David West added 19 points. Eric Gordon led the Clippers wit 25 points, and Zach Randolph had 24 with 14 rebounds.

Lakers Buck at 4-3 Outcome

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 104-98, ending their road trip with a 5-2 record. The Lakers awoke from their offensive slumber, shooting .472 from the field and going to the charity stripe 36 times. LA turned the ball over 20 times, but Milwaukee had 16 of their own turnovers, and the Bucks only went to the free-three line 9 times. Kobe Bryant broke out of his own dry-spell, scoring 30 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and getting 4 steals. Lamar Odom had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Pau Gasol had 15 points. Sasha Vujacic was perfect, shooting 3-for-3 from the field and 6-for-6 at the line, ending the game with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Ramon Sessions stood out for Milwaukee, getting a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 16 assists. Richard Jefferson scored 29 points.

Dodgers News: Bench Mob, Ardoin is Cut, and Goodbye Arizona

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Francisco Giants 10-8, their last game in Arizona. Bench favorite Doug Mientkiewicz hit a two-run bomb, and Juan Castro had a double and homer. Juan Pierre had three hits, including a double, and Jason Repko knocked in two and scored a run. Hiroki Kuroda had his last tune-up before the season begins, allowing just one run in three innings. Hong-Chih Kuo pitched a perfect inning, and Eric Milton gave up eight runs in less than three innings, including two homers.

The Dodgers designated Danny Ardoin for assignment. Ardoin spent most of last season as Russell Martin's backup after Gary Bennet hit the DL. He has ten days to either accept his assignment in Triple-A or become a minor-league free agent.

This was the Dodgers' last game in Arizona. They will play three exhibition games at Dodger Stadium, one against the Angels and two against Milwaukee, then go to San Francisco to play a game against the Giants.

The Dodgers sent Eric Milton to Triple-A, and notified Tanyon Sturtze that he is on the bubble. Milton came into Spring Training as a candidate for the fifth-starter spot, but a 10.07 ER knocked him out of the race. Sturtze is still a possibility of joining the bullpen, but if he doesn't he will be sent to the minors as well.

Kings Take Another Hit

The Los Angeles Kings fell to the Dallas Stars 3-2, a loss that snapped Dallas's 7-game losing streak. The loss takes another toll on the already low-standing Kings, keeping them 11 points out of the playoffs. Brendan Morrison scored two power-play goals for Dallas, and Marty Turco had 26 saves. Jack Johnson and Anze Kopitar both scored for LA.

Editor's Note: April Fools

They got me. They really got me. With losses to Charlotte and Atlanta, the Lakers really pulled a fast one on me. They decided to enter April Fools by pranking everyone. How else can you explain the most humiliating losses the Lakers have had? They almost are certain to fall short of getting the best record in the NBA, and the bench hasn't looked worse. It must be a joke. They scored less than 100 points in consecutive games for the first time this season. They are shooting 66-for-177 in their last two games, translating into a .373 shooting percentage. It's all just one big fool. The bench has been dismal, scoring just 25 points in the last two losses. Kobe Bryant alone is shooting 18-for-47. It has to be a prank. The Lakers will stop fooling around by tomorrow at least. They'll stop with the jokes and tricks and revert to their championship form. They have to. And by tomorrow's end April Fools Day will be over. Then the Lakers will grin from ear to ear, laughing at the fact that the fans really believed they were on a downward spiral. After all, April Fools Day is almost over. Almost.

Lakers Fall Flat Against 'Cats

The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Charlotte Bobcats 94-84, the first time the Lakers scored less than 100 points in consecutive games. LA shot just .392 from the field while Charlotte shot .515. The Laker bench scored just 11 points in the game. The Bobcats blocked 9 of LA's shots, and held the Lakers to just 6 free-throw attempts. Kobe Bryant went cold, shooting just 11-for-28 and scoring 25 points. Lamar Odom had 20 points and 9 rebounds, and Pau Gasol had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Gerald Wallace led the 'Cats with 21 points and 13 rebounds, and Boris Diaw had 11 points and 12 assists. Raymond Felton scored 16 points as all five of Charlotte's starters scored in double-digits.

Dodgers News: Heavy Hitting, Oh Man, and Minor Awards

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-9, snapping a four-game spring losing streak. Blake DeWitt, Casey Blake, and James Loney all had home runs, and DeWitt came up a triple short of the cycle. Juan Pierre had two hits, runs, and RBI's. Andre Ethier had two doubles and three RBI's. James McDonald pitched four-and-one-third innings, giving up three runs on six hits. Corey Wade was the only pitcher to have a perfect outing for both teams.

Will Ohman made his debut for the Dodgers and showed his rust. Ohman gave up a walk and a home run and struck out one in one-third of an inning.

The Dodgers gave out awards to their top minor-league players. The winners were Xavier Paul for best Spring Training for a rookie, James McDonald for Pitcher of the Year, Ivan DeJesus Jr. for Player of the Year, and Tony Delmonico for Rookie of the Year.

Dodgers Sign Ohman

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Will Ohman to a one-year minor-league deal. The deal is a major-league in essence though, meant to give Ohman time to prepare, as he can opt-out if not called up by mid-April. The contract is worth $1.35 million plus incentives, with an option for 2010 worth $2.2 million. Ohman will fill the left-handed specialist role left vacant by Joe Beimal. Ohman pitched with Atlanta last season, going 4-1 with a 3.68 ERA. Ohman pitched in simulated-game for the Dodgers as a try-out during the weekend.

Dodgers News: No A for Effort for Kershaw, Progress with Ohman, and Weaver Gets More Innnings

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Oakland Athletics 9-5, their 18th loss of the spring. Clayton Kershaw got roughed up for seven runs, six earned, in four innings, and Ramon Troncoso gave up two runs on four hits in one inning. Guillermo Mota pitched a perfect inning, and Jonathan Broxton had a scoreless outing. Andre Ethier had a double, RBI, and run scored, and Manny Ramirez had a hit, walk, and run scored. Matt Kemp had a two-run double, and Rafael Furcal doubled as well.

Jeff Weaver pitched in a minor-league game instead his scheduled appearance against Oakland. Weaver is going to be used as a long-reliever and needs to stretch out the number of innings he pitches.

The Dodgers are expecting progress in negotiations with free-agent LHP Will Ohman, so much so that he could be ready to pitch by Opening Day. Ohman tried out for the Dodgers in a simulated game yesterday.

James McDonald is the favorite to become the club's fifth starter. McDonald has a spring ERA of 4.70, giving up 8 runs in 15 innings.

Jason Schmidt, Delwyn Young, and Claudio Vargas all will start the season on the Disabled List.

This was the last game the Dodgers will play at their new Spring Training complex, Camelback Ranch.

Dodgers News: Schmidt Toils, Ohman Tries Out, and Billingsley Nears Return

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres 7-3, their 17th loss of the spring. Matt Kemp hit a two-run home run and singled twice, providing most of the Dodger offense. Manny Ramirez had a double and a walk, and Russell Martin singled and scored a run. Jason Schmidt pitched a solid first inning, then the wheels fell off as he gave up three runs without getting past the fourth. Hong-Chih Kuo became a victim of the wind, giving up a run in one inning. Corey Wade had a perfect inning, and Josh Lindblom increased his bid for the opening-day roster, pitching two hitless innings. Ramon Troncoso pitched a perfect ninth.

The Dodgers gave LHP Will Ohman a try-out today. Ohman pitched in a simulated minor-league game. The Dodgers are searching for a left-handed pitcher to put in the bullpen, and Ohman is searching for a job. Erik Threets and Brian Mazone, both with the team, are the current candidates to fill the void left by Joe Beimal.

Chad Billingsley is ready to make his scheduled regular-season start as he rehabs a strained right-groin. Billingsley pitched in a simulated game and experienced no problems. Billingsley will pitch Friday in an exhibition against Milwaukee at Dodger Stadium.

Mark Loretta continues to recover from his own right-groin strain. Loretta is optimistic that he can enter a game by Wednesday or Thursday, possibly in a minor-league game.

Claudio Vargas is recovering his sore right-elbow. The soreness is caused by inflammation as he has learned, and there is no ligament damage. Vargas can begin throwing by next week.

Hawks Snap Lakers' Streak

The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Atlanta Hawks 86-76, snapping their 7-game road win-streak. The Lakers shot just 35% from the field, and 4-for-20 from 3-point range. While Atlanta had a .393 shooting percentage, they made 10-of-19 three-point tries. Both teams turned the ball over 14 times, and LA's bench scored only 14 points. Pau Gasol led the Lakers with 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Kobe Bryant had an off-day with 17 points on 7-for-19 shooting. Mike Bibby led the Hawks with 21 points on 5-for-6 shooting from three-point range. Flip Murray scored 14 off the bench, and Maurice Evans added 13.

Short-Handed Clips Can't Handle Rockets

The Los Angeles Clippers fell to the Houston Rockets 110-93, their 56th loss of the season. The Clippers were without Baron Davis or Marcus Camby, both dealing with health problems. Houston had a .524 shooting percentage, and out-rebounded LA 44-32. The Clips had only 8 turnovers, but went 4-for-12 from 3-point range. Eric Gordon led the Clippers with 17 points, and Chirs Kaman had 16. Zach Randolph and Al Thornton both scored 12, and Mike Taylor had 11 with 6 assists. Yao Ming led the Rockets with 21 points and 15 rebounds.

Kings Get Knocked Out

The Los Angeles Kings fell to the Nashville Predators 3-2 in overtime, severely damaging the Kings' chances at making the postseason. LA has seven games left while they are 8 points out of a playoff spot. The Kings scored a goal in each period, starting with Brian Boyle's goal in the first. Matt Greene scored in the second, and Jack Johnson scored in the third with 1:04 left to tie the game and send it into overtime. Steve Sullivan scored in OT to give Nashville the win.