FanPost

State of the Minor League System - Right Field


You all know what this series is by now, so I'm not going to repeat everything. I am happy to say, however, that Right Field is finally one position that appears to be promising, with several solid prospects. However, the list is relatively short. As always, feel free to debate my rankings. Enjoy.

Preseason Current Name How Acquired Age Height Weight Bats Current Level Pos
1 1 Jonathan Garcia 2009, 8th 18.68 5' 11" 175 R Pioneer Rookie RF
4 2 Jerry Sands 2008, 25th 22.80 6' 4" 210 R AA RF
2 3 Kyle Russell 2008, 3rd 24.05 6' 5" 195 L AA RF
3 4 Blake Smith 2009, 2nd 22.60 6' 2" 220 L Lo-A RF
5 5 Scott Van Slyke 2005, 14th 23.98 6' 5" 195 R Hi-A RF
7 6 Ronny Lugo Signed 2009 20.41 6' 2" 170 R DSL RF
9 7 Jose Ramirez Signed 2009 21.81 6' 2" 200 R DSL RF
6 N/A Thomas Giles 2006, 8th 26.89 6' 0" 190 L Released RF
8 N/A Adam Godwin 2005, 11th 27.59 5' 11" 170 R Released RF

Dodgers have some good depth in right field right now. In fact, it is probably their best offense position. If either Kyle Russell or Jerry Sands is able to prove they can hit in more advanced levels, they may be able to be big league starters one day. Please note that I consider Sands a right fielder, and that I realize that he has done well so far in AA; however I want to see him continue to thrive. Blake Smith is also another good option in right field as he has had a great 2010 campaign. After a tough 2009, however, he needs to prove he can hit consistently by having a good 2nd half and a strong 2011. The real wild card, however, is Jonathan Garcia, who I believe may be the best right field prospect of them all. This may be a little controversial to rank Garcia #1 considering how well Sands has done this year, but this is just my opinion. Garcia is obviously a long ways away from helping the big league club, but he seems to have the potential to be a future All Star one day. I know he's been out the last few games after getting hit by a pitch, but hopefully he return to the Ogden lineup soon.

After the top 4 right field prospects, I feel there is a pretty big drop in talent. While many like Scott Van Slyke, I'm not a big fan and I don't think he'll ever make it to the big league level. Look at his stats this year and any other year he wasn't in the California League. They just aren't that good. Also, the Dominican players are much too old to ever make an impact, and Thomas Giles was recently released.

This is a fan-written post that is in no way affiliated with or related to any of the authors or editors of True Blue LA. The opinions reflected in this post do not necessarily reflect those of True Blue LA, its authors or editors.