Andy LaRoche went to spring training in 2005 sure he wouldn't be the Dodgers' starting third baseman that season.
"We just signed Bill Mueller to a two-year contract," he said, "so I was going in thinking, 'I don't really have a chance of making it because we just got an ex-batting champion.' "
A year ago, Wilson Betemit had the edge when camp began.
"I went in thinking, 'OK, I kind of have a legitimate shot of winning this job, though I'd kind of have to go out and do something pretty tremendous in spring training to get it,' " LaRoche said.
He didn't come close. Then again, Betemit didn't seize the moment, either.
Eventually Nomar Garciaparra was moved from first base to third base and Betemit was traded, while LaRoche spent most of the season with triple-A Las Vegas.
This year, with 34-year-old Garciaparra coming off a season of plummeting power and production, there's nothing standing between LaRoche and a place on the opening-day roster.
"He's almost going to have to not make the club," General Manager Ned Colletti said. "It's a pretty good spot to be in."
It's potentially a terrific spot if LaRoche can get his mind, body and swing together and claim a job the Dodgers seem eager for him to win.
"Andy and Nomar give us two great options at third base," Colletti said, "and we're going to let them figure it out."
Working out Wednesday at Dodger Stadium with more than a dozen other top prospects, part of a two-week development program that has taken players onto the field, into the classroom and into the community, LaRoche seemed comfortable at third base.
He looked primed to settle in, free of his old back problems and ready to pounce on this easy one-hopper sent his way.
"I think right now they're in limbo with who to go with," he said, "so I'm going in hopefully in top shape and good form and good baseball shape, and I'll just try to show the new coaching staff what I can do and hopefully leave them with a tough decision."
Colletti said LaRoche, 24, is "on the verge" of being where James Loney and Matt Kemp were a year ago and where Andre Ethier and Russell Martin were two years ago.
"So I think it's time to give him an opportunity to stick with the club and to play as much as he earns," Colletti said.
He's so sure of it, he said he's not looking to add a third baseman "at this point."
