Xavier Paul Continues to Impress

The LA Times picked up on the impressive stats being posted by outfielder Xavier Paul this winter and spring. It appears he's caught Joe Torre's eye as well. From today's LA Times:

"He's emerged this spring," Manager Joe Torre said. "Last year, he caught our attention somewhat, but he was a little on the raw side. We're taking a more serious look at him this year."

Xavier credits his development this winter with working with former Giant, Kevin Mitchell on hitting while in Mexico.

Side note: I remember watching Kevin Mitchell make a bare-handed catch at the wall to save a home run...it was # 1 on Sportscenter's top plays for like 2 months!

Not that spring training stats mean anything, but Xavier leads the Dodgers in hitting thus far in spring training with 13 hits, a .406 batting average, .441 OBP (!), and 23 total bases in 13 games.

Keep up the good work, Xavier! You'll have big shoes to fill when Manny opts out of his contract at the end of the season.

Checking in on the farm hands. Who is Xavier Paul?

While the baseball world is consumed by the GM meetings in Dana Point, and Dodger fans hear about offers for Manny, a peek at the kids playing winter ball yields a big question:

Who is Xavier Paul?

And the answer is as follows:

• 4th round draft pick in 2003 out of Sidell High School in Louisiana
• Met the high-ceiling, 2-way player qualifications that the Dodgers look for in high schoolers (3B and Pitcher)
• Converted to outfield in the minors. Known for his left-handed bat and arm, not the glove
• Was the youngest player in major league camp when spring training began in 2008 (Kershaw didn't join the big boys until midway through camp)
• Broke camp heading for Las Vegas, and hit .315 for the AAA 51's in 2008.
• Stats in 115 games with the 51's: 443 AB's, 140 hits, 82 runs, 9 HR's, 68 RBI's, 17 SB's, .378 OBP, .463 SLG.

Here's the big part...

• Currently playing in the Winter Liga Mexicana del Pacifico for the Aguilas de Mexicali, and putting up some impressive numbers: 19 games, 72 AB's, 21 hits, 16 runs, 4 HR's, 10 RBI's, 4 SB's (been caught 3 times already though), .402 OBP, .486 SLG, .292 Avg. Those figures currently lead all Dodger prospects playing winter ball, including highly touted prospect Andrew Lambo and Ivan DeJesus.

As Ned re-engages in talks with the Padres regarding Jake Peavy - the Pads have said they are looking for 3 - 4 top-tier prospects consisting of a high level pitching prospect (or 2), outfielder, and middle infielder - could this be one of the chips on the negotiating table?