to key players. The 2014 Los Angeles Dodgers aim to go beyond 2013 and give Dodger fans

something they'll always cherish...A World Series trophy. This is "Win or Go Home" Los

Angeles Dodgers Spring Training 2014. As usual, Dodgers fans came out in full force

to Camelback Ranch in Glendale Arizona in both spirit and love for the game. For casual

fans, the sprawling complex offers plenty of sights, sounds, relaxing picnic seating

and hard to miss offerings in the concessions. For many die hard Dodgers fans, it is a chance

to get an early look at their favorite player's progress going into the 2014 MLB season.

The team arrived earlier than normal to account for the premature start to the 2-Game opening

season series against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Sydney, Australia. Normally the team would

have 30 games to prepare for opening day. For spring 2014, they have 18 games to figure

out key positional needs at second base, choose a 5th pitcher for the starting rotation, and

welcome new additions into the Dodger family like newly signed Cuban League All Star Alexander

Guerrero. They also are expecting to keep a close eye on previous injuries from centerfielder

Matt Kemp, reliever Jose Dominguez and starter Josh Beckett. Kemp's health in 2014 figures

to be the biggest early concern for the Dodgers and their fans as his timetable for return

is not linked with the shortened spring schedule. If healthy, the 2011 MVP runner up would add

a lineup dimension unmatched in the majors alongside perennial stars Adrian Gonzalez

and Hanley Ramirez.

The heart of the batting lineup, Gonzalez and Ramirez's veteran leadership will be vital

in leading the team through the shortened schedule. The mantra to prepare for this season

is to get into a regular rhythm physically as quick as possible without pressing too

much for success at the plate. Spring surprise Dee Gordon though, is on a different path.

In the offseason, Dee put overtime in the weight room and in centerfield in the dominican

winter leagues to give the Dodgers an extended look at his potential coming into spring.

Entering March, Dee gained roughly 15 pounds of muscle and more time in the field giving

him and the Dodgers a better feel for what he'll bring to the regular season. The hard

work Dee put in paid off in the form of a 286 batting average, 4 triples, 802 OPS, and

9 steals to lead the Cactus league before heading off to Sydney.

The other question mark this offseason for the Dodgers is how will right field sensation

Yasiel Puig return for his sophomore campaign. The overwhelming fan favorite brought his

familiar youthful exuberance and zest for the dramatic to Camelback. His goals this

spring appear to be more of the same of what he brought to the team in 2013 while battling

through many nagging injuries, most notably his right shoulder and back. Much like all

the other Dodgers playing through a shortened spring schedule, his health is key to the

Dodgers success in what appears to be a crowded national league west.

For Ace Clayton Kershaw, it has been business as usual after signing a reported record 7-year

$215 million deal. Having come into Dodgers camp healthy and ready, Kershaw's steady work

ethic is expecting to lead a Dodgers staff brimming with high goals. Meanwhile, fellow

hurler Zack Greinke dealt with different issues when he cut his first start short after 4

pitches due to a flared right calf. Greinke's heath and subsequent hold on the second starter

slot is imperative to the Dodgers one-two punch at the top of the rotation. Newcomer

former Cy Young winner and Pepperdine standout Dan Haren is expected to solidify the bottom

half of the rotation and along with South Korean second year phenom Hyun-Jung Ryu, the

Dodgers will enter the season with one of the strongest starting staffs in baseball.

One thing is for certain at the start of the 2014 season, Dodgers fans will be bringing

their best each and every night to Chavez Ravine in support of their team. All that

is left for the players, is to match that enthusiasm out on the field and end a 26 year

drought for Los Angeles...by bringing home a World Series trophy.