Furcal to Rest, Schmidt to Pitch
Dodgers manager Joe Torre said he plans to give Rafael Furcal a day off a week early in the season to avoid overworking the shortstop, who is coming off back surgery.
Torre also said Jason Schmidt is tentatively scheduled to pitch Monday in an intrasquad game and next Friday in a “B” game against the Chicago White Sox. That would put Schmidt way ahead of last year, when he suffered a quick setback in the Spring and never faced batters coming off his first shoulder surgery, then required a second procedure in September. — Ken Gurnick
Kenny G Around the Horn 
Hi Ken. Just found your blog.
What’s the real dope on Jason Schmidt? I recall how unhittable he was when he was with the Hated Giants and how high the hopes were he’d be that same guy when we got him. If he can be that guy, he’s the ace we need. Is he?
Even if he can start the season in good shape, how brittle is he, to use your favorite word?
Sorry to make you crazy about Nomah. It’s hard to give up on such a terrific player. He seemed to have a great attitude, too. I was there when he made the last out in the last game against the Philiies. I think the guy was crying and knew then he’d never be back.
Don’t suppose you know if the Dodgers will run the shuttle from Union Station again this season. That was a WONDERFUL idea and I got there on the subway from the Valley and used it several times!
Thanks.
Mike Morrison
Chatsworth