The Diamondbacks continued to get younger, and the Dodgers continued to use
Phoenix as part of their farm system Thursday, as the Dodgers acquired RHP Elmer Dessens for A level CF Jereme Milons.
For the Dodgers Dessens, who has been much better out of the bullpen (2.03
ERA in 29 appearances) than as a starter (one win against five losses and a
thick 7.68 ERA in nine starts) will attempt to help right the ship in a bullpen
which has seen its best set up man (Guillermo Mota) traded, and his expected
replacement (Darren Dreifort) lost to injury.
The Diamondbacks, who continue to look for young players, particularly in the
outfield, and even more specifically outfielders with speed, add Milons.
The Dodgers made Milons their 21st round pick out of Jefferson Davis Community
College primarily because of his upper 70s (on the 20-80 scout scale)
speed. A burner who has improved his defense in center significantly
according to Dodgers scouts needs to shorten his swing to become an effective
lead off hitter. His problem is his power, and his tendency to swing for
the fences. "He looks like an SEC running back," said one scout,
and during his time at Lo-A Columbus his 10 HR and 53 RBI impressed the Dodgers
enough to promote the young outfielder to Hi-A Vero Beach. In only 39 ABs
at Vero Beach Milons struggled a bit, hitting just .205 with nine strikeouts,
but the Diamondbacks feel they can convince Milons to start using his speed more
and make him a top of the order hitter.
His base running certainly isn't a problem point. In 30 attempts Milons
was caught only five times and that speed also allowed Milons to go gap to gap
with ease in center. Along with the recently acquired Reggie Abercrombie
the Dodgers have given the Diamondbacks a pair of young speedsters in the
outfield. Milons will report to the South Bend Silverhawks where he will
take the roster spot of another speedster, OF Mike Goss, who was promoted to
(AA) El Paso.