Guerrero looks to make adjustment to second base

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Yasiel Puig's wild success emboldened the Dodgers to sign more Cuban players, most notably Alex Guerrero, who will be the starting second baseman on Opening Day if he's ready.

But if they underestimated Puig's arrival, they might have overestimated Guerrero's, especially considering his additional challenge of moving from shortstop to second base, which has not come easily.

Guerrero is showing some improvement, according to manager Don Mattingly, but games haven't even started yet.

Concern led to the late signings of Chone Figgins and Justin Turner, to go with returnees Dee Gordon and Justin Sellers, along with non-roster invitees Brendan Harris, who has nearly five years of Major League experience, and slick gloveman Miguel Rojas, who has none.

Mattingly said Saturday that Guerrero will be focused on second base, but Gordon has shown in winter ball that he can handle both middle positions. If the switch-hitting Figgins can regain any of his Angels form, he also could be an answer at second base, and at least provide support at third base and even center field.

Somebody on the bench needs to be the backup middle infielder, somebody needs to be capable of playing behind Juan Uribe at third base and somebody needs to fill in for Adrian Gonzalez at first base. The latter will likely be Scott Van Slyke, who is primarily an outfielder. Gordon, Sellers and Rojas can play both middle infield spots. Harris is comfortable at second, short and third.

"We've found out that versatility, in this league, you can't have enough of it," said Mattingly.