Ashley Is Making a Big Impression

Three weeks of spring training remain, but nearly every question has already been answered for the Dodgers.

They believe that Wilton Guerrero can be their everyday second baseman, that Brett Butler can be their everyday center fielder and that Chan Ho Park can be their fifth starting pitcher.

They also believe that their bullpen could be the strongest in franchise history. An impressive Darren Dreifort is expected to be Todd Worrell’s setup man for a season before inheriting the closer’s role.

The biggest surprise of camp has been Billy Ashley. If Butler can’t go, Todd Hollandsworth will be moved from left field to center and Ashley will play left. Center fielder Roger Cedeno has been a disappointment and is expected to be sent back to Albuquerque.

Said Manager Bill Russell of Ashley, “He’s always had that power, but now he’s putting it all together. I’ve never seen him look better.”

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Butler, trying to play in his third consecutive game, had to leave after the first inning of the Dodgers’ 5-5, 12-inning tie with the Houston Astros on Thursday after aggravating a hip muscle. Butler is hoping to return in two or three days.

Guerrero injured his left shoulder in the middle of his at-bat in the fourth inning, but trainer Stan Johnston said the injury was nothing to worry about.