Published: Wednesday, April 19, 2006 Scanning the Majors: 4/19 Edition

Given that the Dodgers will have at least 376 injuries this year, it’s probably a good time to get acquainted with the organization’s vaunted minor league prospects. Ceiling indicates which player the prospect is comparable to in a best case scenario. Basement indicates which player they are comparable to in a worse case scenario.

James Loney- 1B (currently w/ Los Angeles) Loney was the Dodgers #1 pick in 2002 and there was a debate whether he should be a hitter or a pitcher. The hitting proponents won out and Loney settled in and had a monstrous half season in rookie ball. The problem with Loney is that he hasn’t shown any power in any of his minor league stops. Scouts have said his line drive ability will eventually translate into home runs, but how often do you hear that and how often does it really happen? As a defender, there are very few peers to Loney, as his glove is major league ready. He has handled himself well since being called up, but he really needs at least a full season at AAA Las Vegas. Upside: J.T. Snow Downside: Todd Benzinger Russell Martin- C (AAA Las Vegas) Martin, converted from 3B to catcher before 2003, is considered one of the jewels of the system and along with current starter, Dioner Navarro, makes the Dodgers feel very comfortable with their future behind the dish. Martin displays a good command of the strike zone at the plate, good power for a catcher and the ability to swipe a bag as well (15 last season). He has a strong throwing arm and handles pitchers well. If the Dodgers wanted to press the issue, he’d probably do a decent enough job, but with Navarro in place, there’s no need to rush him. Upside: Jason Kendall Downside: Terry Steinbach Chad Billingsley- SP (AAA Las Vegas) Billingsley is the most touted pitching prospect to come through the system since Pedro Martinez. Now, if Ned Colletti deals him for Jose Vidro, then the Dodgers will officially give L.A. to the Angels. Billingsley does everything well. He strikes out a ton of guys, doesn’t walk too many and keeps the ball in the ballpark. If the current rotation’s woes continue, don’t be shocked to see Billingsley plugged into the rotation with either Brett Tomko or Jae Seo sent to the bullpen. This is someone to get excited about. Upside: Mark Prior (without the injuries) Downside: Kevin Gross Jonathan Broxton- RP (AAA Las Vegas) The Bull had a cup of coffee with the big club last year and his highlight was striking out Albert Pujols…twice. He had some control issues during his call-up, which may have shown he wasn’t quite ready. However, he has had a K/BB ratio of better than 3 to 1 the last couple seasons after successfully being converted from starting to relieving. Checking in at 6’4 and 250 lbs, he has been clocked at 99 MPH. The problem is that reading has come from his fastball and his race to the post-game buffet. If he can keep his weight under control, he will be dominant. As it stands, he’s certainly better than most of the options currently occupying space in the Dodger bullpen. Upside: Brad Lidge Downside: Duaner Sanchez Andy LaRoche- 3B (AA Jacksonville) Son of former major league pitcher Dave and brother of current Atlanta 1B Adam, LaRoche is the Dodgers’ best 3B prospect since Adrian Beltre. That doesn’t mean L.A. fans will be treated to years of flailing at pitches outside the zone, one huge season and then a dash for cash from LaRoche (I wonder if Torosian still laments the fact the Dodgers didn’t back the Brinks truck up to Beltre). A converted SS, LaRoche has handled 3B decently and hit 30 homers at 2 minor league stops last year. He has great plate discipline, a trait that generally a player retains as they develop, and figures to be on the fast track to L.A. Bill Mueller is signed through 2007, so the Dodgers have no reason to rush LaRoche, but if Mueller ages very quickly in 2006, they won’t hesitate to call him up. Upside: Troy Glaus Downside: Todd Zeile Joel Guzman- SS, 3B, LF, RF, ? (AAA Las Vegas) The Dodgers aren’t really sure where to put the 6’5 200 lb. Guzman, but the path of least resistance is probably the OF, where he started playing this spring. His athleticism allows him to play pretty much anywhere, though, and he will excel regardless of where he ends up. Offensively, he has shown improved plate discipline and great power numbers coming through the system. Manager Grady Little toyed with the idea of Guzman breaking camp with the big club this year, but wisely left him at Las Vegas. Upside: Miguel Cabrera Downside: Cory Snyder