Minor League Madness

AAA – LHP Eric Milton just earned PCL Pitcher of the week honors by throwing 12 scoreless innings. In four starts this season the 33-year-old lefty has a 2-2 record with a 3.86 ERA.

AAA – OF Xavier Paul's brilliant spring has translated into a successful start to his 2009 campaign in Alberquerque. Thru 18 games: .426 (29-68), 2 HR, 14 RBI, 8 SB, 7 Doubles, 1.136 OPS
-Remember, this is Paul's 3rd season in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. At 24, he appears to be dominating the league out of the gate this season.

AA – RHP Josh Lindblom was tremendous in big league camp with the Dodgers this Spring but was roughed up in his last start to the tune of 7 earned runs in 3 innings. On the season he is 1-2 with 7.62 ERA in 3 starts. On the bright side, in 13 innings he has struckout 14 batters while walking only 2. It's notable that he has beaned 4 batters as well.

AA – 3B Josh Bell is thriving early on in his first year in AA. At 22, he comes with good raw hitting skills and he appears healthy after having knee problems last season. Here's his line so far: .309 (17-55), HR, 10 RBI, 5 Doubles, 14 K, 13 BB, .435 OBP in 16 games.

AA – LF Andrew Lambo is one of the Dodgers premier prospects. After finishing last season in AA, he appears to have picked up where he left off. His numbers aren't eye-popping, but respectable in a pitcher's league. Thru 17 games: .309 (21-68), 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6 Doubles, 2 SB, 5 BB, 10 K, .875 OPS.

A-Advanced – RHP Chris Withrow, 1st round pick in 2007, has made the first 3 starts of his professional career this year and he has shown some real promise. In his last start he struck out 10 batters in just 5 innings of work. On the season he has a 1-1 record with a 3.86 ERA, 21 K, 7 BB in 14 innings.

A – OF Kyle Russell is a 6'5” lefthanded slugger from the University of Texas. And while he has good power he pays the price... striking out 82 times in 219 at-bats in 2008. The 22 year-old is trying to prove that he is a legitimate hitting threat even with the giant whole in his swing. Thru 16 games: .340 (18-53), 2 HR, 15 RBI, 6 Doubles, 9 BB, 15 K.

A – RHP Ethan Martin was drafted with the 15th pick in the 2008 draft. So far the has not dissapointed. Thru 3 starts: 3-0, 0.60 ERA, 15 IP, 9 H, 1 ER, 19 K, 6 BB