Season Preview

Most significant thing from Day One in Vero Beach this spring was that the Dodgers have a true rock star manager. Everywhere Joe Torre went, fans followed, paying homage to the man who made himself a legend managing the Yankees. Now the most important question facing the Dodgers is: Can the Legend of Torre remain unstained once the season begins? Video Outlook

Strengths
They've got four outfielders to ram into three slots: Andruw Jones in center, Matt Kemp in right and either Andre Ethier or Juan Pierre in left. Torre wanted to have that decision made by now, but it looks like it will go into the final weekend before the season, or even opening day. The Dodgers are deep in starting pitching with Brad Penny, Derek Lowe, Chad Billingsley and, probably Hiroki Kuroda. Catcher Russell Martin is both an All-Star and a true team leader. And closer Takashi Saito is solid.

Weaknesses
Bad mix of really old and really young guys last year with not a whole lot of middle ground. Tensions exploded late in the season and part of Torre's job this summer will be to keep everyone on the same page. As for the old guys, it is not a good sign that second baseman Jeff Kent (hamstring) and third baseman Nomar Garciaparra (wrist) already are dinged up heading into the season. There are real questions at third where, besides Garciaparra, top prospect Andy LaRoche is out for two months with torn thumb ligaments.

Difference Maker
Andruw Jones. Playing in a pitching-rich division, the Gold Glove presence of Jones enhances the Dodgers' own staff. And despite a down year in 2007, his bat should give the Dodgers another weapon to attack opposing pitchers. Jones looked heavy this spring but says he's where he needs to be. Important thing is that he adds heft to his 2007 numbers: .222 batting average, 26 homers and 94 RBI.