DODGERS : Staton Refuses to Be a Replacement, so He May Be Replaced

They are outsiders by choice, watching insiders walk out of the major league clubhouse each day, signing autographs for fans, joking with Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda and enjoying all the benefits of a big leaguer in spring training.

They used to be teammates, sharing the same minor league clubhouse, but times have changed since spring training games began. Now, the outsiders catch only glimpses.

They may all be minor leaguers by definition, but they live in two different worlds.

“I don’t keep up with those guys too much,” said infielder Casey Candaele, who refused to become a replacement player. “I haven’t even been to one of their games. It’s not my gig.

“They made their choice. We made ours. I know I’m happy with the one I made.”

Few Dodger minor leaguers made a bigger sacrifice than first baseman Dave Staton, who elected not to become a replacement player.

He was the opening-day first baseman for the San Diego Padres last season, was picked by the Dodgers in the Rule 5 draft and was hoping for the chance to show he belongs in the majors.

But while Staton remains in minor league camp, first baseman Jay Kirkpatrick has seized the opportunity. Kirkpatrick has been so impressive that first baseman Mike Busch has been moved to third, and Staton could be on the bench at triple-A Albuquerque behind Kirkpatrick when the strike ends.

“I’ve got no second thoughts,” Staton said. “I didn’t want to have anything to do with replacement games before spring training, and nothing’s changed.

“I’ve been in real big league camp, and believe me, you can call it want you want, but those guys are not in a big league camp.”