Lasorda, Olympic Duo Are Reunited

Any time Tom Lasorda walks into a clubhouse in uniform it triggers memories.

For pitcher Kurt Ainsworth and catcher Pat Borders, non-roster invitees trying to make the Dodger roster, those recollections are cloaked in red, white and blue. They played on the 2000 U.S. Olympic gold-medal team that was managed by Lasorda.

So when the former Dodger manager addressed the pitchers and catchers before Saturday’s workout, giving one of his patented pep talks, Ainsworth and Borders were tickled by the familiar booming voice and message of wild optimism.

“He still has that great enthusiasm for the game,” said Ainsworth, who was 2-0 in the Olympics. “That was such a great time.”

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Two tardy pitchers weren’t exactly contrite upon their arrival in Dodgertown.

Yhency Brazoban arrived from the Dominican Republic on Saturday and said he hadn’t applied for his visa until Friday, three days after he was supposed to be in camp. He missed an appointment at the U.S. consulate Tuesday and let two more days pass before returning.

Franquelis Osoria, shy by nature, declined to talk about the reason he was three days late other than to say, “Visa.” Osoria, who had a 3.94 earned-run average in 24 appearances as a rookie, has a strong chance of making the opening-day roster.

Manager Grady Little did not appear concerned by the late arrivals, saying the pitchers shouldn’t be too far behind because they pitched in the Dominican Winter League.

Brazoban said he worked on his changeup over the winter. An inability to change speeds was the main reason his ERA ballooned to 5.33 after he had filled in admirably for injured closer Eric Gagne early last season.

Brazoban, who had 21 saves and made 74 appearances last season, said his arm was tired from pitching 22 innings in the winter league, but that otherwise he felt fine. He confirmed that he will not play in the World Baseball Classic.

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Outfielder Jayson Werth, who reported early to accelerate his rehabilitation from September surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his left wrist, has been out because of flu for two days.

A cast and pins were removed three weeks ago, and Werth is working on his range of motion. Dodger officials expect that he won’t be activated until May.

It’s been nearly a year since the injury occurred. He was hit by a pitch March 2, diagnosed with a broken wrist, and never completely recovered. The ligament damage was not discovered until after the season.

“Whether it was diagnosed correctly medically, I don’t think we’ll ever know,” he said. “That’s not the issue. It wasn’t detected for whatever reason. I have no regrets as far as the medical aspect of it goes. Maybe I learned a lesson about listening to my body more.”

Werth batted only .234 with seven home runs, and struck out 114 times in 337 at-bats. He said he wouldn’t have blamed the Dodgers if they had written him off, but they haven’t.

“I’m happy they didn’t go get a left fielder” in the off-season, he said.

Jose Cruz Jr., Ricky Ledee and Jason Repko will share time until Werth returns.

“I don’t have an answer on a timetable and I won’t even speculate,” Werth said. “I don’t want to go out there if I’m not capable of playing to my ability.”

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Baseball calendar

* Tuesday -- Full-squad workouts.

* Feb. 28 -- Mandatory reporting date.

* March 2-11 -- Teams may renew contracts of unsigned players.

* March 3-20 -- World Baseball Classic.

* April 2 -- Opening day, Cleveland at Chicago White Sox. Active rosters reduced to 25 players.

* May 15 -- Hall of Fame game, Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh, Cooperstown, N.Y.

* July 11 -- All-Star game, Pittsburgh.