Spring training is a time for fans to bask in Arizona sunshine that makes the winter seem like a different memory. Fans from all over the country flock to Arizona and Florida to get an up-close and personal look at their favorite players practicing things like bunting, run-downs, and pitchers covering first. If you are a baseball junkie, it’s a dream come true. According to some of the players though, this one has been too long.

Veterans like Mark Ellis (above) and Jerry Hairston agree that spring training is too long. By Owen Main

“This year it’s way too long,” said Dodgers second baseman Mark Ellis. In his 11th season, Ellis has resorted to mind games to keep from getting complacent during the spring.

“The thing you’ve got to guard against is being bored. You can’t get bored in spring training. You get to a point where you get tired of just playing meaningless games but you have to kind of trick yourself a little bit and realize that you’ve got to keep going and keep getting ready for the regular season.”

In his 16th year, Jerry Hairston agrees that the preseason is just too lengthy.

“It’s been a long spring training,” said Hairston. “It actually needs to be shorter, but with the [World Baseball Classic], it was even longer… . I was just talking to veteran guys like myself, Brandon League, Arron Harang, [Chris Capuano], all those guys. It’s been tough because when guys have played in the playoffs, played in World Series, they know what’s at stake and when it’s the big leagues, when it’s time. In March you just want to get yourself ready, Make sure you’re healthy, and ready to go. It’s been a long spring training.”

This year’s spring training was extended due to the World Baseball Classic. No baseball player likes their routine to be altered, but for many teams, players were not in camp for an extended period of time during spring training. Like preseason games in the National Football League, the theme of spring training seems to be as much about keeping players healthy as it is getting players ready.

“The one thing you don’t want to do is grind during spring training, said Hairston. “I’ve learned that from veteran guys. Guys like Cal Ripken, Delino DeShields, Brady Anderson. Make sure you don’t grind through spring training. Get your work in, make sure you play hard, but don’t grind. The grind is the 162 and hopefully the playoffs and world series, so I make sure I have fun, enjoy my time, and make sure that as the season starts approaching, get yourself mentally ready, whether it’s music — throw in some Enya every once in a while — get your mind right for the season.”

Whatever they’re listening to, Dodgers fans hope that the spring doesn’t bring any additional injuries. Hanley Ramirez, the Dodgers starting shortstop, injured his thumb in the World Baseball Classic. Ramirez may be out 8 weeks, and that is just the type of injury the Dodgers would like to avoid any more of.

“Yeah, we’re ready [for the season to start],” said Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis. “We’re fine tuning, hoping we all get out of camp healthy, unscathed this last week, and we’ll be ready for the Giants opening day.”

Dodger fans breathed a sigh of relief that Yasiel Puig was not more badly injured in yesterday’s game. By Owen Main

Last night, Dodgers phenom Yasiel Puig dove for a ball in the outfield, landing awkwardly and prompting left fielder Jerry Hairston to signal quickly for the trainer. Don Mattingly and trainer Sue Falsone rushed out to center field, fearing the worst.

“I thought he probably bent his hand,” said Mattingly. “I’ve seen a lot of guys dive and get the glove trapped… and you end up bending back a thumb or a wrist.”

Hairston’s signal to the dugout came as a result of Puig’s reaction.

“He was hurt,” said Hairston. “He was kind of screaming. So anytime you hear a guy kind of screaming and knowing that he was in pain, you’ve got to call for the training staff. Obviously he’s had a great spring, he’s got a lot of talent. You hate to see a guy get hurt, but from what I hear he’ll be fine, so that’s a good thing.”

Reports after the game said he just had the wind knocked out of him. The Dodgers took him out of the game as a precaution.

Puig played Saturday night, replacing Carl Crawford in the fourth inning. He promptly doubled in his first at-bat and scored on a double by Matt Kemp. Puig singled in his next two at-bats and is now hitting .547 this spring (29-53) with zero walks and 10 strikeouts.