New Position, New Attitude for Guerrero

His face isn’t burdened by expectations and his body language isn’t expressing failure, meaning Wilton Guerrero isn’t the same.

Guerrero doesn’t resemble the shaken rookie of last season who failed to uphold Dodger tradition. Now, Guerrero is encouraged by his second chance, including strong indications he could make the opening-day roster. He reported to Dodgertown early after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder in the off-season, and the Dodgers quickly noticed his positive changes.

“Wilton is different this year,” Manager Bill Russell said. “He’s more mature and more relaxed, and he’s having fun. You can really see that.”

The Dodgers are attempting to teach Guerrero to play the outfield. Formerly a shortstop and second baseman, Guerrero has been working daily with Russell and members of his staff in center field.

“He looks pretty good,” said Russell, who went from the outfield to shortstop as a player. “He’s athletic, so he can catch up to balls. We know about his bat, so we want to give him every opportunity to make this team.”

Beginning last season, the Dodgers believed Guerrero, 23, would be their sixth consecutive rookie of the year. But he was unprepared, displaying poor baserunning and defensive instincts.

Guerrero was suspended for eight games in June for using a corked bat, and was demoted to triple-A Albuquerque for 10 days in August. He didn’t play much after the Dodgers reacquired Eric Young from the Colorado Rockies on Aug. 18.

Still, Guerrero batted .291 and was tied for third in the National League with nine triples. Guerrero would give the Dodgers several options if he can adapt to the outfield.

He could be used as an alternative to Roger Cedeno in center or as Cedeno’s backup. He could be packaged in a trade, such as in the long-rumored deal the Dodgers might put together to acquire Seattle Mariner ace left-hander Randy Johnson.

Regardless of the team’s intentions, Guerrero is pleased to be involved again.

“I feel good,” he said. “I didn’t want to [play the outfield] when they told me, but now this is important for me.”

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Right-hander Ismael Valdes, who reported to camp late, threw well Saturday and hasn’t been affected by his belated start, pitching coach Glenn Gregson said.