ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Brent Leach's understanding of making his way through the minor leagues is a simple one.

All along Leach knew one thing about the steps to take in his minor league career. Steps that would land him a coveted spot with the Los Angeles Dodgers and make things a whole lot easier for him to get his call to the big leagues.

Leach, an aw-shucks relief pitcher for the Albuquerque Isotopes from Brandon, Miss., may not have grasped his arsenal of pitches, his potential or his exact timing of making it all the way up the rungs to the Dodgers when he was drafted in the sixth round in 2005, but the lefty had a solid basis of the way the ascent worked.

One year was pivotal to him. One year marked the difference between being on the radar or dropping off it. Leach understood the importance of 2008 - his fourth full professional season.

"Once you get drafted out of college, you typically have four years to kind of put it together," Leach said. "In that fourth year, you get a chance to get protected on that 40-man roster so that is really your goal. It is just a step closer."

While a permanent spot in the Dodgers bullpen is where Leach wants to be, a spot on the 40-man roster is where he is content as of now.

After that fourth year (2008), which he primarily spent with Double A Jacksonville, the steps started speeding up for Leach, who was selected as a Dodgers prospect for the 2008 Arizona Fall League, then was invited to his first spring training camp, placed on the 40-man roster, and, finally, was recalled by the Dodgers on May 2 after nine appearances with Chattanooga.

The southpaw, who still talks of last year with the wide-eyed, awestruck enthusiasm of a little leaguer, stayed put through July with the Dodgers before the trade deadline acquisition of veteran left-hander George Sherrill sent him down to Albuquerque.

Leach's time with the Dodgers was not an empty one, however, as he was used in 38 games over the three-month span, serving as a lefty specialist. He posted a 2-0 record and pitched 20.1 innings. Between June 5 and 24, he allowed one hit over six innings in 10 consecutive scoreless appearances and finished the month with a 2.00 ERA.

At the time of his recall, which was prompted by an elbow injury of Hong-Chih Kuo, Dodgers manager Joe Torre was quoted as saying that it was easier to bring up Leach "because he was on the 40-man." A place where Leach knew from Day One he needed to be right around that time of his career.

Had he not earned such a spot, the left-hander might still be searching for his first Major League action. Instead, Leach worked hard to earn one of the 15 spots available to minor leaguers who are not on the Dodgers' active, 25-man roster, helping his cause should the Dodgers need a quick replacement. Leach, because he was a proven left-handed reliever, was plucked and given the shot.

"I was excited, but I knew when you get an opportunity like that to take full advantage of it. I did not expect to be called up as early as I did"

Leach, who grew up a Braves fan and thus a Tom Glavine fan, has been working on his lefty mechanics since high school. The teenage Leach also used to watch Roger Clemens on TV, putting a mirror opposite the television set so it looked like Clemens was pitching left-handed.

"My dad always helped growing up, telling me to push myself so that I could give it my best and whatever happens, happens. When I started having scouts and stuff talk to me, it all became more of a reality and I was just going to see how far I could go with it. "

Leach drew another invite to spring training in 2010 and finds himself on the 40-man roster while in Albuquerque this season. His approach is simple. His work ethic clear-cut.

"I have always just gone day by day and count my blessings each time I get to put on the uniform. You always try to set a mindset where you say, 'I am going to make the big leagues this year' and if it doesn't happen, then next year. Just something to give you that hope and that keeps you motivated."

Leach's role is one of the hardest, but most predictable. He serves as a late-inning relief specialist, sent in during a variety of situations, but for one thing - to chip in scoreless innings or sit down a specific batter who makes for tough out.

Entering 2010, Leach has posted a 3.04 ERA with 323 strikeouts in 292.2 innings of work over five minor league seasons.

"Thinking back five years ago, I couldn't even tell you half the stuff I knew know because you just learn so much more than the year before. I think that is the way it will be throughout the rest of my career, each year you learn so much about yourself and about the game."

Leach appreciates the little lessons he learns each day. Steps he is aware will get him where he needs to be.

Simple enough.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.