Bill Shaikin of the LA Times stopped by to talk about the China trip and the Dodgers’ possible interest in a 3rd baseman.

Todd Kaufmann:  Were you surprised that Andre Ethier, Russell Martin and maybe a Kuroda didn’t go on the China trip?

Bill Shaikin:  No. It is common for established major leaguers to be excused from long spring trips, particularly when a split-squad game is available at home. In regards to Kuroda, the Dodgers did not send him — or Brad Penny or Chad Billingsley or Derek Lowe — because the team believed all that travel would have hampered the starting pitchers as they prepared for the regular season.

Todd Kaufmann:  How concerned are the Dodgers about Jason Schmidt still feeling pain in the same shoulder he had surgery on?

Bill Shaikin:  Not overly concerned. The Dodgers never really expected Schmidt to be ready for opening day. The track record for comebacks from this type of surgery is limited, and ups and downs are to be expected. The Dodgers would love to see Schmidt regain his velocity and effectiveness, but they realize neither outcome is assured.

Todd Kaufmann:  There’s been talk that the Dodgers are still looking for a 3rd baseman, have they had interest in the Phillies’ Wes Helms or the Tigers’ Brandon Inge?

Bill Shaikin:  Not to this point, particularly given Inge has three years and $19 million left on his contract.

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