Kevin Malone's administration has hired new scouts, revamping the player development program from the ground up. It will take awhile for results to show.

While the Dodgers have been pioneers in acquiring Asian talent, their once formidable presence in Latin America has eroded. Questionable decisions by the previous regime have been costly. The loss of two illegally-signed Cuban players to free agency was annoying, but the underage acquisition of Adrian Beltre nearly resulted in a major disaster.

Los Angeles must improve their efforts in the amateur draft to provide depth in the system. Not one of their Top Five prospects listed below was signed by the club out of a North American high school or college.

Both Repko and King played well in their debuts, which is a good thing because the rest of the draft class looks mediocre. Fourth-round pick Joe Thurston, from Sacramento Community College, is a good defensive shortstop with a questionable bat. Fifth-rounder Phil Devey, a lefty from Southwestern Louisiana, doesn't throw hard. Sixth-rounder Shane Victorino, from high school in Hawaii, runs well but will have to show his bat will hold up.

Overall, Repko and King must develop if this draft is to be a success.