Winter workouts for the prospects have begun again at Dodger Stadium. Dodger Assistant Vice President Number 6 DeJon Waston started these workouts at Dodger Stadium last year and Jon Weisman had the scoop on the what and why of these mini camps for the prospects.
To be invited means the Dodgers think you might be seeing the major leagues in the near future so let us take a look at the names.
Pitchers (8)
LHP- James Adkins - disappointing 2008 but he was promoted to AA mid-season. Things would have to get desperate or he'd have to take a huge step up for him to make the show in 2009.
RHP- Jesus Castillo - had a quiet but solid season in AA. Not far down the pecking order if things go bad in the rotation. I expect him to see some time on the Dodgers in 2009.
LHP- Scott Elbert - either he's in our bullpen or he's back in the rotation in AAA. He could make significant contributions this season.
LHP- Victor Garate - no longer flying under the radar he made his mark in three leagues in 2009 from A to High A to VWL. He'll be battling the pitcher below for the right to dominate LHH for the Dodger bullpen.
LHP- Brent Leach - He'll be battling Garate for the right to be a loogy in late 2009.
RHP- Josh Lindblom - with his move into the rotation I don't expect to see Josh unless he dominates and we need some help in the bullpen late in the season. Sept for sure, but doubtful that we'd see him sooner then that.
LHP- Jacobo Meque - ???
RHP- Travis Schlichting - if he keeps up the progress he made last season he could help in the bullpen sometime in 2009.
Position Players (11)
INF- Tony Abreu - Tony could play a big role this season if he's healthy and productive. You'd expect him to be the number one backup for DeWitt/Furcal/Blake.
INF- Josh Bell - no chance we see him 2009
INF- Ivan DeJesus - for sure in Sept, maybe sooner but Hu/Abreu will be blocking him from any real role in 2009. If he does get some time at 2nd that means DeWitt and Abreu both failed.
C- A.J. Ellis - could be the backup catcher
INF- Austin Gallagher - no chance for time in 2009
OF- Jamie Hoffmann - maybe a Sept callup, nothing more
OF- Andrew Lambo - maybe a Sept callup, nothing more
C- Lucas May - nothing in 2009 unless things go horribly wrong
INF- Russell Mitchell - maybe some pinch hitting time at some point in 2009
OF- Xavier Paul - should be able to beat out Repko for a role in 2009
OF- Trayvon Robinson - speed in Sept is a possibility