CIRCLE THESE DATES

* April 16: A day after the Dodgers celebrate at Dodger Stadium the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball, Luis Gonzalez makes his return to the Phoenix stadium where he became a fan favorite and delivered the winning hit in the seventh game of the 2001 World Series. Gonzo was shoved out the door by the front office, but can expect an adoring reception from the fans.

* July 29: With the trading deadline looming, this finale of a four-game series will showcase two outstanding Rockies power hitters the Dodgers covet: left fielder Matt Holliday, who will soon price himself out of Denver; and third baseman Garrett Atkins, who is blocking the path of top prospect Ian Stewart.

* Aug. 31: Another taxing, 10-game trip begins against the defending National League West champion Padres and ends against the archrival San Francisco Giants. In between, the Dodgers face the Chicago Cubs, whose expensive face-lift might make the series a severe test.

* Sept. 30: The regular-season finale culminates a 21-game stretch against NL West teams. The race has gone down to the wire in recent years and the hostile environment at AT&T; Park should be plenty to motivate the Dodgers.

-- STEVE HENSON