Guerrero to Report to Dodgers on Time

Pedro Guerrero, whose tardiness in reporting to spring training is legendary, has informed Dodger management that he will report on Thursday, two days after the balance of the roster is first allowed to report.

If Guerrero does report Thursday, it will be the second straight spring he has not been late. Last season, Guerrero was the first Dodger to report, in order to rehabilitate his injured knee. But in previous springs, Guerrero was the last the report for reasons ranging from visa problems to the roof caving in on his house in the Dominican Republic.

The latest Guerrero, or any other Dodger, may report without penalty is March 2.

Said Fred Claire, the Dodgers’ executive vice president, in a prepared statement: “(Guerrero) said he needed to do something related to his passport and that he would arrive Thursday and report for workouts Friday.” Ralph Avila, a Dodger scout who is also a close friend, said Guerrero has been angry that the Dodgers attempted to trade him over the winter.

“But he’s over that,” Avila said. “He’s been working out hard in the Dominican.”

Doing what?

“Playing softball,” Avila said.

Also on Sunday, the Dodgers signed catcher Gilberto Reyes to a contract for the major league minimum of $62,500. Unsigned relief pitcher Tim Crews met on Sunday with Claire and tentatively agreed to a split contract--$78,000 for the major leagues; $62,500 for the minor leagues. Crews, who had 3 saves in 20 appearances as a rookie last season, had sought $90,000. He likely will sign today, once Claire talks with Alan Hendricks, Crews’ agent.

Minor-league infielder Craig Shipley is the other unsigned Dodger.