Future Shock

Dodgers Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Five-Star Prospects
1. Clayton Kershaw, LHP
2. Andy LaRoche, 3B
3. Chin-Lung Hu, SS
Four-Star Prospects
4. Scott Elbert, LHP
Three-Star Prospects
5. James McDonald, RHP
6. Josh Bell, 3B
7. Chris Withrow, RHP
8. Jonathan Meloan, RHP
9. Ivan DeJesus, SS
10. Blake Dewitt, 3B
11. James Adkins, LHP

Just Missing: Pedro Baez, 3B; Bryan Morris, RHP; Michael Watt, LHP

1. Clayton Kershaw, LHP
DOB: 3/19/88
Height/Weight: 6-3/210
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted: 1^st round, 2006, Highland Park HS (TX)
2007 Stats: 2.77 ERA at Low-A (97.1-72-50-134); 3.65 ERA at Double-A (24.2-17-17-29)

Year In Review: The team's top '06 pick blew away hitters in the Midwest League, and then missed plenty of Double-A bats as a 19-year-old.
The Good: One scout classified Kershaw as the best left-hander he's ever seen in the Midwest League. His fastball sits at 93-95 mph, can touch 98, and comes in on right-handed hitters with hard, boring action. He backs up the pitch with a plus-plus slow, looping curveball that freezes batters the second it comes out of his hand. His changeup has advanced to an average pitch, and he has the perfect pitcher's build, a smooth, easy delivery, and maturity beyond his years.
The Bad: Kershaw struggles at times with his command, and he doesn't compensate for it well, often grooving hittable fastball when he falls behind in the count. He needs to find more confidence in his changeup and mix it into his arsenal more often.
Fun Fact: Highland Park High School has a wide-ranging list of alumni, including Padres righty Chris Young, 1950s bombshell Jayne Mansfield, and almost-presidential assassin John Hinckley, Jr.
Perfect World Projection: Kershaw has all of the raw tools to be a major league ace of the highest level.
Timetable: Kershaw will begin the 2008 season at Double-A, and the Dodgers are open to the possibility of his reaching the majors before his 21^st birthday.

2. Andy LaRoche, 3B
DOB: 9/13/83
Height/Weight: 6-1/225
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted: 39^th round, 2003, Grayson County Community College (TX)
2007 Stats: .309/.399/.589 at Triple-A (73 G); .226/.365/.312 at MLB (35 G)

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