Butler Emotional for Last Opener

Center fielder Brett Butler will try to maintain his composure today in the Dodgers’ season opener, but considering the emotions he’ll be battling, that may be impossible. Butler, who battled cancer of the tonsils last season, said he will forever cherish today’s game.

“It’s not so much coming back [from cancer] as it is that this will be my last season-opener,” he said. “The final one is the one you’ll always remember.

“I’m sure the morning will be the same feeling I had when I was 6 years old. I’ll have that same enthusiasm. But when it’s over, there’ll be a lot of sadness.”

Butler has already decided that this will be his final season.

“This whole year is going to be awfully special,” Butler said.

*

Wilton Guerrero, who becomes the first Dodger rookie second baseman to start opening day since Steve Sax in 1982, has flown his parents in from the Dominican Republic to watch him play today.

“They’re going to be very happy,” Guerrero said. “But they’re also going to be very sad.”

Sad?

“I haven’t had the heart to tell them about Vladimir, yet,” Guerrero said, grimacing.

Guerrero’s younger brother, Montreal Expo rookie right fielder Vladimir Guerrero, broke his left foot Sunday when he fouled a ball off it.

*

Bill Russell was in the starting lineup for 12 Dodger season openers and was a coach in eight others, but for the first time will be managing the Dodgers in a season opener.

“It’s a different feeling, believe me,” Russell said. “I’ve been around for a lot of them, but it’s different when you’re in control and directing the traffic. I’m probably going to be a nervous wreck.

“I won’t feel better until I get the lineup cards done, hear the national anthem sung and see Ramon [Martinez] on the mound.”

*

Curt Schilling, the Phillies’ starter, postponed the deadline when he will stop contract negotiations until Wednesday night.

Schilling and the Phillies are discussing a three-year, $16-million extension.

*

Dodger infielder Nelson Liriano, who’s eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Saturday from a spring training injury, instead will begin a rehabilitative assignment.

The extra time will allow the Dodgers to decide whose spot Liriano will take on the roster when he returns.

*

Just how banged up are the Phillies?

They already have six players on the disabled list, among them starting pitchers Mark Portugal, Mike Grace and Tyler Green, setup man Ken Ryan and long reliever Edgar Ramos.

The Phillies used the disabled list 23 times last year, the most in the major leagues.