Your favorite Dodger seems like he is on the right track and could be ready to pitch in April.Despite Jason Schmidt saying he's experienced a "breakthrough" in his rehabilitation from shoulder surgery, manager Joe Torre isn't counting on him for Opening Day.
Torre hasn't ruled Schmidt out, but doesn't want "to raise any red flags if he doesn't throw one day." Schmidt says that in the last two weeks the stiffness and soreness in his arm has disappeared, and that he's been "tossing" off a mound twice a week for the last month. We should know more about his status as camp continues.
Then there is the real good news
Colletti needs to trade Pierre at all costs. Colletti is just praying some team needs an OFer who can leadoff after Spring Training. Ethier, Jones and Kemp make a great OF with Young waiting in AAA.The Los Angeles Daily News suggests that Juan Pierre will enter camp behind Andre Ethier in their competition for the starting job in left field.
Pierre's fantasy value is based on his number of stolen bases, and being reduced to a pinch runner/hitter would obviously be a huge blow. Both Ethier and Pierre have similar splits against righties and lefties, so a platoon seems unlikely. Manager Joe Torre does prefer veteran players, and this could change if the Dodgers pull off a trade, but it is definitely a situation to monitor during spring training.