Werth Gets Shot at Center Stage

While some may lament the Dodgers’ being without a true center fielder, at least for the time being, don’t count Jayson Werth among them.

Because while J.D. Drew and Milton Bradley are on the disabled list, Werth sees himself stepping up.

“I expect to be in there every day,” said Werth, who started in center Thursday. “I think it’s a great opportunity for me. I’ve always said I want to be a big league center fielder. Now I’ll be able to show that not only to this organization, but every other organization.”

Manager Jim Tracy would not anoint Werth as his everyday center fielder -- Tracy said he would opt for Jason Repko to play there if Werth and Repko were in the same lineup -- but he did sing his praises.

“Do I feel Jayson Werth can play center field? I know he can,” Tracy said. “And play it well. It’s a luxury.”

Werth came up as a catcher and did not make the switch to outfield full time until 2002. Playing in center, he said, will permit him to showcase his skills.

“There’s more ground to cover and that allows me to utilize my speed a little more,” Werth said. “Hopefully I’ll get a chance to go get the ball and make the play and it will be an eye-opener for some people.”

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With Bradley on the disabled list, the Dodgers recalled utility player Mike Edwards from triple-A Las Vegas. In 62 games with the Dodgers earlier this season, Edwards batted .271 with a home run and nine runs batted in.

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Olmedo Saenz does not necessarily fancy himself a third baseman. But with Cesar Izturis hurting -- he will undergo an MRI on his back today -- and Oscar Robles replacing him at shortstop, there Saenz was again, starting at the hot corner for the 13th time this season.

“I’m here and whatever they ask me to do, that’s what I’m here for,” Saenz said. “I have to make a couple of adjustments, but I don’t feel like I don’t have a chance.”

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The second day of school came and went Thursday at Tennessee and the Dodgers’ first-round draft pick, pitcher Luke Hochevar, did not attend classes. He is not expected to attend today either, which would allow for more negotiations this weekend.

The Dodgers reportedly have offered a signing package worth $2.5 million. Hochevar is looking for $4 million and a spot on the 40-man roster.