Rookies Could Make Powerful Statement

Joel Guzman blasted several home runs high into tall trees beyond the center-field fence. Matt Kemp responded by sending a pitch over the trees and onto the roof of a storage facility.

From the mound, batting practice pitcher Mike Easler shouted, “Light tower power!”

From his golf cart, General Manager Ned Colletti said, “That was stunning.”

From his office moments later, Manager Grady Little had more to say about the top two Dodger power-hitting prospects.

“What we witnessed right there was something you don’t see very often,” he said. “Those guys look like they are going to be great major league hitters.”

Guzman, 21, has 52 homers in three full minor league seasons and is rated by several publications as the top Dodger hitting prospect.

Kemp, 21, hit 27 homers last season at Class-A Vero Beach and excelled in the Arizona Fall League.

Neither player is expected to make the team out of spring training, but neither player is expected to remain in the minors much longer. In the meantime, they are enjoying impressing Dodger decision makers.

“Me and Joel always compete like that,” Kemp said. “We’re all on the same side here, and we all have to perform.”

*

The 6-foot-6 Guzman is well-positioned in the organization, but his position on the field hasn’t been determined.

He has played primarily shortstop, but most observers believe he lacks enough mobility to remain there. He made 29 errors in 122 games at double-A Jacksonville last season.

Guzman will focus on shortstop the first week of spring training, then could move to first base, third base or the outfield. He played third and first in the Dominican winter league.

“As camp goes on, they’ll tell me where they want me,” he said. “I’m just looking for at-bats to prove I can play.”

Paul DePodesta, the previous general manager, was unconcerned about Guzman’s position, telling him to focus on hitting for power and cutting down on his strikeouts.

However, Colletti has different ideas.

“The best opportunity could come in the outfield,” he said. “But first base and even the left side of the infield are not out of the question. We’ll decide soon.”

*

Pitcher Jae Seo hurriedly signed five dozen balls, shoved his belongings into his new Dodger equipment bag and said goodbye to teammates he has known for only a week.

Seo and first baseman Hee-Seop Choi will depart today for Japan to begin training for the South Korean team in the World Baseball Classic.

Seo is expected to start Korea’s first game March 3 against Chinese Taipei or the third game March 5 against Japan.

“I’m ready to throw 60 to 70 pitches right now,” Seo said. “When I join the Korean team I’ll gradually build up. I’ll stay on the training schedule the Dodgers want me on.”

Although Seo is assured of making the Dodger roster, Choi is fighting for a spot.

“I don’t worry about making the team,” Choi said. “It’s the same game, the same work. It’s the first WBC and I want to represent my country. Everybody understands.”