Scott Elbert finally ready to live up to potential?

When Scott Elbert left Triple-A Albuquerque last season for "personal reasons," his prospects of being a successful Major Leaguer were dim. This season, however, he's shown (in limited work so far) he might be ready to turn the proverbial corner.

Before his outing Thursday, Elbert had not given up a run in 7 2/3 innings of work. He struck out eight batters, walked three and gave up four hits. Colorado got to him a little this weekend, but he did record his first career save on Sunday.

Despite his ugly ERA (5.63), he owns a 10.1 K/9 and 7.9 H/9 rate. He does need to exhibit better control (5.9 BB/9), but when Hong-Chih Kuo comes back, which could be soon, Elbert should not be optioned back to Triple-A. He's exactly what the Dodgers need -- another left-handed option out of the 'pen.

Most of all, Elbert just needs extended time in the Majors. He needs a chance to be a reliable reliever for the Dodgers. This up-and-down stuff isn't going to help matters.

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Rubby De La Rosa is awesome. He earned his third win of the season on Sunday by holding his own in Colorado. He got off to a rough start -- giving up three in the first inning on a Seth Smith home run -- but calmed down and and threw four scoreless innings. He came out for the sixth but left after one pitch with a forearm cramp. He isn't expected to miss his next start (Saturday). However, a former flame-throwing Dodger prospect had forearm issues that ultimately led to his being traded -- Edwin Jackson. Here's hoping it's nothing serious.

Matt Kemp is out of this world. He hit his National League-leading 20th home run today. He is the early favorite for June Player of the Month in the NL. Here's hoping the fans come to their sense and vote him in as a starter fore the All-Star game. He deserved to go two years ago when Phillies' manager Charlie Manuel selected an inferior Shane Victorino instead of Kemp.

One way or another, James Loney is going to be a Rockie before his career is over. I tweeted something after today's game:

"If Todd Helton unexpectedly retires this offseason, the #Rockies should go after James Loney. He loves hitting in Coors: .902 OPS #Dodgers"

My numbers were off. He now has a career .935 OPS in Coors, counting Sunday's grand slam. Loney has struggled mightily this season, but here's hoping this sparks him. In reality, it's not going to happen, but you never know. Unless he goes absolutely nuts for the rest of the season, he could be in another jersey next season -- or even as soon as July 31, provided he has any trade value whatsoever.

One thing that hasn't struggled is his glove. Loney is a plus defender and is one of the best at digging throws out of the dirt.

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Trayvon Robinson is riding a hot streak in Albuquerque. He went 5-for-6 on Sunday and is on a 14-game hitting streak. He's hit .390/.432/.610 in his last 10 games and has a .900 OPS on the season. He isn't too far away from a call-up.

Jerry Sands returned to Triple-A and hasn't skipped a beat. He's gone 5-for-11 with two doubles, two RBI, four walks and two strikeouts in three games. We have not seen the last of the Sandman this season in Los Angeles.