02/27/2004 6:02 PM ET
Notes: Ventura a clubhouse leader
By Ken Gurnick / MLB.com
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- The last time Robin Ventura came to Spring Training without the expectation of a full-time job was the first time he came to Spring Training, 15 years ago with the Chicago White Sox.
Now Ventura is the backup for the corner infield spots and, perhaps equally important, senior statesman in the Dodgers clubhouse. He leads the roster in years served (14) and years lived (36).
He's pretty much near the top in respect, common sense and likeability, which is why he apparently has inherited the unofficial role of team leader from reliever Paul Quantrill, who left as a free agent.
"Robin fits the mold," said Dave Roberts. "He's a guy you can turn to, who's achieved, who can put things in perspective and keep you on an even keel. Quantrill had the respect of his teammates. Robin has the same type. He keeps guys loose. He's really lived all the highs and lows in the game, he's been around so dang long."
Ventura doesn't crave the attention, but he doesn't hide from it. He remembers what it was like growing up in the White Sox clubhouse with only one-half year of minor league seasoning.
"I've been around long, so it kind of fits," Ventura said. "It doesn't bother me. When I was younger with the White Sox, we had Carlton Fisk and Charlie Hough, so I can relate to that. On one level, I don't feel that old. But on another level, whatever they think I can do to help, that's the reason I'm here."
Ventura was acquired from the New York Yankees at last summer's trade deadline with the hope he could give the offense a jumpstart. He had five home runs in 109 at-bats, but batted only .220. He re-signed as a free agent with the Dodgers, knowing the likelihood that Adrian Beltre would start at third and either Shawn Green or an acquisition would start at first.
"I knew what it was when I signed up," he said. "I know that if I'm on the field, it's probably not going well, maybe somebody's hurt. But growing up in California, I always wanted to play here. I enjoyed the time I had last year and just because I'm not playing every day is not a reason to feel unfulfilled."
Ventura is a six-time Gold Glove at third base, but with Beltre over there and Fred McGriff ailing, most of Ventura's time with the Dodgers last year was at first base (42 of 45 appearances). He looked like he could have won Gold Gloves over there, too.
"I actually feel more comfortable at first base now, after taking so many balls there at the end of last year," he said. "Moving from third isn't that hard, not like moving there from the outfield like Shawn (Green) is doing. He's in a tough situation. It's totally different for an outfielder used to taking fly balls. The ball gets there quicker and there's a lot more touching the ball than he's used to doing."
