Dodgers manager on Guerrero: 'This year is going to be a big year for him'

The Los Angeles Dodgers are expecting infielder Alex Guerrero to make the jump to the majors after a year of getting acclimated in the minor leagues. 

"This year is going to be a big year for him," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly told Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com. "I think No. 1, last year was asking a lot. Coming from another country that first year is a huge adjustment year as far as trying to learn the language, trying to learn a new position. Everybody is throwing stuff at him and everyone is trying to get him ready. He seems a lot more relaxed in camp this year."

Guerrero agreed to a four-year, $28-million deal following the 2013 season and spent the majority of last season with Triple-A Albuquerque. His development was delayed when teammate Miguel Olivo bit off a portion of Guerrero's ear during an altercation, forcing him to miss almost three months. 

When he was in the lineup, Guerrero was exceptional. In 65 games in the minors, he hit .329/.364/.613 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs. That success failed to translate during a brief September appearance, where he recorded one hit in 12 at-bats. 

The Dodgers have an interesting task in trying to find room on the roster for the 28-year-old, with Jimmy Rollins and Howie Kendrick occupying the middle of their infield. Sanchez notes, however, that Guerrero has a clause in his contract where he can't be optioned to the minor leagues without his permission after the first year of his deal. The Dodgers would have to keep him on the roster, trade him or release him.