Guzman Moves From Shortstop to Left
Left field ranked near the bottom of positions top prospect Joel Guzman expected to be asked to learn.
But beginning today, Guzman -- a shortstop since signing in 2001 -- is a left fielder and a left fielder only. The Dodgers believe the position will give the 21-year-old power hitter the fastest route to the big leagues.
“Now I know,” Guzman said Tuesday, shrugging. “I told them, ‘Fine, I’ll work hard.’ ”
Guzman appreciated that Manager Grady Little informed him personally. Little told him that with Rafael Furcal at shortstop the next three years, J.D. Drew in right field for the next four, Bill Mueller at third for the next two and Nomar Garciaparra at first this season, left field was his best opportunity.
Jayson Werth, the left fielder last season, will begin the season on the disabled list. Jose Cruz Jr., Jason Repko and Ricky Ledee will share time, but General Manager Ned Colletti is hoping Guzman can challenge for the position.
Three other prospects -- Delwyn Young, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp -- could also contend in left field. Young is also a converted infielder.
“I was the shortstop and Delwyn was the second baseman in rookie ball, single A and double A,” Guzman said. “We were laughing. Now we are both left fielders.”
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On the suggestion of Colletti, veteran position players took a large group of prospects to dinner Monday night in Vero Beach. It was the third such gathering: Earlier in spring training, Eric Gagne hosted a dinner for pitching prospects, and veteran catchers Sandy Alomar Jr. and Pat Borders treated young catchers Dioner Navarro and Russell Martin.
“It was a good idea,” Mueller said. “At first it was a little awkward, but everybody warmed up and it worked out well.”
Said Colletti: “We want a good clubhouse with good communication in there. The dinners were a way to get that started.”
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Furcal spent Tuesday in the Dominican Republic attending to personal business and is expected back today for team pictures and the last workout before Grapefruit League games begin Thursday.
