Last Year's Top 10 in Review

Well it's been a while since I wrote anything, so I figured I'd start by looking back at my top prospects for '08 and see how things went.

10. Jon Meloan, RHP

Struggled with his control in Vegas, walking 60 in 105 innings. Other peripherals looked good (8.49 K/9, 0.60 HR/9). Was traded to Cleveland along with Carlos Santana for Casey Blake. Control problems continued with the Indians. Saw 2 games worth of MLB time and figures to fight for a spot in their pen this spring.

9. Delwyn Young, OF

Made the big club as a bench player and struggled, hititng just .246/.321/.341 while being used mainly as a pinch hitter. Doesn't really figure into the Dodgers' long-term plans, but he'll have to see some time in order to raise his trade value.

8. Ivan De Jesus, 2B/SS

Had a breakout year with the Suns. Struggled in the AFL and was called out by Keith Law for showing a lack of hustle and effort. With the re-signings of Furcal and Blake, he's most likely trade-bait now.

7. Andrew Lambo, LF/1B

Put up solid, if unspectacular numbers in the Midwest League before a late-season promotion to Double A in order to gain eligibility for the AFL. Had 6 extra base hits in 8 games with the Suns. Ended the year with 35 doubles and 18 HR, not bad for a kid who spent most of the season as a 19 year old and played in two pitcher's parks/leagues. Hit .313 in the AFL with a lowered strikeout rate but didn't hit for much power. Could start the '09 season with Jacksonville as a 20 year old.

6. Josh Bell, 3B/1B

Started the year with Inland Empire, batting .273/.373/.455 in 51 games. Had season-ending knee surgery in June and should be ready for spring training. A repeat of High A ball is likely.

5. Scott Elbert, LHP

Was dominant in the pen for Jacksonville (48 K's, 22 Hits in 41.1 IP). Made his big league debut in September, struggling mightily with his control. Walked 4 batters and allowed 2 HR in 6 innings. Needs a little more seasoning.

4. Chin Lung Hu, SS

Came back to Earth after his breakout '07 campaign. Vision problems, combined with blurred vision in one of his eyes, led to a disastrous .181/.252/.233 line in the majors. Went back to Vegas and hit .295, but didn't show much patience or power. In the same boat as De Jesus, as his future is likely with another club.

3. James McDonald, RHP

Put up strong numbers in Jacksonville, though his walk rate rose and his strikeout rate fell. Made his MLB debut in September, coming out of the pen, and didn't allow a run in 4 appearances. There's a chance he'll compete for a rotation spot in ST but I've read that he could be used as a reliever.

2. Andy LaRoche, 3B

Walked more than twice as much as he struck out in Triple A before being called up. Struggled in LA before being dealt, with Bryan Morris, to the Pirates. Didn't fare any better playing opposite his brother. I'm still a believer, though he's already 25 and his time is running out.

1. Clayton Kershaw, LHP

Competely dominated Double A as a 20 year old and was called up in late May. Held his own as the youngest player in the league and figures to be the Dodgers' #4 starter in 2009.

Up next: a VERY preliminary Top 10 List for 2009.