Los Angeles Dodgers: Spring Training Primer

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Dodgers fans are looking to cash in this spring from a luxurious free-agent spending spree.

Dylan Hernandez, the Dodgers beat writer for the LA Times, noticed this team's sense of focus.

"One thing that all teh team executives are pleased about is that no players came in overweight it seems," Hernandez said. "This is probably the fittest team I have seen coming into camp."

The Dodgers greatest strength lies in its pitching staff. Something Hernandez says is elite. Bill Shaikin, his fellow beat writer, however disagrees.

Head coach Don Mattingly returns for his third season at the healm. A year in which Shaikin says losing is just not an option.

"Everybody seems to like Don and respect him but ultimately this team will be judged on whether they win or not. There's too much money to judge it otherwise and if they don't win he understand they could be at risk," Shaikin said.

New hitting coach Mark McGwire brings 583 home runs of expertise to the offense. McGwire and Sammy Sosa battled for the King of Swing in the early 1990s. Hernandez says McGwire continues to break the mold.

"We are in this age where everyone is breaking down their swin and worrying about it," Hernandez said. "When you're at this level your swing is fine. Focus on the strategy."

The Dodgers have the highest payroll in baseball at over $230 million. Hernandez said new ownership continues to invest into the ball club.

"Guggenheim has the money to do whatever the fans whant them to do," he said.

Opening day is only 32 days away, making spring training a crucial time to build the foundation for a deep postseason run.