BUDS OF SPRING

VERO BEACH, Fla. —  Friend or foe? For Oscar Robles and Ramon Martinez, the line is as blurred as the back of the batter’s box.

Their have adjacent lockers. They play the same positions.

And both have had to scrape for everything they’ve got.

But only one is expected to make the Dodgers as a utility infielder, meaning cutthroat competition lies behind their laughter and pleasant banter.

It is a friendship destined to end before opening day.

Second baseman Jeff Kent, shortstop Rafael Furcal and third baseman Bill Mueller are entrenched. Nomar Garciaparra is the first baseman and Olmedo Saenz is the backup first baseman, an emergency third baseman and the team’s top pinch-hitter.

That leaves one infield spot.

Robles or Martinez? Martinez or Robles?

Martinez had the upper hand Sunday, hitting a double. A day earlier, Robles made an outstanding play at shortstop and hit a home run. A few days ago, Martinez went three for three, and Robles doubled and singled.

The battle could last until the eve of the regular season.

“We probably won’t make that decision until we’re in Anaheim for the Freeway Series,” Manager Grady Little said. “They are both impressive players, experienced and knowledgeable. Either one can do the job.”

Robles, 29, was one of the few bright spots for the Dodgers last season, batting .272 in 110 games after his contract was purchased from the Mexican League in May. He filled in at third base after Jose Valentin was injured and at shortstop after Cesar Izturis was injured. He excelled in the leadoff spot, batting .318 with a .380 on-base percentage.

He figured a roster spot was all but guaranteed, and accepted an invitation to play in the World Baseball Classic for Mexico, where he had been a standout player for years.

When he came to spring training, however, he recognized that Martinez was there to take his job.

General Manager Ned Colletti was comfortable with Martinez, 33, an eight-year veteran who played in San Francisco for several years when Colletti was in the Giants’ front office.

And Colletti was not any more comfortable with Robles than he was with most players he inherited from former general manager Paul DePodesta.

Robles pulled out of the WBC and got to work.

“It’s difficult, but I have to accept that,” he said. “I have to keep working and stay positive.”

Martinez, in the same predicament, has the same attitude. No wonder a friendship developed, uneasy at first, remarkably close after two weeks.

“Oscar is a good player and a good person,” Martinez said. “For years he never had a chance to show what he could do, and last year he made the most of that chance. When you see a guy like that, you always want him to succeed.”

The feeling was mutual. Robles recognized Martinez as a kindred spirit, a player who has carved a career out of an ability to play multiple positions and do the little things well with the bat -- moving a runner over, getting deep in the count and laying down a bunt.

“Ramon is a good guy and this isn’t his fault,” Robles said. “We do the same things, but get along fine.”

Both are getting plenty of playing time now because Kent and Furcal are rehabilitating from injuries and haven’t played in spring games yet. One day Robles is at shortstop and Martinez is at second base. The next day they switch positions.

As for Colletti’s comfort level with Robles, it’s greatly improved.

“I can already see the value in Oscar Robles,” he said. “It didn’t take long. He’s a lot like Ramon. They know their strengths and they know their limitations. They are mature, professional ballplayers who can help a team win.”

But only one is needed. The other could be sent to triple-A. Or traded. Or Robles could return to Mexico. Or Martinez could leave for another team, as his contract allows.

The decision might come down to convenience. Robles has minor league options, meaning he can be sent down without the Dodgers losing him.

“Wow, that would be a tough situation,” he said. “What would I do? That’s a tough question. I don’t want to think about that. I feel I can make the team.”

Martinez also knows how it feels to be underappreciated. He became a free agent after splitting last season between the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies. He has a lifetime batting average of .269 and experience at all four infield positions. He played for the Giants in the 2002 World Series.

Yet all he could land was a minor league deal with the Dodgers.

“I have to prove myself all over again,” he said.

The infield could become even more crowded when Izturis comes off the disabled list in July.

Competition brings out the best in players, isn’t that what coaches like to say?

Solid springs by Robles and Martinez could result in positive outcomes for everyone. One earns a roster spot, the other is traded to a team that needs a productive utility player, and the Dodgers perhaps fill another need.

“I think somehow it will work out for both of us,” Martinez said. “I hope we are both wearing a big league uniform.”