Three years later at a very solid 19, Joel Guzman is turning in a great season in the Florida State League. He is considered to be one of the organization’s rising stars.
Guzman is hitting .323 for Vero Beach and has hit in 16 straight games as of 6/22/04. He has also shown some power, hitting 10 long balls and driving in 40 runs.
Joel is moving from the outside of the track to the inside, and getting ready for his stretch run to the big leagues. We expect to see him get a promotion soon.
It isn't just a matter of talent. Like a good crime, you need means, movtivation, and opportunity to get a major league career. Guzman has two. The third, as with all minor leaguers, is in the hands of the farm system.
His opportunity depends on a few factors. Alex Cora currently holds the position with the major league club. He was able to fend off a shot at the job by Joe Thurston (See "Joey Ballgame Is Ready to pLAy"). Thurston remains parked in the AAA with the 51s, awaiting a major league calling and is the closest to go. There are other shorts in the farm system who are also very talented. So Guzman's future with the Dodgers is a matter of timing.
If he comes of age while there is a vacuum at the shortstop position, he has a shot at going to the big leagues with the Dodgers. We expect Cora or Thurston or both to move on within the time of Guzman's rise through the farm. Still, the club could deal for a "name" shortstop in the free agent market to appease fans tired of hearing that "this will be the year."
More likely, he will be a dealing chip to a team that has more need of a shortstop. Option three is less pleasant: Parking. Just as Thurston finds himself frustrated, waiting in the wings, Guzman could also find himself a valuable reserve player, waiting at AA or AAA for someone to sneeze.
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