Koyie Hill: Possibly the best defense third
baseman in college baseball last season, you wouldn't expect someone like
Hill to have to find a new permanent position with the type of resume he
has. Yet, with Adrian Beltre entrenched at that position in L.A., Hill's
future will be at the other position he played in college,
catcher.
Besides his excellent defense, Hill has shown that his
hitting ability is not that far behind at Wichita State. He debuted in the
Northwest League after the Dodgers selected him in the fourth round (#11
overall) of last year's draft. While playing for Yakima, Hill batted .259
with two home runs, 29 runs batted in, 13 doubles, one triple, 26 runs
scored, 25 walks, and 47 strikeouts in 251 at-bats. He spent time playing
both third and catcher before making the permanent move for the 2001
season. Currently, you will find Hill behind the plate for the Wilmington
Waves. He has gotten off to a great start through the early part of the
season at the plate, hitting an impressive .377 through 38 games (3 HR, 23
RBI, 10 2B, 27 R, 9 BB, 15 SO, 7 SB). So far, he has committed five errors
behind the plate.
At 6-feet and 190 pounds, this 22-year-old
right-handed batter could move quick as long as he can make a quick
adjustment to his position. The Dodgers have Paul LoDuca and Angel
Pena as their top options behind the plate, so I would favor Hill future
potential over both of them. He won't hit 30 homers, but instead should
become a gap/doubles hitter capable of hitting double digit homers for
L.A. Add in a strong average as well.
If he can keep hitting at the
pace he has so far this season, you could think of seeing him playing at
Double-A come the end of this year. If so, that means Hill could be in
line to make it to the majors late next season. The Dodgers farm system as
fallen off in recent years compared to their success in the
early-to-mid-90s when they had run of ROY winners so they need the quality
everyday prospects that they have to develop.
Fantasy Baseball Central You'll
find it at .... Fantasy Baseball Central. Fantasy & Rotisserie
Baseball strategy and advice. Plus over 750 links to information on
Fantasy Baseball." Visit Fantasy Baseball
Central!
TPA Hat Store
Choose from over 1000 MLB Hats
Choose from over 3600 College Hats from over 250 Schools