Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Alex Guerrero recently said he had no intention of starting the year in the minor leagues, which poses a problem for the team because they have to make a decision on whether or not they can make room for him at the major league level.
There is a clause in Guerrero's contract that allows him to block the Dodgers from sending him down to the minor leagues in 2015. The 28-year-old signed a four-year, $28 million deal with the team prior to the 2013 season and spent most of the year at Triple-A Albuquerque where he batted .329/.364/.613/.978 with 38 runs scored, 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 65 games before being called up in September.
However, Guerrero's experience is concentrated in positions where the Dodgers have logjams, including the outfield and middle infield. The crowded outfield has forced the team to explore trade partners for Andre Either while the middle infield consists of shortstop Jimmy Rollins and second baseman Howie Kendrick, with prospects Corey Seager (SS) and Darnell Sweeney (2B) not too far behind in the minor leagues. As a result, Guerrero may be forced to adapt.
"...Guerrero doesn't have a defensive position," writes Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. "But manager Don Mattingly said Guerrero is beginning to impress the club as he learns to play third base. The more he hits, the better he'll look at third."
Los Angeles can still explore a trade for the Cuban infielder or even release him, but both options may be difficult to go through with considering he's owed a majority of that $28 million over the next three seasons. However, they may not have to worry about that because he has a chance to compete for the third base job against incumbent Juan Uribe.
Guerrero is 6-for-9 with four runs scored, one home run and two RBIs in four games (nine at-bats) this spring and is making a strong case to be a member of the team's 25-man roster on Opening Day. If he continues to impress for the rest of the month, there's a possibility Mattingly puts him at third and the club explores a trade for Uribe. The veteran infielder would probably be easier to deal than Guerrero since he's known to be versatile on the defensive side of the ball and is owed $6.5 million in 2015 before he becomes a free agent.
Justin Turner and Darwin Barney also provide solid defensive options in the infield, so it'll be interesting to see how the Dodgers handle their situation with Guerrero.
