System overview
After several lean years, the Dodgers farm system showed signs of revival in 2002. But at mid-summer, many of the system's best prospects were shipped off in trades, notably hard-throwing right-handers Ricardo Rodriguez, Ben Diggins, and Francisco Cruceta. There is still some decent pitching left, but these transactions hurt farm depth, and the Dodgers didn't have a lot of that to spare.

On the hitting front, second baseman Joe Thurston is ready to contribute, and catcher Koyie Hill isn't far behind. Scouts like the long-term athletic potential of infielders Joel Guzman and Willy Aybar, plus outfielder Reggie Abercrombie, but none of them will be ready soon and all must prove they can handle the strike zone at higher levels. The pitching depth is more impressive than the hitting depth. There are some intriguing arms at the mid- levels, particularly right-handers Joel Hanrahan, Edwin Jackson, and Andrew Brown, plus lefty Jonathan Figueroa. But none of the pitchers will be ready for 2003.

Overall, the Dodgers system rates as below average, though a strong '02 draft class could turn that around quickly.

2002 amateur draft
The Dodgers adopted a high-risk high school strategy in the '02 draft, but the early returns are very good, and this group could set the system for years to come.

First-round pick James Loney was a successful high school player in Texas as both a hitter and pitcher. Most teams liked him better on the mound, but the Dodgers made him a full-time first baseman, with outstanding results. He hit .371 in the Pioneer League, then held his own against much older competition in the Florida State League, hitting .299 before hurting his wrist. He has good power and outstanding strike zone judgment. If the wrist heals properly, he'll be one of the best prospects in baseball by mid-season '03.

Supplemental first-round pick Greg Miller, a high school lefty from Yorba Linda, has an excellent curve and a decent fastball. He is polished for a high school pitcher and could move quickly. Second-round picks Zach Hammes, from Iowa, and Jon Broxton, from Georgia, are strong-armed high school right-handers with very high ceilings. Third-round pick Mike Nixon, a high school catcher from Phoenix, is very athletic and hit .311 in his pro debut. Fourth-round choice Delwyn Young, a second baseman from Santa Barbara Community College, swings an impressive stick and knocked 10 homers in rookie ball.

Loney looks like an exceptional pick, and the rest of these guys bring tools, polish, or both. High school players carry extra risk, and it will take awhile for this draft to bear fruit, but it looks good so far.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see significant major league action in 2003. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '04 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2002 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Chin-Feng Chen, 1B-OF: A disappointment so far, but did hit 26 homers at Triple-A Las Vegas. Has had trouble making contact against advanced pitching, fanned 160 times last year. Still has enough power to help.

Joe Thurston, 2B: Could start at second base. Hit .334 at Last Vegas with 12 homers, 13 triples, and 22 steals. Aggressive with excellent work ethic. Needs more patience at the plate.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Jonathan Figueroa, LHP: Throws 90-93 mph fastball, posted 1.42 ERA through 15 starts in rookie ball and A-ball. Breaking pitch is strong, but will need to improve his control.

Joel Hanrahan, RHP: Throws 90-93 mph with a curve, slider, and changeup. Has made great progress refining his ability despite coming from cold-weather Iowa high school ranks. Posted 139/58 K/BB ratio last year.

Koyie Hill, C: Hit .271 with 11 homers, 76 walks at Double-A Jacksonville. Good defensively, needs to pick up his hitting a bit to be a regular, but a strong reserve at least.

Edwin Jackson, RHP: Posted 1.98 ERA through 19 starts at Class A Savannah. Hits 95 mph, and refining his secondary pitches. At least a year away, but good potential as either a starter or reliever.

Brian Pilkington, RHP: 2001 second-round pick. Excellent curveball, as befitting nephew of Bert Blyleven. Fastball is decent, has good command as shown by 88/16 K/BB ratio in 131 innings.

KEY SLEEPER
Andrew Brown, RHP: Went 10-10 with 4.11 ERA at Class A Vero Beach, with 129/62 K/BB ratio in 127 innings. Throws hard, and made great strides with his command last year, though there is still room for improvement.

Other names to know
Reggie Abercrombie, OF; Jose Diaz, RHP; Victor Diaz, 3B; Joel Guzman, SS; Alfredo Gonzalez, RHP; Wilkin Ruan, OF; Willy Aybar, 3B; Jose Rojas, RHP; Orlando Rodriguez, LHP; Steve Coyler, LHP; Will McCrotty, RHP.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 Minor League Scouting Notebook, and is now working on the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book. His biography of Bob Feller will be published next spring. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at JohnSickels.com.