Guzman’s Pout Raised Concerns

Matt Kemp’s heart leaped and Joel Guzman’s sank. The day Kemp was promoted from double A to the Dodgers, Guzman stood on a triple-A field and sulked.

Feeling overlooked and underappreciated, Guzman failed to run hard on two groundouts, prompting Las Vegas Manager Jerry Royster to pull him from the game May 28.

Royster’s response was tough, but necessary. He next move was equally important, a heart-to-heart talk with Guzman, a 6-foot-6 prized prospect who signed for a Dodgers-record $2.4 million at 16 in 2001.

“He explained what was going on and why decisions were made,” Guzman said. “He reminded me to just play hard and get the job done. I listened and didn’t get my head down.”

Four days later, Guzman joined Kemp on the Dodgers roster. The 21-year-olds are one of baseball’s top tandems of power-hitting prospects.

The clubhouse should be big enough for both of them. Kemp is the center fielder of the future. Guzman’s position is less clear; he played shortstop until this season and has spent time at third base, first base and left field.

The Dodgers were disappointed in Guzman’s response to Kemp’s promotion. A good attitude and strong showing during his stay in the big leagues would go a long way toward putting the episode behind everyone.

Guzman was promoted because second baseman Jeff Kent went on the disabled list, and because Willy Aybar moved from third base to second, giving Guzman an opportunity at third.

He knows the promotion might last only until Kent returns. He knows Kemp, who already has three home runs, might get more attention. Guzman even knows the Dodgers might be showcasing him for a possible trade.

“I’m here to do the best I can and help the team win,” he said. “I have to earn everything I get just like everybody else.”

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The amateur draft begins today and the Dodgers have three of the first 31 picks, including No. 7. They had three first-round picks in 2004, and the players taken are now highly regarded minor leaguers: left-handed pitcher Scott Elbert, third baseman Blake DeWitt and right-handed pitcher Justin Orenduff.

However, they couldn’t sign their first pick last year, Tennessee pitcher Luke Hochevar, whose contract demands were deemed too high. The Dodgers are determined not to make the same mistake. “I don’t foresee us taking anybody whose signability will be an issue,” General Manager Ned Colletti said.

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Clubhouse attendant Alex Torres will begin his second season as a pro umpire when he reports to the Pioneer League on June 17. He was promoted from the Arizona Summer League, but was on strike with all minor league umpires at the start of the season.... With two off days in the next week, Manager Grady Little said Aaron Sele’s next start would be pushed back.