Minor League Season in Preview

Opening Day is less than two weeks away and the minor league season will begin shortly after. As some prospects have shined in camp (Loney, Martin, Guzman) and other have failed (Kemp, LaRoche, Billingsley) the next year will be an integral part in determining the futures of these young prospects. So, with that in mind, I'll list the noteworthy prospects by where they're expected to start.

Las Vegas (Triple A)

Chad Billingsley, RHP - While he leaves a pitcher's paradise for a pitcher's worst nightmare, hopes of his making the club this year shouldn't be lost. A strong showing in Triple A could prompt management to move C Bill into LA's rotation before the year is through.

Joel Guzman, OF - Even with a strong spring, I believe Joel will be given time in the minors to further familiarize himself with his new position in the outfield. Cashman will aid his offense and Joel could make his major league debut if injuries strike the Dodgers' fragile outfield.

Andy LaRoche, 3B - LaRoche's chances of making the show out of spring training dwindled with Bill Mueller's stellar debut. Still, barring injury, Andy should spend AT MOST another year in the minors before moving to So Cal.

James Loney, 1B - A huge spring has sparked interest in J Lo from management and who could blame them? With Nomar Garciaparra signed for just one year, Loney could reach the club by midseason and be starting by '07.


Jacksonville (Double A)

Matt Kemp, OF - Not only did Kemp wow scouts with his power/speed combo in the FSL, he also played an important role on his AFL team, leading the Desert Dogs to a championship; he hit 2 HR in the title game. While he faces quite a challenge in Double A, he has a chance to establish himself as one of the best offensive prospects in the game this season.

Greg Miller, LHP - Though health problems have stunted his development, his power stuff and uncanny pitchability remain as he returns to Double A for the third time in four years. If he can notch a full season in his belt, Miller could return to his uber prospect status of 2003.

Chin Lung Hu, SS - After playing for Chinese-Tapei (Taiwan) in the World Baseball Classic, Hu was named as the 4th most intriguing prospect in the event by scouts according to BaseballAmerica.com. While he holds his own with the bat, Hu is a potential gold glover at short.

Tony Abreu, 2B - The other half of one of the best double play duos in the league, Abreu's ability to make consistent contact intrigues scouts as much as his D. Pairing Tony with Hu should provide Suns fans with a dynamic pair of defenders up the middle.


Vero Beach (High A)

Scott Elbert, LHP - A year after being named the best prospect in the South Atlantic League, the Dodgers' first pick of 2004 moves to Vero Beach to futher establish himself as a top pitching prospect.

Blake DeWitt, 2B - A move to second base was initiated after Andy LaRoche's strong 2005 campaign. DeWitt's athleticism should allow the transition to be smooth, and his bat becomes more valuable in the middle of the infield.

Blake Johnson, RHP - After being drafted in the second round of 2004's draft, Logan White said that Johnson's delivery was "perfect." And with a strong 2005 under his belt, Johnson is my pick to truly break out in 2006.

Travis Denker, 3B - Swapping positions with Blake DeWitt, Denker's offense profiles better at third base where he'll hopefully be able to stick defensively. Though he didnt produce after a late season call up in 2005, he should get back to raking in no time.


The lower minors should boast plenty of talent, but more info on those prospects will be provided as the season wears on. AND REMEBER, I will be updating the blog with daily stats from Dodger minor league games once the season starts.