A Confident Homecoming

The Dodgers went to camp in Vero Beach, Fla., six weeks ago wondering if they could count on a player recovering from cancer in center field, a rookie at second base and a 23-year-old kid to be their fifth starter.

They left Florida on Wednesday assured that Brett Butler can play the entire season, Wilton Guerrero can handle second base and Chan Ho Park will be a capable fifth starter.

“We have a group of players that believe they have a chance to do something meaningful,� said Fred Claire, executive vice president. “We played well, built some confidence and we’re ready.

“We couldn’t have hoped more for what we got out of this spring. No way. If we don’t succeed, it won’t be because of what didn’t happen this spring.�

Manager Bill Russell, who earned the confidence and respect of his players this spring, insists the key to their season could be getting off to a good start. They play a weak schedule in April, opening with the Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets.

“I think it’s going to be big to start at home this year,� Russell said. “This team is ready. We expect to do big things.�

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Claire told outfielder Roger Cedeno that he will be optioned to triple-A Albuquerque. Cedeno, who asked to be traded a week ago, said that he has no problem accepting the assignment. “He has a great attitude,� Claire said. “We’re going to have an opening in a year when Brett retires, so there is light at the end of the tunnel.� . . . The Dodgers will keep their pitching rotation intact for the Freeway Series. Ramon Martinez will start Friday night with Hideo Nomo to follow. Ismael Valdes and Pedro Astacio will pitch Saturday. And Park will pitch with Tom Candiotti on Sunday.