Dodgers bring back Trayvon Robinson on minor-league deal

The Dodgers signed a familiar name to a minor league contract as Trayvon Robinson will reportedly return to the organization that drafted him and then traded him away.

Nothing is official, but Matt Eddy of Baseball America reported Friday Robinson is back in the fold as he attempts to work his way onto a major league roster once again after flaming out in Seattle. Robinson, who won't turn 27 until September, was a 10th-round selection in 2005 and sparked interest amongst Dodger faithful when he hit .293/.375/.563/.938 with a .400 wOBA and 26 homers in 100 games for Triple-A Albuquerque in 2011. Before he could finish the season, he was sent to the Mariners in a three-team deal.

I wasn't a fan of the deal at the time, as the Dodgers seemingly got little in return for a talented guy like Robinson who was just breaking out. Even if he amounted to nothing down the road, it seemed Ned Colletti had sold quite low. Stephen Fife and Tim Federowicz were the main pieces coming back, and while neither has become a key piece to the big league team Fife has been nice rotation depth and Federowicz is a cheap backup catcher with an excellent defensive reputation.

Robinson made a couple of highlight-reel catches but quickly faded into obscurity after failing to hit big league pitching. In more than 300 plate appearances between 2011-2012 Trayvon posted a sub-.300 OBP. He tried to catch on with the Orioles last season, but didn't show much in Double-A and Triple-A.

There's no risk in bringing Robinson in on a minor league deal and what will likely be a Spring Training invitation -- the Dodgers give those out like candy -- as continued poor performance would be met with his release or a permanent spot back in Albuquerque as depth.

In a perfect world, Robinson would hit like Peter Bourjos and play defense like a poor man's Bourjos, thus allowing him to be a fourth- or fifth outfielder in The Show; back up Matt Kemp as a true center fielder; and perhaps even allow for one of Carl Crawford or Andre Ethier to more easily be moved without worrying about depth.

In all likelihood, this is going to turn out to be nothing more than a feel-good story of a former Dodger prospect and Los Angeles native returning home for a second chance.

Photo Credit: Roger C. Hoover (rogerchoover), Flickr

Dodgers inexplicably trade away Trayvon Robinson

Just when you thought Ned Colletti couldn't screw things up anymore, he proves us wrong.

The Dodgers hooked up with the Red Sox and Mariners on a three-team deadline deal involving Trayvon Robinson.

Early reports have it shaking out like this:

To Boston: LHP Erik Bedard, RHP Josh Fields
To Seattle: OF Chih-Hsien Chiang, Robinson
To Los Angeles: C Tim Federowicz, RHP Juan Rodriguez, RHP Stephen Fife

It's hard to put into words how upset this makes me. Robinson is having one of the best seasons of any Dodger minor-leaguer (a career-year for himself) and is *this* close to the Majors, yet Colletti felt the need to trade him for a mediocre catcher (.275/.337/.397, seven home runs), a 22-year-old Single-A pitcher with a 5.19 ERA (13.4 K/9) and a 24-year-old starter with a decent line in Double-A.

The Dodgers didn't even get the right Double-A catcher! If they felt the need to move Robinson to improve the catching situation, then why the hell not go after Ryan Lavarnway?

Federowicz was ranked No. 21 in the Boston system coming into the season, while Rodriguez and Fife were unranked. Robinson was ranked No. 10 in the Dodgers' system.

In my last post, I wrote how I hoped the Furcal deal was the last in Colletti's tenure as Dodger GM. This is precisely why.

My mid-2011 Top 15 Dodgers' prospects

The minor-league season is about half-way done and it's time to update my prospect rankings. As I did last year, I'm releasing my midseason Top 15 prospects.

All players who have not reached 50 innings pitched or 130 at-bats in the Major Leagues as of June 26 are eligible for this list.

Read the full preseason 2011 Top 30 from January.

Only five more?
Jerry Sands OF/1B (1)
Started: Triple-A Albuquerque
Current Location: Triple-A
- Sands is at 125 Major League at-bats. I'm confident he'll get five more this season, which is why I've singled him out up here. He's heated up in the last week and has a great slash line: .336/.398/.701 with 10 home runs. He would be my No. 1 prospect on this list, as he was to start the season.

1. Rubby De La Rosa RHP (5)
Started: Double-A Chattanooga
Current Location: Majors
- De La Rosa was really good in the Southern League, posting a 2.92 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 11.7 K/9 rate. He's had some success with the Dodgers since his call-up in May -- 3-2, 5.26 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 9.5 K/9. However, his last two starts have been rough. He needs to improve his control, which he has done since his first start against the Phillies. His breaking ball needs some work, but his changeup is lights-out, when it's on.

2. Zach Lee RHP (4)
Started: Low-A Great Lakes
Current Location: Low-A
- Lee started off really strong before cooling a bit. As a 19-year-old, he's facing advanced competition in the Midwest League. He's 5-1 with a 3.47 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 8.0 K/9. He suffered an elbow injury and has struggled a bit since coming back, but there isn't much to be concerned about. The Dodgers probably won't push him to High-A this season, but he should start there in 2012.

3. Allen Webster RHP (6)
Started: High-A Rancho Cucamonga
Current Location: Double-A Chattanooga
- Webster just might be my favorite prospect. He doesn't get the publicity De La Rosa and Lee get, but he just gets the job done. He started with Rancho Cucamonga and was promoted to Chattanooga as a 21-year-old. He has more than held his own in Double-A, posting a 4.03 ERA in six games (five starts), a minuscule 1.07 WHIP and 6.5 H/9 rate. He isn't striking out as many hitters as he did in the California League (5.6 K/9 compared to 10.3 K/9), but he's been quite effective. He could contend for a rotation spot in 2012.

4. Dee Gordon SS (2)
Started: Triple-A Albuquerque
Current Location: Majors
- Gordon has dropped, but not because of his play. It's because the guys in front of him have played better. He put up a .318/.361/.370 line with 22 stolen bases (in 25 attempts) for the Isotopes in the Pacific Coast League before being recalled to be the Dodgers' everyday shortstop in June. He has all of 18 games in the majors, but he's had some electrifying moments on offense and defense. He's in a slump of late, but he's still firmly entrenched as the Dodgers' starting shortstop. He'll be off this list next season.

5. Garrett Gould RHP (13)
Started: Low-A Great Lakes
Current Location: Low-A
- If Webster is my favorite prospect, Gould is my second-favorite. I've been touting him since the Dodgers stole him in the second round of the 2009 draft, saying he could, one day, be a Top 5 prospect. Well, here we are. Gould is dominating the Midwest League with the Loons: 7-3, 1.70 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 6.3 H/9, 3.0 BB/9, 8.0 K/9. I'd love to see him pushed to the California League for my own selfish reasons (so I could see him in person in 2011). I wouldn't be surprised if he stays in Great Lakes and skips Rancho all together next season.

6. Trayvon Robinson OF (3)
Started: Triple-A Albuquerque
Current Location: Triple-A
- Much like Gordon, Robinson (the subject of my previous post) has dropped because some higher-ceiling pitching prospects are performing well. Robinson has been no slouch, though. He's tied his career-high in home runs with 17 already this season and has a .954 OPS. Now, the fact that he plays in the launching pad that is the PCL has an impact. However, he hits just as well -- if not better -- away from Isotopes Park. The one thing that concerns me is his K-rate, which has increased from 28.9 last season to 30.6 this season. He needs to get that under control.

7. Nathan Eovaldi RHP (28)
Started: Double-A Chattanooga
Current Location: Double-A
- The biggest jump of any Top 30 prospect, Eovaldi has established himself as a starter in Double-A as a 21-year-old and has been dominant. He has a 2.56 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 3.21 K/BB ratio and a most impressive 9.9 K/9 rate. His off-speed pitches have improved, which has helped him improve overall. He even touched 101 MPH out of the bullpen a few weeks ago. While his future likely lies as a late-inning reliever (if he remains in the Dodgers' system), he's only improved his stock with a great showing as a starter in 2011. He's (again) made a believer out of me.

8. Chris Withrow RHP (10)
Started: Double-A Chattanooga
Current Location: Double-A
- Withrow had a really rough April followed up by a better May. His June, however, has been excellent -- 22 IP, 17 H, 9 BB, 20 K, 2.49 ERA. He still might have the best pure stuff of any Dodger minor-league pitcher, which is what keeps him on this list. Some think he could end up being a late-inning, power reliever if he doesn't get his command under control.

9. Shawn Tolleson RHP (NR)
Started: Low-A Great Lakes
Current Location: Double-A Chattanooga
- Baseball America picked Tolleson as its Dodger sleeper, and it didn't miss (it picked Jansen last year). Tolleson has been the most dominant pitcher in the organization, posting a 0.71 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 6.20 K/BB ratio and a ridiculous 14.7 K/9 rate among three minor-league levels (Low-A, High-A, Double-A). He only has an 8.1 K/9 rate in Double-A, but that's to be expected as he faces advanced hitters. He could contend for a bullpen spot next season.

10. Jake Lemmerman SS/3B/2B (18)
Started: High-A Rancho Cucamonga
Current Location: High-A
- The second 2010 draftee to make the Top 10 (Lee), Lemmerman (right) was surprisingly placed with the Quakes after a great debut in the Pioneer League. He's been cold of late, but he still has a .281 batting average, a .381 on-base percentage and is holding his own at shortstop. He's playing in a hitters heaven, so his numbers should probably be a little higher. He doesn't have a high ceiling, but his floor is a lot higher than others.

11. Angelo Songco OF (22)
Started: High-A Rancho Cucamonga
Current Location: High-A
- I have a lot of "favorites," and Songco (left) is one of them. He isn't the biggest guy (6'0, 195), but he can put the bat on the ball. He has a .305/.363/.526 slash line for Rancho Cucamonga and 37 of his 87 hits have gone for extra bases (23 2B, 2 3B, 12 HR). His defense is just average, which limits him to left field. I'd like to see him promoted to Double-A, but the Dodgers have a logjam of outfielders in the upper levels. He should get there sometime this season. He does need to show he can hit lefties better, though.

12. Blake Smith OF (15)
Started: High-A Rancho Cucamonga
Current Location: High-A
- Another guy I like more than most, Smith has great power potential. A 2009 second-round pick, Smith has a .516 slugging percentage for the Quakes this season. He swings and misses a lot (29.3 strikeout percentage), which is something he needs to improve. He's almost a clone of Kyle Russell. Like Songco, I'd like to see him promoted. He plays a good right field, which helps his standing as a prospect.

13. Jonathan Garcia OF (12)
Started: Low-A Great Lakes Current Location: Low-A
- Garcia got off to a fast start this season (7 HR in April), but struggled mightily in May. In June, however, he's been great. His overall slash line is .261/.304/.504 -- pretty impressive for a 19-year-old in a pitcher's league. I'd like to see him have a strong second half and be on the Quakes' roster come 2012. I'd also like to see his walk percentage increase.

14. Aaron Miller LHP (8)
Started: High-A Rancho Cucamonga
Current Location: High-A
- No. 1 on last year's midseason Top 15, Miller is a peculiar case. He has talent and the make-up to be a good pitcher, but he's been bitten by the injury bug. He's managed just 19 1/3 innings in the Cal League and hasn't been particularly great in those innings (3.72 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 9.8 H/9, 4.7 BB/9). He needs to first get healthy and come back to have a strong second half.

15. Javy Guerra RHP (NR)
Started: Double-A Chattanooga
Current Location: Majors
- I had given up on Guerra ever contributing after last season. Not because he pitched poorly, but because he was 24 and still in Double-A and showed no signs of improving his control. He started 2011 in Double-A this season and was lights-out: 1.06 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, 7.9 K/9. He earned a call-up to the majors in May and has been solid out of the 'pen. He's impressed manager Don Mattingly enough to earn save chances. He struck out 8.8 hitters per nine innings in the minors, but has yet to find his strikeout groove in the majors (5.3 K/9). He just might be a fixture in the Dodgers' bullpen the rest of the season.

The next five (in alphabetical order): LHP Scott Elbert (19), OF Leon Landry (9), RHP Matt Magill (11), RHP Angel Sanchez, (NR), OF Scott Schebler (NR)

Graduated: Kenley Jansen (7), Sands (in five ABs)
Dropped out of Top 15: Landry (9), Magill (11), Ethan Martin (14)
Moved into Top 15: Guerra (NR to 15), Lemmerman (18 to 10), Tolleson (NR to 10), Songco (22 to 11)
Biggest riser: Eovaldi (from 28 to 7)
Biggest faller: Martin (from 14 to 31)

Chime in with your thoughts here or on Twitter.

It's time for the Dodgers to bring up Trayvon Robinson

The Dodgers' left field situation was a concern from Day One. Here we are nearly three months into the season and it's still a problem.

Dodger left fielders have hit a collective .216/.286/.298 with 2 HR, 20 RBI, 15 2B (9 of which came from Jerry Sands), 27:59 BB:K ratio. That is absolutely putrid coming from a traditional "power" position.

It started with a platoon of Tony Gwynn and Marcus Thames. I wrote back in Spring Training that Gwynn could have filled a huge need for the Dodgers by living up to his potential. He has decent on-base skills and is a really good defender. If all went well, he would have succeeded as the Dodgers' No. 2 hitter and left field wouldn't have been a problem.

Sadly and unsurprisingly, that did not happen. Gwynn has put up an uninspired .222/.266/.291 line through 64 games (117 ABs). He hasn't had a chance to play everyday, but I don't think even if he did play everyday that he'd be the answer in left field.

Thames, who has dealt with injury issues, has been even worse: .193/.246/.333 in 57 at-bats.

Sands was recalled and given a shot in left. He started off slow, got hot and cooled off. He hit .200/.294/.328 in 125 at-bats. He has since returned to Triple-A for a little more seasoning. He is the Dodgers' future in left field or at first base -- it remains to be seen which position in which he'll settle.

Which leads us to Trayvon Robinson. He has been on fire for the last month, raising his slash line to .317/.388/.575 with 16 home runs. He's drawn 29 walks in 259 at-bats -- good for an 11.1 percent walk rate. That's actually a decrease from last season (16.8 percent), but still a good rate. However, his strikeout rate has jumped about 2 percent -- from 28.8 last season to 30.9 this season. Another concern is his stolen base numbers have decreased for three consecutive seasons -- from 47 in 2009 to 38 in 2010 to just seven in 2011.

Despite the negatives, it's time for Robinson to get a shot in left field. He certainly cannot be any worse than the players the Dodgers have sent out to left field this season (Gwynn, Thames, Jay Gibbons Xavier Paul, Jamie Hoffmann and Trent Oeltjen).

Dee Gordon, Rubby De La Rosa and Sands have all gotten the call -- each of which was surprising. So, why not Trayvon?

In theory, Robinson is the Dodgers' future in center field, pushing Matt Kemp to right field and Andre Ethier to left field (if he isn't moved). That would make the Dodgers' outfield much better defensively.

I was on board with the Thames signing and playing Gwynn, but the experiment has failed. It's time to start fresh with some young blood.

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

Some Dodger minor-leaguers off to hot starts

We're nearly a month into the season and there are many Dodger minor-leaguers off to fast starts in their respective leagues. I'll break it down by level.

Triple-A
OF/1B Jerry Sands: .400/.422/.875, 5 HR, 17 RBI (Triple-A stats)
- Sands played so well in his 10 games in Triple-A that he earned a call-up to the Majors earlier this month. He hasn't fared as well with the Dodgers, but he does have five doubles.

OF Trayvon Robinson: .357/.423/.600, 4 HR, 19 RBI
- Robinson got off to a bit of a slow start but has really picked it up since Sands was called up. While his K-rate is higher than it should be (31.4 percent), he's still OPS'ing 1.023 in the hitter-friendly confines of the Pacific Coast League. He could be the next Dodger prospect to get the call, especially with James Loney's struggles.

RHP Jon Link: 1-0, 2.51 ERA, 14 1/3 IP, 12 K
- Link has started one game for the Isotopes, but he's been working mostly as a long reliever. The Dodgers have a lot of relievers and Link is buried a little bit on the depth chart.

Double-A
INF Jaime Pedroza: .305/.388/.492, 6 2B, 4 SB
- Pedroza is off to a fast start despite repeating Double-A (partly due to a glut of middle infielders at Triple-A). Pedroza has a solid glove and a little pop, but it still remains to be seen if it translates to the majors.

OF Scott Van Slyke: .371/.444/.774, 9 2B, 4 HR, 20 RBI
- Van Slyke is putting up outstanding numbers, but he's 24 and repeating Double-A. I'm not expecting much from him as a prospect.

LHP Cole St. Clair: 1-0, 0.73 ERA, 12 1/3 IP, 10 K
- St. Clair, a left-handed reliever out of Rice, has been pretty dominant thus far. As the old adage goes: he's left-handed and can throw strikes -- he's bound to make it to the majors some day.

RHP Rubby De La Rosa: 2-0, 2.35 ERA, 15 1/3 IP, 19 K
- De La Rosa impressed in Spring Training and has been really good for the Lookouts thus far. He could stand to cut down the walks, but he's on the fast track to the bigs.

High-A
SS Jake Lemmerman: .318/.372/.459, 2 HR, 11 RBI
- The Dodgers have been aggressive with Lemmerman, starting him a level higher than most thought. He started slow, but has really picked it up of late. I have him sliding over to third base in the future, but more because the Dodgers don't have a legitimate third base prospect right now.

1B Austin Gallagher: .375/.438/.542, 2 HR, 11 RBI
- Gallagher got on everyone's radar after an impressive showing in the California League in 2008, but he's gone back to the Gulf Coast League and repeated High-A before repeating it so far this season. I'm not too optimistic about his long-term chances.

RHP Matt Magill: 3-0, 1.64 ERA, 22 IP, 13 K
- Despite having a fringe-average fastball, Magill has asserted himself well in High-A thus far after having a great showing in Low-A last year. He isn't getting as many strikeouts, but his other peripherals are good so far.

RHP Steven Ames: 0-0, 0.90 ERA, 10 IP, 16 K
- Ames, a reliever, has been dominant, but he's a little old for the Cal League (23). Still, he has a 16/2 K/BB ratio, which is only a positive.

Low-A
OF Jonathan Garcia: .286/.333/.662, 8 2B, 7 HR, 16 RBI
- Garcia has been and extra-base-hitting machine so far (15-of-22), giving him a high slugging percentage. His K/BB ratio is alarming (5/20), but he's still really young and has a lot of promise.

RHP Garrett Gould: 3-0, 2.05 ERA, 22 IP, 18 K
- Gould has been impressive thus far in the Midwest League. Just seeing him pitch effectively is a good sign for the Dodgers and he could still reach his No. 2/3 potential as a starting pitcher.

RHP Zach Lee: 3-0, 1.37 ERA, 19 2/3 IP, 25 K
- Lee has been quite impressive in his debut season. While his control isn't where it needs to be (nine walks), he's been getting plenty of strikeouts and limiting damage by the other team.

RHP Shawn Tolleson: 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 8 2/3 IP, 21 K
- That isn't a typo: Tolleson owns an unheard of 21.81 K/9 ratio. It's quite obvious he's having no trouble with the hitters in Low-A and he'll be pushed up to High-A before too long.

So far, so good for the youngsters.

Great Lakes, Rancho Cucamonga announce Opening Day rosters (updated)

*Updated with Isotopes' roster*
April 5, 1:24 p.m.: *Updated with Lookouts' roster*

The Dodgers' Class-A affiliates announced their 25-man rosters today.

The Great Lakes Loons, the Dodgers' Low-A affiliate out of the Midwest League, ended up with eight players who were drafted in the first 10 rounds in the Dodgers' 2010 draft, including five Baseball America Top 30 prospects. The biggest catch -- 2010 first-rounder Zach Lee.

The Loons also snagged Leon Landry, who I think could end up being one of the biggest steals of the 2010 draft.

The Rancho Cucomonga Quakes, the Dodgers' High-A affiliate out of the California League, ended up with six Baseball America Top 30 prospects. The biggest catch -- 2008 18th-rounder Allen Webster.

Something that jumps out to me about the Quakes' roster is Tony Delmonico. Granted, it is a press release, but he's listed as an infielder. He was drafted as a 2B/SS but was immediately targeted by Logan White to make the move to catcher. He hasn't been great behind the plate physically, but the has smarts to be a catcher. We'll see what happens.

Overall, there's a lot more potential on the Loons' roster, but there are some gems on the Quakes' roster. Without further ado, here are the rosters. The numbers in parenthesis are the players' ranks from my Top 30.

Great Lakes (Low-A)

Catcher (2)
Steve Domecus, Michael Pericht

Infield (6)
Jesse Bosnik, Blake Dean, Casio Grider, Chris Henderson, Bryant Hernandez, Christian Lara

Outfield (4)
Nick Akins (29), Jonathan Garcia (12), Leon Landry (9), Roman Pena

Pitchers (13)
Logan Bawcom, Robert Boothe, Pete Budkevics, Raul Burgos, Ryan Christenson, Derek Cone, Garrett Gould (13), Zach Lee (4), Bret Montgomery, Red Patterson, Timothy Sexton, Brant Stickel, Shawn Tolleson

Rancho Cucamonga (High-A)

Catcher (2)
Gorman Erickson, J.T. Wise (26)

Infield (6)
Joe Becker, Tony Delmonico (30), Travis Denker, Austin Gallagher, Jake Lemmerman (18), Rafael Ynoa

Outfield (4)
Nick Buss, Ramon Jean, Angelo Songco (22), Blake Smith (15)

Pitchers (13)
Steven Ames, Matt Magill (11), Ethan Martin (14), Scott Nestor, Jordan Roberts, Jon Michael Redding, Felix Romero, Steve Smith, Andrew Suiter, Luis Vasquez, Allen Webster (6), Josh Walter, Greg Wilborn (sleeper)

Some guys who missed both teams include James Baldwin, Joc Pederson and Ralston Cash. It appears all will start in Rookie Ball, as none of them are ready for anything above Class-A.

The Lookouts and Isotopes are expected to release their Opening Day rosters later this week. Jerry Sands will start in Chattanooga (he won't be there long), while Trayvon Robinson and Dee Gordon will start in Albuquerque. I'd be surprised if Rubby De La Rosa didn't at least start in Double-A, but we'll see what happens.

Albuquerque (Triple-A)

Catcher (3)
J.D. Closser, Keyter Collado (DL), Damaso Espino

Infield (5)
Juan Castro, Dee Gordon (2), John Lindsey, Russ Mitchell, Justin Sellers

Outfield (4)
Jamie Hoffmann, Trent Oeltjen, Trayvon Robinson (3), Jerry Sands (1)

Pitchers (13)
Roman Colon, Scott Elbert (19), John Ely, Dana Eveland, Jon Huber, Randy Keisler, Jon Link, Carlos Monasterios, Tim Redding, Travis Schlichting, Ramon Troncoso, Merkin Valdez, Oscar Villarreal

Chattanooga (Double-A)

Catcher
Alex Garabedian, Jessie Mier, Matt Wallach

Infield
Pedro Baez, Ivan Ochoa, Wilberto Ortiz, Jaime Pedroza, Corey Smith

Outfield
Brad Coon, Elian Herrera, Kyle Russell (27), Alfredo Silverio, Scott Van Slyke

Pitchers
Michael Antonini, Rubby De La Rosa (5), Nathan Eovaldi (28), Javy Guerra, Steven Jackson, Josh Lindblom (24), Aaron Miller (8), Justin Miller, Joey Newby, David Pfeiffer, Stuart Pomeranz, Will Savage, Javier Solano (25), Cole St. Clair, Josh Wall, Chris Withrow (10)

2011 Los Angeles Dodgers Season Preview: Center Field

In the eighth of a nine-part series, I preview the Dodgers' center field outlook for the 2011 season.

The job isn't necessarily a lock for the incumbent.

Matt Kemp
- Kemp is penciled in as the team's starting center fielder and cleanup hitter. The former could change by the end of Spring Training, but I'm not counting on it. Kemp had a bad 2010 campaign, but he did hit a career-high 28 home runs to lead the Dodgers. However, just about every aspect of Kemp's game regressed. His hitting was bad, his fielding was not anywhere close to Gold Glove-caliber and his base-stealing was putrid. Despite all that, folks -- including myself -- have high hopes for Kemp's 2011 season. The addition of Davey Lopes to the coaching staff should help him improve his base-stealing, which needs to be a big part of his game. Aside from Rafael Furcal, Kemp is the most important player to the Dodgers' offense. The team is going to need him to have a huge season if it wants to contend in the competitive National League West.

Tony Gwynn
- I feel like I've written a lot about Gwynn (because I have). But Gwynn is a wild card in the race for the Dodgers' third outfield position. His defensive value is so great in center field that if he produces anything close to Major League-average offense, he could be patrolling center at Chavez Ravine. Such a move would improve the overall outfield defense, as Kemp would shift to right field and Andre Ethier to left field. Gwynn's plate discipline and base-stealing ability could be a plus for the Dodgers. The absolute best-case scenario for the Dodgers this spring is for Gwynn to win the center field job and bat in the No. 2 slot. It isn't that realistic, but stranger things have happened.

Guys in the mix

Trayvon Robinson
- Robinson, who just hit an RBI triple against the White Sox, could benefit from another year in the minors. It would take an unusual amount of injuries for Robinson to make his debut before September. His athleticism and improving plate discipline is encouraging. He needs to reduce his strikeout rate, though. Still, he is the Dodgers' future third outfielder (by my count) and should be the team's third outfielder in 2012.

Others: Gabe Kapler, Trent Oeltjen

Analysis

This one is between two players: Kemp and Gwynn. Like I said, if Robinson is manning CF before September, things have gone terribly wrong for the Dodgers. That isn't a slight to Robinson by any means. Things boil down like this: If Kemp can regain his 2009 form, the Dodgers will get above-average offense and defense. If he can't, there's a chance the team could get just above-average defense from Gwynn as the center fielder. The smart money is on Kemp with the "8" by his name on the lineup card for the Dodgers. I wouldn't be opposed to Gwynn playing so well that he bumps Kemp to right, but it'd be surprising.

Next up: Right Field

2011 Los Angeles Dodgers Season Preview: Left Field

In the seventh of a nine-part series, I preview the left field situation for the Dodgers.

Let's just say it isn't pretty.

Andre Ethier
- "Wait, I thought Ehtier played right field?" Currently, he does -- and not very well. Since Ethier took over in right field in 2008, his UZR/150 has been atrocious: -11.8 in '08, -14.2 in '09 and a Major Leauge-worst (by far) -19.7 in '10. The bottom line is, Ethier needs to move back to left field, where he's still bad, but it isn't nearly as bad as this. The only way this happens is if Tony Gwynn takes charge of the center field position in Spring Training.

Jay Gibbons
- I wrote about Gibbons in my bench preview and he is the favorite to get the most at-bats as the left fielder. Gibbons has some pop but is bad defensively and probably won't maintain a .500+ slugging percentage, as he did in limited time in 2010.

Marcus Thames
- I was for the Thames signing this off-season, despite his horrific defensive metrics. If you thought Ethier's -19.7 was bad in right, well, it has nothing on Thames' last three seasons in left field: -26.5 in '08, -23.8 in '09 and a whopping -35.6 in '10. Good thing there are significantly fewer left-handed pitchers in baseball than righties, or Thames would be getting a lot more time in the field. Just from the eye test, he cannot be that much worse than Manny Ramirez, but with numbers like this, who knows? Thames will also backup James Loney at first base.

Guys in the mix

Casey Blake
- Blake is a masher against lefties and if the Dodgers had a legitimate backup third baseman capable of starting against right-handers, perhaps Blake would get a look in left. However, he's played just two games in the outfield since being acquired by the Dodgers in July 2008.

Xavier Paul
- Early last season, Paul was my preference to take over for Ramirez in left following the 2010 season. A less-than-impressive showing in the majors and defensive problems caused many to give up on him, including management. Paul's ceiling is as an average No. 3 outfielder, but he does have some value. I highly doubt he makes the team out of Spring Training (barring injury). However, he deserves to be in this discussion.

Trayvon Robinson
- Robinson is one of my best Dodger prospects, but he needs some more seasoning before he gets a legitimate shot at left field (or center field). His strikeout rate is too high for my liking, but the rest of his game is progressing quite nicely. If there are enough injuries, Robinson could make his debut before September. If that happens, the Dodgers are in trouble, unfortunately.

Jerry Sands
- Sands is surprisingly comfortable in the outfield and could take grasp of the left field job come 2012. But like Robinson, Sands needs more seasoning at the upper levels of the minors. As my No. 1 Dodger prospect, Sands needs to show he can adjust to veteran pitchers. All the scouting reports say he has the ability to adjust to breaking balls and is willing to go the other way, so that bodes well for his and the Dodgers' future.

Others: Jamie Hoffmann, Gabe Kapler, Russ Mitchell, Trent Oeltjen

Analysis

Left field was all the talk this off-season for the Dodgers -- and for the wrong reasons. Unless Ehtier plays 140 games in left field or one of the prospects explodes, I don't see the Dodgers getting league-average production -- offensively or defensively -- from the position. The 2012 LF outlook is a lot better than 2011. Paul is a sleeper in all this, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.

Next up: Center Field

2011 Los Angeles Dodgers Season Preview: Bench

In the third of a nine-part series, I'm previewing the 2011 Dodgers. This installment will preview the bench.

While some of these guys will be platoon players and/or start a fair share of games, they will still be included in this preview.

INF Jamey Carroll
- The Dodgers' team MVP last year, Carroll returns for his second season. When he signed last winter, I was unimpressed. He turned out to be a consistent player for the Dodgers and filled in admirably for Rafael Furcal, as he missed 65 games in 2010. Carroll should fill the same roll this season. With the addition of Juan Uribe, it frees him up to play more second- and third base, as Uribe is probably the team's top backup at shortstop. Carroll should be able to put up comparable numbers to his 2010 season.

OF/1B Jay Gibbons
- Gibbons made a comeback last season and OPS'd .819 in 80 plate appearances. His slugging percentage (.507) accounted for the high number, as he smacked five home runs. However, it's unrealistic to think he'd maintain that number, even as a part-time player, as he only OPS'd higher than .482 one time before 2010 (2002 with Baltimore). Gibbons splitting time with Thames and giving James Loney the occasional day off at first base looks to be the plan.

OF Tony Gwynn
- Gwynn was somewhat of a surprise signing this off-season. He hasn't hit much in his career, though, his .350 OBP in 2009 with San Diego was encouraging... until he had a .304 OBP last season. Gwynn's game is speed and defense, which is what the Dodgers need from him. He's in the mix to be the team's third outfielder, mainly because his defense in center field would be a massive upgrade over Matt Kemp's (subsequently moving Ethier back to his stronger positon, LF). The best-case scenario is Gwynn hits enough to be the Dodgers' everyday CF, making Gibbons and Thames true bench players.

C Dioner Navarro
- Navarro signed for $1 million this winter, which was an overpay by GM Ned Colletti. Triple-A catcher A.J. Ellis could have put up comparable -- if not better -- numbers than Navarro for the Major-League minimum. But I digress. Navarro was traded in 2006 to Tampa Bay and made the American League Al-Star team in 2008. However, his last two seasons have been horrific, posting a slash line of .212/.263/.306/.569. A .569 OPS! Bottom line: don't expect much from Navarro. The Dodgers are shaping up to have one of the worst catching duos in the majors -- and possibly Major League history (save the 2004 Dodgers after the Brad Penny-for-Paul Lo Duca trade).

OF/1B Marcus Thames
- Thames was the most recent signing of the Dodgers' bench mob and brings some much-needed power potential to a group that lacks it. However, he's currently slated to be a part-time left fielder, which isn't good news for Dodger pitching. He is one of the worst outfielders in baseball over the last few years, and it will show. But he should only play against lefties, which means Gibbons, who isn't much better, will play the rest of the time.

Then we come to the fifth/sixth member of the bench. As of right now, the Dodgers have no surefire last member of the bench. Here are some guys contending for the spot.

INF Juan Castro
- I'm really tired about writing Castro's name. I mean, there's no way he should get this much from me or anyone else. Yet, here we are. Castro is a good defender, but he is atrocious with the bat. I mean, you can probably pick five random guys off the street and one of them would be able to hit better than Castro. Here's hoping he stays in Albuquerque or is outright released.

2B Ivan DeJesus
- DeJesus has the most talent of anyone competing for the sixth spot, but the leg break he suffered in 2009 is still haunting him. He wasn't a "can't-miss" prospect before the break, but he was regarded a lot higher then than he is now. He likely starts in Triple-A.

OF Jamie Hoffmann
- The biggest thing working against Hoffmann is the signing of Thames and Gwynn. The Dodgers are probably looking for an infielder to fill the last spot. However, Hoffmann could be the first guy called up if the Dodgers need an outfielder.

INF Aaron Miles
- Miles was just signed last week and brings his weak bat and decent defense with him. He has a couple things working in his favor -- he can play shortstop in a pinch (as well as the other infield positions) and he isn't Castro with the bat (but he isn't much better). If I had to wager, I'd say Miles makes the roster out of Spring Training.

1B/3B/LF Russ Mitchell
- Mitchell came up last season and hit two home runs in 43 plate appearances. Unfortunately, that's about all he hit. Mitchell had a nice 2010 in the minors, but he seems like nothing more than a Four-A player.

OF Xavier Paul
- Paul has some MLB experience and has done all he can at Triple-A (at the plate, at least). He's out of options and unless he lights it up in the spring and there's an injury, he's likely going to be placed on waivers. It's unfortunate, but he'll catch on somewhere.

SS/2B Justin Sellers
- I stated my case for Sellers winning the 25th spot on the roster. I don't think he's going to get it, but stranger things have happened.

INF/OF Eugenio Velez
- Velez, the former Giant, is just not a good baseball player. He doesn't do anything well. For a guy who should flourish as a speed/defense guy, those are probably his worst qualities. He's a long shot at best.

Guys in the mix

C A.J. Ellis
- Ellis showed some flashes of on-base ability late last season and was primed to be the Dodgers' backup catcher. However, Navarro signing eliminated that possibility. If/when Barajas or Navarro gets hurt, Ellis will get the first call.

SS Dee Gordon
- Gordon is the heir apparent to Furcal and should be ready by 2012. He won't make his debut until September (if that), provided there aren't a lot of injuries.

OF Gabe Kapler
- Kapler was a super prospect with the Tigers back in the late-90s. However, he never amassed to much and will struggle to get a call up with the Dodgers -- assuming he makes the Triple-A team.

1B/LF John Lindsey
- Lindsey finally broke through in 2010 and earned a trip to the majors. He went 1-for-12 with one hit-by-pitch. He then suffered an injury and missed the rest of September. Unfortunately for Lindsey, he's about eighth or ninth on the call-up list.

OF Trent Oeltjen
- Oeltjen had a cup of coffee with the Dodgers last season. He's an outfielder who doesn't stand much of a chance of making the team out of Spring Training.

OF Trayvon Robinson
- My No. 3 prospect, Robinson's lack of seasoning at the upper levels is about the only thing holding him back. After a full (or nearly full) season at Triple-A, he should be ready for primetime come 2012.

OF/1B Jerry Sands
- Sands is in the same boat as Robinson, but he has even less experience as Double-A. Sands has big power potential but needs to show he can hit advanced pitching in the minors. He could succeed Loney at 1B if he struggles in 2011.

Analysis

The bench looks to be in OK shape. It's going to be much stronger if Gwynn shows he can handle the everyday CF job. If not, it's going to be weaker than the Dodgers had hoped. The sixth member of the bench (because I'm counting the potential LF platoon of Gibbons/Thames as part of the bench) isn't going to have a great impact on the team. The prospects listed have virtually no chance of making the team out of Spring Training, but they could be ready to contribute as starters come 2012.

Next up: Catcher

Analyzing Baseball America and FanGraphs' Dodger Top 10 prospects

Baseball America, one of the foremost authorities on prospects, released its 2011 Dodgers' Top 10 prospects list today. To my surprise, FanGraphs also released its Top 10 today.

Now let me preface this by saying I am no authority on prospects or scouting, but the BA's Top 10 confuses the hell out of me.

I'm going to compare the two lists with each other and my own rankings, which I released on Jan. 10.

I was way off on my prediction for Baseball America's list.

Rank	BA	FanGraphs	FKB (mine)
1	Gordon	Gordon	Sands
2	Lee	Lee	Gordon
3	De La Rosa	Robinson	Robinson
4	Withrow	Sands	Lee
5	Webster	Jansen	De La Rosa
6	Sands	De La Rosa	Webster
7	Elbert	Webster	Jansen
8	Jansen	Miller	Miller
9	Martin	Withrow	Landry
10	Robinson	Gould	Withrow

Baseball America

Where to begin? The top three are all good in my book. Dee Gordon was BA's No. 1 last year and apparently isn't concerned about his 2010 performance. So much so that BA named Gordon the Dodgers' best defensive infield prospect, despite his well-documented fielding woes. That is a little curious. He definitely has the ability to overcome his mistakes, though.

Zach Lee is getting all kinds of praise and accolades without even throwing a pitch. Rubby De La Rosa was the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

The first head-scratcher comes in at No. 4 -- Chris Withrow. Withrow, who ranked No. 2 on this list a year ago, had a disastrous season at Double-A, yet he only falls two spots. He has some of the best stuff and most potential in the organization, but it's still surprising to see him ranked so high.

Jerry Sands is a little low for my taste, as you can see, but I guess I can understand that one.

Then, the biggest "What the...?" moment checks in at No. 7. Scott Elbert is BA's No. 7 prospect.

Really? Not only is he ranked at seven, but he's ranked ahead of Kenley Jansen.

Baseball America's love affair with Elbert has been well documented, as he's been ranked in the Dodgers' Top 11 ever since 2005.

Elbert's Baseball America rankings

2005: 11
2006: 6
2007: 3
2008: 4
2009: 5
2010: 6
2011: 7

It's not like Elbert has done anything in the minors or majors to justify this ranking. It's just Baseball America's propensity to rank former first-round picks in the Top 10.

Jansen checked in at No. 8. He was No. 14 last year after pitching 12 innings. One would think he'd rank higher after dominating the minors and his 27 major-league innings in 2010. However, relievers don't usually rank high in BA's Top 10.

Ethan Martin is No. 9 and despite a season worse than Withrow (at a lower level, too), he stays in the Top 10. He definitely has the talent, bu the needs to prove it this season.

By now, you're probably wondering where Trayvon Robinson is ranked. Well, he is the Dodgers' 10th-best Dodger prospect.

What?

Not only did Robinson break out in 2009, he followed it up with a great 2010 season at Double-A. His walk rate is improving and he's not trying to hit the ball over the fence all the time. He profiles as an everyday center fielder by most accounts, yet BA has him at No. 10.

Like I said, a lot of head-scratchers on BA's list.

The most glaring omission from the Top 10 is Aaron Miller. He was a former first-round pick, yet he didn't get the same love as Withrow, Elbert and Martin. He struggled mightily at Double-A, but he was still really good at Inland Empire.

FanGraphs

FanGraphs' rankings of the Dodgers' top two are the same as Baseball America. However, the rest of its list is a lot less confusing and debatable than BA's.

Robinson checks in at No. 3, which is where I ranked him. No. 1 prospect, Sands, checks in at No. 4. Then, there's a run of three right-handed pitchers from No. 5-7 -- Jansen, De La Rosa and Webster.

The missing Miller checks in at No. 8, which is where I ranked him, too. Withrow's ranking is a little more realistic at No. 9.

Finally, a surprise with Garrett Gould at No. 10. I like the ranking and he'd rank higher on a lot of lists if not for his injury and decrease in velocity.

There were no glaring omissions or curious selections on FanGraphs' list.

Overall, I like FanGraphs' list much better than BA's. It seems to be based more on "right now" than "what if?"

That should just about do it for prospect season, aside from Brandon Lennox's Top 200 at True Blue LA. He's already ranked 130 prospects with 70 more to go.