BASEBALL : Dodgers Plan for Opener With Replacements

The Dodgers’ opening day is two weeks from today, April 3 against the Florida Marlins.

“It’s a strange feeling, believe me, it’s strange,” Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda said. “It’s hard for me to understand how they could go this long without a settlement, but here we are.”

The Dodgers are planning as if the season will begin with replacement players. They are bringing Gary Sutherland to Florida this week to scout the Florida Marlins and Houston Astros, their first two opponents, and have discussed ways to improve their team.

“We have to take the approach that we’re opening the season on time,” said Fred Claire, executive vice president. “We can’t think it won’t happen, because as soon as you think that, it will happen. We have to be prepared.”

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Dave Johnson hasn’t even managed the Cincinnati Reds for most of spring training and he’s already seen enough of replacement ball.

“I have been kind of optimistic, believing that this would not be around too long,” Johnson said before Sunday’s 8-4 victory over Pittsburgh. “That’s why I haven’t put my two cents in. But it looks as is if this is the way it’s going to be. This may be what we have to put up with. What a travesty.”

Johnson has distanced himself from the replacement Reds since they started spring training 0-5. Since then, assistant manager Ray Knight has run the team, leading them to an 8-2 record.

No negotiations took place Sunday. Players and owners may get together to negotiate on Tuesday or Wednesday.