Seeking a Fast Return to Form

VERO BEACH, Fla. â€”  Dave Roberts heard the whispers last season and realized his efforts weren’t appreciated.

While other injured Dodgers returned from the disabled list slower than expected, Roberts rushed back from a right hamstring injury because the team was short-handed. The center fielder and leadoff batter, who relies on his speed, aggravated the injury and had a disappointing season.

Criticism within the organization compounded his pain, as many privately questioned Roberts’ heart and ability. Now, Roberts must prove himself again.

“It’s a case where it was a no-win situation,� Roberts said Saturday. “If you wait and get healthy to where you know you can contribute again, then people are asking, ‘Why is he taking so long?’ They say that he’s not a team player and can’t play hurt.

“But if you come back and your numbers suffer, then it’s like you’re not performing and people say you’re not an everyday player. You hear things and it’s frustrating. ... I was trying to help the team out, I was trying to be unselfish, but it backfired on me.�

Roberts, 31, was on the disabled list twice in 2003 and played in only 107 games after being named an everyday player for the first time.

The left-handed batter finished third in the National League with 40 stolen bases, but batted only .250 with a .331 on-base percentage. The Dodgers had higher hopes after Roberts impressed in a limited role in 2002, hitting .277 with a .353 on-base percentage and 45 steals.

Manager Jim Tracy wants to help Roberts “stay healthy and keep his legs,� which probably means fewer at-bats against left-handers in a reduced role.

“First and foremost, it’s not my decision,� Roberts said. “I’m going to play when my name is in the lineup, but I’ll never question what the manager’s decision is.

“Coming back when I did turned out to be detrimental to myself and the team. If I have to go out there and prove I can play every day again, then that’s what I’ll do.�

Right fielder Shawn Green believes it’s unfair to judge Roberts on last season.

“His game is his speed, so if he’s got a leg injury that’s keeping him out, and he tries to come back early, he’s not going to be able to play at the level he’s capable of,� Green said. “All of a sudden you can’t do the things he does to be successful, then it changes your whole game.�

Roberts is ready for the challenge. “As long as I stay healthy, I know I can help this team,� he said.

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Hideo Nomo will start the Grapefruit League opener Wednesday against the New York Mets at Holman Stadium.

The right-hander, coming off shoulder surgery, is also scheduled to start opening day April 5 against San Diego at Dodger Stadium.

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Jose Canseco is scheduled to attend an open tryout today at Dodgertown.

Canseco, the 1988 American League most valuable player, last played in the major leagues in 2001, batting .258 with 16 home runs and 49 runs batted in for the Chicago White Sox in 76 games.

The Dodgers said they told Canseco’s agent that it is highly doubtful they would sign Canseco regardless of how he performs at the tryout. The 39-year-old outfielder has 462 career homers.

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Second baseman Alex Cora, healing faster than expected from a broken right forearm, has been cleared to begin throwing lightly. He plans to take grounders today and throw Tuesday or Wednesday, and hopes to be ready by the season opener. ... The Dodgers will play intrasquad games today and Tuesday at Holman Stadium.