Dodgers Open vs. Atlanta

The Dodgers' first spring training game (against the Braves) begins in about a half hour.  Here are the things we're looking at as the long march to the season gets underway:

• Chad Billingsley was supposed to start today's game, but was pulled due to some pain in his groin area.  So, instead, non-roster invitee Jason Johnson will be on the mound.

• Mike Myers and Tanyon Sturtze will also pitch in the game, along with Tom Martin, Myers' competition for left-handed specialist.

• The stories have been coming out that LaRoche and Garciaparra are still competing for the third base job, but Torre has gone on record, saying that Garciaparra, "being a veteran, he has the inside track..."  This should be interesting, and Garciaparra is getting the start today.  Nomar has given interviews stating that he thinks this will be a good season, and he knows what was wrong last year and intends to fix it.  We'll see how that goes.

• And I've saved the best for last: Juan Pierre will, no shocker here, be leading off the game and playing left field.  Excellent choice, Torre.  This is going to work out just great.

I'll do my best to get you some news about the game once it's over, and then I'm heading to Phoenix to get my first taste of spring training.

Erin covers the Dodgers and the Red Sox on her blog, Beantown West.
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