Back in the saddle, one week to go

After a few days off, I’m returning to the beat today. Thanks for Ramona Shelburne for so capably filling in while I was away. This is the fun week of spring training for those of us who follow it on a daily basis — although it isn’t that much fun for the handful of players who inevitably will be cut later this week, as the opening-day roster is expected to be finalized by late Saturday night. Three more days in AZ, then back to Los Angeles for a handful of exhibitions starting Thurs. night. The opener is one week from today. Hard to believe.