Left-Handers Compete for Role

The Dodgers decided $800,000 was too much to bring back left-handed specialist Jesse Orosco, opening a hole in the bullpen and clubhouse.

The major leagues’ all-time leader in appearances, Orosco, who signed a guaranteed contract with the San Diego Padres, limited left-handed batters to a .238 average and right-handed batters to .214 in his 21st season.

And Orosco was a mentor to younger players, tutoring closer Eric Gagne throughout his breakthrough 52-save season.

So what do the Dodgers do now?

“We’re not going to have somebody down there for it to be cosmetically correct,” Manager Jim Tracy said. “Somebody is going to earn that spot. You earn spots here.”

There are many experienced candidates trying to impress Tracy and General Manager Dan Evans, including former Dodger Pedro Borbon, two-time 15-game winner Wilson Alvarez and Yorkis Perez. Hard-throwing Steve Colyer, who turns 24 on Feb. 22, is the most intriguing possibility.

However, Colyer walked 40 in 62 2/3 innings at double-A Jacksonville. He struck out 68.

Right-hander Darren Dreifort, sidelined since June of 2001, said he did not experience elbow or knee pain a day after throwing 30 pitches from a mound.... The Dodger pitching staff was among the worst in the league at bunting, so Tracy plans to emphasize bunting this spring.... Left-hander Odalis Perez was expected to arrive at Dodgertown late Friday.

-- Jason Reid