FLB: Rookie Report

Each week Tristan Cockcroft will take a look at the young players in baseball.

PROSPECT FOCUS: James Loney, 1B, Dodgers: With Los Angeles hurting at first base due to Nomar Garciaparra's injury and still waiting for Cesar Izturis' elbow to heal, the team decided against shifting Jeff Kent over, instead promoting Loney to share time at the position with Olmedo Saenz. That's not a bad stopgap platoon, and in NL-only leagues, Loney becomes a somewhat attractive addition based on his being the left-handed hitter, meaning a better chance at playing time. The Dodgers' No. 1 pick in the 2002 draft, Loney hasn't developed into the power source the team once expected he would be, averaging one homer per 59.4 at-bats for his minor league career, never topping 11 in a single season. Still, he's a capable batsman who shouldn't hurt your average. Saenz, meanwhile, is better for power but weaker in average. Loney is a decent corner infield addition, but fantasy owners in shallower leagues would be better off adding a guy like Adrian Gonzalez, who was similarly touted when he was drafted but has at least added a bit of power since. In Dodger Stadium, Loney seems unlikely for a breakout at age 21.

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