McCourt sees ample growth in farm system

Dodger Stadium has been renovated in recent years under the watchful eye of Frank McCourt, who became the fourth owner in Dodgers' franchise history in 2004.

Los Angeles' farm system also has improved since McCourt took over. Baseball America ranked it the second best in baseball this season.

"The future is bright because we have a great pipeline of talent coming up now and the Dodgers are back to the point they were at many years ago when they had a first-class farm system," said McCourt, who was at Cashman Field at the start of the 51s' eight-game homestand, which ended with Tuesday's 12-4 rout of Round Rock.

"It's a luxury when a club like the Dodgers can reach down into the minor league system and bring up players that can have a real impact," he added. "Getting a player to fill a spot is one thing, but getting a player that can really play and make a contribution at the big league level is another thing altogether."

Las Vegas promoted 15 players to the Dodgers last year and has delivered a dozen prospects to Los Angeles this season.

"What stands out to me is the fact we have a lot of quality young players contributing to the big club, and it's not limited to two or three," said McCourt, who stopped by Cashman Field during a tour of the Dodgers' minor league affiliates.

"I'm really looking for confirmation that the relationship is functioning the way it should be, and we're doing everything we can to support the 51s, and vice versa," McCourt said. "Everything is about relationships, as far as we're concerned, and we just want to make sure our relationship (with the 51s) is strong, which I'm happy to report it is."

McCourt declined to comment on the state of Cashman Field, one of the oldest stadiums in Triple A.

"It's a little bit early for me to really opine on that," he said. "I'm really here, as well, on more of a fact-finding mission. I want to hear what other people think about that. I haven't developed an opinion one way or another on that."

McCourt, who praised Las Vegas' staff of manager Lorenzo Bundy, hitting coach Mike Easler and pitching coach Ken Howell, said he strives to improve the Dodgers' organization every day.

"We have three core values," he said. "No. 1, to have a championship-caliber team year in and year out. No. 2, to provide our fans with the best experience in all of sports. And No. 3, to be a model franchise in terms of giving back to the community."

A Massachusetts native whose grandfather owned the Boston Braves, McCourt grew up rooting for the Red Sox, a team he tried to purchase before buying the Dodgers.

"But a dream World Series for me would be the Dodgers against anybody," he said.

• NOTES -- 51s outfielder Delwyn Young, leading the Pacific Coast League with a .343 average, was promoted to the Dodgers for the first time this season. ... Las Vegas outfielder Choo Freeman and infielder Luis Maza were activated, and infielder Michael Rivera was optioned to Class-A Inland Empire.