Joel Guzman

The Dodgers traded Guzman away to get Julio Lugo at the deadline, and he thus became one of Tampa Bay's many "he's a stud, but where do we play him" prospects. Given the Dodgers' Triple-A park in Las Vegas, his numbers there weren't that great and hamstring trouble impacted his short stint at Durham after the trade. Strike zone discipline is still an issue, and Guzman might still need more time at Triple-A before the Rays call him up next season. It'll be very interesting to see at which position Guzman eventually winds up. The Rays played him at first base at Triple-A after he came over in the trade, and they don't really consider him a shortstop.

Guzman had an up-and-down campaign, very effective at times, but showing less power than 2004. His walk rate was up slightly, but so was his strikeout rate. A few observers have questioned his work ethic at times, but others dispute that there is anything wrong with Guzman that getting older won't cure. He's still just 21, and one of the premium prospects in the game, but it looks like he'll need a good dose of Triple-A. One issue with Guzman is whether he'll stick at shortstop or someday be moved to third base, an idea only fueled further by the Dodgers' signing of Rafael Furcal this offseason.

Guzman was named the Dodgers 2004 Minor League Player of the Year after his breakout season at Single-A Vero Beach. At 6-6, he's considered a bit big for shortstop and could move to third base down the road. He'll start 2005 at Double-A Jacksonville, and if he continues to hit he could be on the fast track to LA.

Guzman is someone the Dodgers hope can develop the bat to go with his defense. He played as an 18-year old in high Single-A ball and was the team's No. 3 hitter for much of the year. He doesn't have the stats to match his prospect status yet, but that may come.

Didn't impress much in Rookie ball.