Top five-tool prospects in the NL


07/31/1999

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

　　The ousted management regime was sent packing because the farm system has
been in decline for years. Officials made many mistakes in U.S. scouting and
development, though their international efforts remained strong. And the new
regime is off to a great start in the latter area.

　　Multi-talented Taiwanese outfielder Chin-Feng Chen has emerged as the top
prospect in the farm system. General manager Kevin Malone and his staff
believe the 21-year-old minor leaguer will be a star, and he has already
shown them more than they expected at this point.

　　Feng is batting .306 with 19 home runs and 78 runs batted in for Class A
San Bernardino. Feng, who was selected to the Class A All-Star Game, has 21
stolen bases. He has a strong arm and good instincts defensively.

　　The Dodgers are expected to keep Feng at San Bernardino for the entire
season. He's expected to begin next season at Class AA San Antonio, and he
might make the jump to Los Angeles next September.