Chin-Lung Hu

Hu spent the vast majority of 2009 in Triple-A Albuquerque, batting .291/.330/.389 with 14 stolen bases. He's a fringy NL-only guy if he winds up making the team, as it's highly unlikely the Dodgers will go with Hu as their starting second baseman. However, with Juan Castro signing elsewhere this winter, there could be a utility infielder job up for grabs, but it's hard to see Hu getting more than 150 at-bats either way. He just doesn't appear to be part of the Dodgers' future.

Hu batted just .181/.252/.233 in 116 at-bats with the Dodgers in 2008 and considering that he turns 25 in February, time may be running out on his chances to establish himself as an everyday player with the Dodgers. Hu has always been known more for his glove, though there are indications (.325/.364/.507 between Double-A and Triple-A in 2007) that he could be an average offensive shortstop. Hu's been part of several trade rumors over the winter and could very well find himself in a starting role with another team in 2009.

Hu had a breakout year for the Dodgers, batting .325/.364/.507 between Double-A and Triple-A before hitting .241 in 29 at-bats in a late-season cup of coffee with the big league club. He's always been known more for his defensive skills, but the 5-9 Hu showed enough potential with the bat for some to consider him as Rafael Furcal's (free agent-to-be) potential successor. He'll likely spend most of the year at Triple-A, but Hu is one to watch.

Hu compares favorably to former Dodger Cesar Izturis in terms of his small stature, highlight-reel type defense and overall lack of offensive upside. After hitting .300 each of his previous two minor league seasons, Hu regressed to .253 in 2006, also showing less patience at the plate and fewer stolen base attempts. He's ticketed for Triple-A in 2007 and is likely a future backup infielder.