Ranking the Dodger Farm System Position Players

Posted By on November 3, 2020

This is really hard because we have nothing to go on insofar as for player development in 2020… and it is going to get worse! Next year, MLB is allegedly going to contract 40+ teams (if they stick to the plan).  If there are 30 players on a team (counting the IL), that is almost 1,200 players who will be out of jobs.  It’s sad, but it’s also a stark reality that most of those players had very little chance of making it to the major-leagues. 

Of course, Independent Teams and Leagues will pop-up, but MLB wants to own and control all phases of the minor leagues.  They intend to upgrade the facilities and development process.  This is bittersweet as I can see how that can help player development, but it’s sad for all of those young men with dreams. It is also a dose of reality. 

I wonder how this is going to work in a city like Indianapolis, whose minor league team is one of the most profitable in all of baseball and has been owned by Max Schumacher since the 1960’s? Are they going to force him out and give him fair-market valve?  The Indianapolis Indians have a state-of-the-art facility and typically lead the minor leagues in attendance.  They are extremely profitable, and 2020 was the first season they did not play in 120 years! Victory Field sits right beside White River State Park which includes the NCAA Hall of Champions, NCAA Headquarters, Outdoor Music Amphitheaters, and 13 miles of Riverwalk. What will happen to the Indians, the best ticket in town, and still the best minor league ballpark I have even seen?

The back entrance by White River State Park
The new Scoreboard
Downtown Skyline
Packed with fans as usual!
Part of White River State Park
The Indy River Walk

Ranking the Dodger Hitters

I have not looked up whether Gavin Lux is still eligible to be a Rookie, but I consider Edwin Rios and Gavin Lux to be Graduates of the Dodger Farm System. Along with Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May, that brings to four (4) the number of prospects the system produced in 2020. I still have high hopes for Gavin Lux, but it has occurred to me that because of his speed and throwing problems, LF would be a great idea for him. That way all he has to worry about is his hitting. He has had the “yips” on and off throughout his career, so let’s just take that out of the equation.

We don’t know what was going on in Gavin’s life last year and if that prevented him from taking a big step forward. Maybe it was COVID, maybe it was something personal, maybe it was the “yips.” Putting his legs to use in LF is weaponizing his speed and would tighten the Dodgers’ outfield defense even more. Of course, the Dodgers may not like my ideas… so there is that!

Then Will Smith could move to 2B or the Dodgers could sign DJ LeMahieu. Some have predicted a 4-year/$68 million dollar deal for him and the Yankees will not pony up that much. He would be 37 in the last year of that deal. Maybe AC will kick in some cash. 😉 He wanted him the last time he was a free agent and DJ has been a beast! If the Dodgers get him I would be fine with it and he might be a real weapon in the Dodgers’ lineup.

However, that is all conjecture. Below are my rankings of the Position Players. I have already posted my Top 15 pitchers. Now, I am listing my Top 15 position players. AC will follow up with his rankings and then there will be a “Cage Match” to decide who is right. OK, maybe not a cage match… maybe a discussion is in order. At any rate, we will agree on some players and disagree on others. But, isn’t that half the fun of it? Here we go…

Top 15 Position Players

  1. Keibert Ruiz – I still have Kaybear at the top spot because of two things: (1) His elite bat-to-ball skills; and (2) His advanced defensive ability.  He is still just 22 (three years younger than Will Smith) and the possibilities are endless, including a change of position for Will Smith or a trade of Ruiz. 
  2. Michael Busch – If you look up “Stone Cold Hitter” in the Dictionary, you may find a picture of Mike Busch.  The Dodgers want to try him at 2B, but he’s another LH hitter and his best position is probably 1B or DH. Mike “Hitman” Busch!
  3. Kody Hoese – The 6’ 4”, 200-pound right-hander will be 24 next season and he is a little harder for me to project, although many scouts think he will hit for both power and average.  He could stay at 3B or move to 1B, where he would be a big target. This guy could be really good and most people put him ahead of Busch, but I have some apprehension.
  4. Zach McKinstry – I love players like Zach. He is a guy who has worked hard to add strength and power from his LHB.  He is 25, so his time is likely now. He profiles as a utilityman who can play 2B, 3B, SS and all three outfield spots. Some compare him to a LH Chris Taylor.  I expect him to make the roster in 2021. Harold Uhlman’s Profile of Zach McKinstry
  5. Cody Thomas – There is not much I can say about Cody Thomas that Harold Uhlman has not said right HERE:  Harold Uhlman’s Profile of Cody Thomas  Cody Thomas comes to play!  Wait, Harold said that. OK, here’s what I say about Cody Thomas: He is mature at 26 and after 2015, he focused his energy on baseball… quitting Sooner football where he backed up Baker Mayfield.  I could see him doing more of what he did last Spring and winning the LF platoon job with AJ Pollock.  He is a 6’ 4”, 211-pound left-handed hitter, whom I think he is going to be a beast!
  6. Miguel Vargas – Still only 20, Miguel is a 6’ 3”, 205-pound right-hander has excellent bat-to-ball skills (Ruiz is the only one better in the system).  He is currently playing 3B and likely needs another year or two, but he is not unlike Edwin Rios with better strike-zone management.  He is improving defensively and what I really like is his work ethic and how he is not “pull happy.”  He drives the ball to all fields.
  7. Jake Vogel – He is faster than Jeren Kendall… well he faster than just about anybody, and maybe the next Dodger centerfielder, like in 2024 when Cody moves back to 1B. Unlike Kendall, he makes good contact, but at 5’ 11” and just 165 pounds, this RH hitter currently lacks power.  That should improve as he matures and gets stronger.  He has a good arm as well. He is  a project – keep your eye on him! Did I mention that he is just 19?
  8. Diego Cartaya – I have only seen brief videos of Diego, but many scouts compare him to Salvador Perez.  He is RH but has many of the same tools as Keibert Ruiz, albeit with a better arm and more power! He could be ready in as little as two years but is still only 19.  He has the potential of being a better catcher than Ruiz.
  9. Luis Rodriguez – This 18-year-old was the top prospect from Venezuela and scouts say he has a high baseball IQ.  I have only seen video of him, but I have to say he gave me flashes of Roberto Clemente.  He is a pure hitter who may hit 25 HR, but with a high average..  He has a plus arm and could end up in either corner outfield position, probably by 2024.
  10. Andy Pages – Another 19-year old RH hitter, this guy is a very smart hitter, with a huge leg kick.  He is playing CF, but really does not have the speed (think Alex Verdugo), so RF is more likely as he has a cannon for an arm. He just needs to work on his plate discipline.  Again, he’s 3 or 4 years away.
  11. Alex De Jesus – This 18-year-old RH hitter is playing SS, but most likely is really a third-baseman. He has a compact swing and with an improved understanding of the strike zone, he could be a power-hitter. His arm is also a weapon.
  12. Omar Estevez – Let me start by saying that Omar will be 23 next year and if they put him on the 40-man roster, this will likely be his last opportunity.  He has swing issues, defensive issues, a weak arm and little power… and he’s still around!  If this guy makes it, it is just by sheer will and quick hands. He is not an MLB SS and likely not good enough to play 2B, so I am not sure where we go from here.
  13. Jacob Amaya – Jacob will be 23 next season, is RH, and profiles as a utilityman.  He has great pitch-recognition and understanding of the strike zone.  His grandfather player for the Dodgers Farm System in the 1950’s and he possesses a high baseball IQ. We could see him in 2022.
  14. Christian Santana – This soon-to-be 24-year-old power hitter’s star is waning.  He only walked 10 times in 399 AB’s in Tulsa in 2019.  He kills fastballs and has issues with breaking stuff.  He was exposed to Rule 5 last year and was not taken.  If this RH can’t change his approach he is going to go the route of DJ Peters and Jeren Kendall, whom I have already written off. 
  15. Devin Mann – This is a player who has worked very hard and totally transformed himself offensively and defensively.  In a strongly LH organization, his RH bat is a plus and he now has above-average power.  His downside is that he is not a utilityman.  He can play 2B and 3B, but 3B probably is his ultimate position.  Could he be Edwin Rios’ platoon partner? Harold Uhlman’s Profile of Devin Mann

As I said, I don’t have high hopes for DJ Peters and Jeren Kendall… let me change that to “I have no hope.”  I am sure that they are both fine young men, but this is a “bottom-line business.”  I can’t see either one improving enough to get to the Show.  No disrespect! 

13 Minutes of Glory (Enjoy)

This article has 103 Comments

    1. Thanks Harold.

      Lots of good stuff here.

      I see you are keeping guard over the Minor Leagues! 😉

      1. I looked for info on the fall instructional league but MiLB advised me no stats are kept.

          2. We’re developing another 6’4” power hitting shortstop?

            Well, I guess the theory is – you can’t have too many of those.

          3. If not to develop Hoese then how about raising his trade value? Seager showed how awesome a power hitting shortstop can be who can also play average defense.

          5. I’m sure you are familiar with the scouting 20-80 grade system. He scored a 40 in fielding. Then there is this:

            Weaknesses: Not overly athletic, defense questionable, below-average speed

            The man is not a shortstop. With a lot of hard work he could be a decent third baseman. What he is is a hitter.

  2. ” those players had very little change (Did you mean chance?) of making it to the major-leagues.”

  3. Excellent write-up, Mark.

    I remember another second baseman who had throwing issues — Steve Sax. He eventually worked it out.

  4. My understanding is there will be 120 minor league teams. Is that correct? There will be Independent teams that exists all over the place and Universities will still be playing ball. Maybe. Who knows how long ***** ** will be with us. There is also baseball being played internationally. That won’t stop. Since only 4-5 players per team may show up in the Majors every year, seems to me there remains a plethora of playground for development. Reducing the draft from 40 to 20 rounds will not stop baseball from being played.

    Nice park Mark. There are many similar parks around the nation. Eventually baseball will be played there.

    1. Baseball America reports:

      MLB has submitted a proposal to minor league teams that significantly revamps and upgrades current standards for minor league travel and housing.

  5. At least offensively I think we’re better off keeping Smith’s bat at catcher and a Lux at second. It’s a show me year for Lux in 21. Seems like Busch is breathing down his neck

    1. I agree 100% with that take Cassidy. Lux is a shortstop playing second base. He will, in time, figure it out.

      We have an abundance of catching. It shouldn’t be that difficult to turn it into something we need.

    2. I am ready now for Hoese at third base or first base depending on whom might be traded or not re-signed.

          1. A skinny 6’4” 24 year old converted third baseman with a 40 speed grade? That’s the plan?

            I want a SS with a UZR in double figures. That guy, like Seager, would have negative d numbers at short.

            Put some muscle on that body and leave him at third.

  6. peterj

    I know what you might be feeling right now. I felt it to. Many have. Your input is valuable here. Don’t allow your voice to be silenced.

    2. PeterJ is welcome here. He knows that.

      Just not his political rants. That’s all! 😉

      In times past, things can get out of control pretty quickly. I have developed a quick trigger finger to stop it.

      Carry on….

      1. Rants of any kind are best left for other blogs, not needed or necessary in this Dodgerss blog. Carry on, Mark

        Bellinger continues to amaze and then disappear at the plate. He has some major holes in his swing, in particular if a pitcher gives him high heat he typically can’t even get up to it, like 6 inches below it thru his swing. Now if they make a mistake and pitch him belt-high and down, he kills it (most of the time). If he can make some adjustments to reach those upper pitches, his disappearing act in the post season may end. If not, his magicians’ act will continue.

        It does feel good saying WS Champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

        Has Turner been banned from the league yet?

          2. Even if someone else brings it up.

            Be a better person. Let it go.

            The proprietors ask not to have it discussed.

      3. I dunno. There’s a picture above that appears fairly political. But, I’d have to say it’s pretty neutral and non-offensive.

    1. We look very good in starting pitching for the future. I don’t think we need to spend $30 million on Bauer.

      1. Absolutely agree with you Badger. Let’s put some money towards a back end reliever.. Our bullpen won us games 5 and 6 in the WS. It’s the only area of concern I have for 21. Well also Bellinger’s bat.

        1. “Let’s put some money towards a back end reliever.”

          I did already. I signed Hendriks.

          My next move is sign Turner, and make an offer to Treinen. He may want the 9th inning again, and I can’t promise him that, but I can promise him high leverage innings with a real shot at another ring. I can also get him some lucrative LA exposure. He made $10 million last year. He’s 33 next year. How about not but almost $10m?

  8. Thank you, Mark, for that good analysis. Lots of players ready next year to make the big team. Great pictures of a very nice stadium and a pretty and picturesque city. Stay well.

  9. Bowden picked where he thought the top 25 free agents fit best. The only two that fit best in LA are the two that are already here. Hendriks’ name was linked to the Dodgers..

    Every team out there is chasing us. If we just keep doing what we’ve been doing we will remain out front.

    1. I would love to have Hendricks… but that little voice keeps whispering in my ear “He’s a reliever – you never know!”

          1. Knot much.

            How bout you?

            Hendriks is Dutch. Hendricks is German. Baddger is Baddass.

            Where is Timmens from? Indiana?

            Hoosier daddy?

        2. Sorry Badger, I had to pull rank, nasty of me, and did not sign off on your Hendriks signing. I have younger, cheaper relievers on the team already that are better.

        3. Nitpicking over every damn mispelled name, give it a rest, will ya please. It’s getting very tired, use your energy or negative attitude on something else. You can do better than this dumb game you choose to play.

    2. Not just Keith Law’s. Kike’ is not on MLB TradeRumors Top 50 Free Agents or Fangraph’s Top 50 Free Agents. Per Tim Dierkes (MLBTR), Kike’ does not warrant an honorable mention. He forecast a $3MM one year deal. At least Fangraph’s predicted 2 years $12MM. If that is the price, his chances of staying with the Dodgers gets better.

  11. AL Cy Young candidates:
    Bieber
    Maeda
    Ryu

    NL CY:
    Bauer
    Darvish
    DeGrom

    Three ex-Dodgers nominated. And, our leftovers are World Champions. Talk about talent depth.

  12. I admit i do not know as much about the kids in the system as I should. I did read the revised Top 30 prospects list. May, Lux, Rios and Gonsolin are no longer on the list. Gray is the new #1. With Ruiz, Hoese, Busch, and Cartaya in that order behind him. Cody Thomas is rated # 30. It is equally split with 15 pitchers and 15 position players. Kendall is no longer on the list, but Peters is at # 11. With Mookie signed for 12 years, I think the RF on that list either need to make a position change, or they will be used as trade bait to fill gaps. According to one story I read, free agents below the top guys will not be breaking the bank anytime soon. As much as I appreciate his skills, I do really believe Kike’s time in LA is over. Mattingly is up for manager of the year. I think SD’s Tingler is probably going to win it. Mookie will probably finish second to Freeman in the MVP race, but he wins the Gold Glove easily. Belli will get beat out by Acuna. It will be interesting over the next few weeks that is for sure. I re-watched the Dodgers last game of spring from March. A 4-1 win over the Brewers in 7 innings because it rained. Cody Thomas drove in a run that game. He tied for the lead in HR’s in the spring with 5. If all they wanted to do was replace Pederson’s power, he would be my choice. I think he would hit for a higher average than Joc. Funny thing though, that single he hit in that final game was his only single in spring training. Strange year indeed.

  13. The other day a Honus Wagner card sold for 1.4 million dollars. Not close to the record which was 4 million for a mint T-206 Wagner. Gretzky and McNall bought that one years ago. Badgers favorite player, Mantle, had a 52 Topps Mantle rookie go for 538,000. Highest price ever for his rookie card. A Jordan rookie sold for about 138,000. A Pele card, I did not even know that had those, sold for 128,000. That auction netted over 14 million dollars. Some Cal Ripken personal items were auctioned too and the proceeds went to charity. I got a 2020 Mookie Betts Heritage card for 4 bucks…..what a deal!

    1. What’s your most valuable card Bear?

      Wait, maybe you shouldn’t tell us. We know where you live. Let me put it another way – what’s your favorite card Bear? You know what mine is. You sent it to me.

      1. I have a 59 Koufax..as a matter of fact, I have all of the 59 team on original, not reprint Topps. And getting some of them was not easy. Believe it or not, Gene Snyder was hard to find as was Art Fowler. Essegian was a Cardinal in 59 and the Moon card had the LA on his cap airbrushed in. He was still wearing a Cardinals cap.

  14. Mark, do you know when it will be decided on the dh? I love Justin turner but I don’t think he is an automatic re-sign. He can’t catch up to the high velocity anymore. Mb that was just an aberration this year but at his age it is probably the result of the age. He is still a gutsy, fine player, who is a true dodger but with skills diminishing that happens to all. I think he will come back but it will be cost effective.

    I like that will smith is versatile but if AF thinks he can be a great catcher I believe he Will stay put for now. Fatigue and stress probably got him a bit. He does need to improve and probably nobody knows that better than him. If one of our catchers force our hand by their performance then they might look at how he looks in another position.

    As far as the bullpen I believe some of these young arms need to get a chance. Look at a guy like Gonzalez who certainly seized the moment. He was just more than expected. I don’t believe AF will be a big spender unless he can send Kelly or Jansen somewhere which is highly improbable. We have starting depth if price is back. Wood could be a bullpen answer if he is good with it. He exceeded expectations in game 6 he was terrific.

    It looks like your top 5 deserves roster consideration now. It will be interesting to c how AF values them.

    1. The DH question will probably be settled at the next meeting between the union and MLB. There is some buzz that MLB wants to extend the CBA because of the uncertainty, and the loss of revenue due to Covid. Most managers want the DH to remain, and I am pretty sure ownership is down with not having thier star pitchers subject to injury on the basepath’s or at bat.

  15. Dodger roster now at 32 as Price activated off of restricted list. Talk about jumping the gun, Topps already has a card of Mookie rounding the bases after his game 6 homer….they call that marketing.

  16. There have been some rumors about possibly signing DJ LeMahieu to play 2b. If that became reality WOW. Think of a lineup starting with Mookie, DJL and Seager.

  18. I think I’m going to go by the name The Linkster from now on, since I keep linking to other articles that I hope some of you will find interesting.
    Here’s one from Jim Callis which goes into some detail on some of our prospects who were at the alternate site and those who will partake in the instructional league:
    https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-instructional-league-report?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage

    By the way, near the end of the article he identifies the “mystery” player who would have come to us in the Joc/Strip/Pages for Rengifo/? deal. That player was apparently 3rd baseman/outfielder Taylor Ward, a 26 year old former first rounder who in three partial years in the majors has a batting average of .214.

    If that information is accurate, Arte Moreno isn’t stupid, he’s three levels below stupid.

  19. I haven’t heard any buzz but was thinking about Price missing out on getting a ring for this WS. For the sake of the ring being a reward for helping achieve the reward that Price doesn’t get to wear the piece of jewelry. Some might argue that he is part of the team in a technical sense, but in reality Price had ZERO to do with the achievement. He doesn’t even deserve that Participation Award that they now give out to little leaguers.

    1. Price was in constant contact with his teammates all season even though he didn’t participate.
      He also paid each Dodger minor leaguer $1000 out of his own pocket to help them get through the season, even though he had never played a game in a Dodger uniform.

      If I’m a member of the team, I’m voting him at least a partial share.
      I would guess that he will be voted at least a partial share, but you certainly have every right to have an alternate opinion and, of course, I could be wrong about the team’s vote.

      1. It has not been publicized exactly why Price opted out, but I believe it had to do with someone in his family and we may never be told the whole story.

        If I had to bet, I would say he gets a full share… especially after he paid the minor leaguers.

      2. He hardly needs the money. The ring is the thing. Will he get one? Not our call.

        But….

        Yeah sure. Why not%? I mean, who cares?

        1. I watch pretty much every inning of every game every year. I want a ring. Why not who cares? Mark and AC should get two for putting up with all of us. Why not who cares?

          Seriously though, if you never play a single game on your team that wins a World Series, why the hell should you get a ring? C’mon, man! At least the little leaguers participated.

          1. Because the players on the team say so, that’s why. None of my business, I know I don’t get one so, I don’t care.

  20. Wow that Indy ball park looks great. I love minor league baseball and parks like this make it such a family friendly experience.
    Please don’t get me started on contrition which has been made even more real with covid. Independent teams without MLB financial support have a poor chance of making it so I don’t consider that a viable option after shutting down 42 franchises.

    MT thanks for the write up on the prospects and I’m looking forward to AC doing the same. I don’t follow the minor leaguers as closely as you guys, so I value your information.

    I’ve stated that I’d be open to seeing what Lux and other non-pitching prospects might yield in a trade. I know Lux had a poor start but I know he was an untouchable prospect a year ago. I know that 42 total MLB games isn’t enough to make a valid judgement on the kid. But by the eye test, I’m not thrilled with his actions and body language. He looks to me like he beats himself up and has no fun playing the game. I guess it’s no fun hitting a career .210 so far.
    You have mentioned a move by Lux to the outfield for the exact problems I see at 2nd. Let’s look at that idea. So with the likely departure of Joc, it looks like the MLB outfielders are Mookie, Belli, AJ, Beaty I guess, and CT3 at times. McKinstry would be their as a utility guy if Kike is gone. The current outfield prospects for 2012 are Cody Thomas, Christian Santana, DJ Peters, Jeren Kendall, Zach Reks and Luke Raley. That’s 12 guys vying for 4 or 5 jobs.
    So my question is what is the value of adding Lux to this mix as an outfielder? Certainly many infielders have successfully made that move, but why would Lux project to be better than the prospects available now? Seems to me it adds to the log jam.
    Lux’s trade value may have dropped but packaged in a trade for DJ LeMahieu would be good with me. I’m just wondering your rational for this move, MT?
    Also congratulations to Maeda and Ryu being candidates for the AL Cy Young. It’s a testimony to the Dodgers for being able to win the WS without these 2. Best of luck to both.

    1. They would need more than good luck to win it from Bieber. Kendall has the proverbial snowballs chance in hell of even being with the team come next year. I have little doubt he will be exposed to the rule 5 draft. Peters, even though he checks in at # 11 on the prospects list still strikes out way too much. I think Raley is left off the roster and exposed too. Only way they are back is if someone does not choose them. Vogel is a younger version of Kendall. I hardly think they are giving up on Lux. And I also do not think they have considered a position change yet. But something might happen in spring.

    2. Lux has put up 1.3 WAR in 151 plate appearances. As bad as he has looked, that’s some serious projection. If we put him on the block there would be serious interest. He’s an .850 OPS guy. I’d like to keep him if possible.

      I’m curious about the DJLM talk. He’s an interesting player, wrong side of 30, hasn’t been very expensive for his production, do I want to exchange Lux for him? Do I put Lux in the outfield to do it? I would have to give it some thought but, I don’t think so.

    3. DJLM is a Free Agent, so all he will cost is a draft pick which is why Friedman will not sign him…. although the Dodgers really need another RH bat, so maybe Friedman will make an exception and sign DJLM.

      I have not given up on Lux, but he has had the “Yips” several times. He has good speed. Put him in LF and forget about the yips, and his speed will get some outs no one else will. He can platoon with Pollock and get about 425 AB’s there.

      Look at this lineup:

      1. Betts RF
      2. DJLM 2B (Jeff’s idea)
      3. Seager SS
      4. Muncy 1B
      5. Smith/Rios 3B
      6. Bellinger CF
      7. Turner DH
      8. Lux/Pollock LF
      9. Barnes/Ruiz C

      Then what about Busch and Hoese?

  21. Some very interesting quotes from Blake Treinen regarding the media’s handling of the JT storyline after game 6. 
    https://www.dodgersnation.com/dodgers-blake-treinen-blasts-mlb-and-the-media-for-handling-of-the-justin-turner-situation/2020/11/03/
    – –
    The JT situation has all the makings of a hit piece… just like you would see in politics when one side tries to smear a candidate that’s running for office.
    – –
    Does anyone else find it a little suspicious that the guy that was the most vocal and critical of Rob Manfred was the one that got pulled from game 6? Doesn’t it seem a bit strange that nobody else on the team has tested positive after being in such close proximity to JT… in the clubhouse, dugout, back at the hotel, etc.
    – –
    If I were JT, I would be hiring a lawyer as well as a private investigator. This smells very much like a political / journalistic hit job against him. I would also not trust the company that was hired by MLB to test the players or their lab results. JT and his wife should be getting tested independent of MLB’s in house testing lab. 
    – –
    I also think it’s time to start putting the spotlight on all the “journalists” that had this storyline packaged up and ready to go within minutes of game 6 ending… without giving the Dodger players, managers, or staff a chance to give their side of the story and also without asking how and why MLB wasn’t getting test results from Monday’s tests until after Tuesday’s game had started? I’m sure there will be much more info to come out about all this in the days and weeks ahead.

    1. The media doesn’t report the news? They make stuff up?

      Yes! They are lying sacks of Bleep!

  22. Members of the front office get a ring. Tommy will get one too. I would think Fergie gets one, but Strip will get voted some sort of a share of the money. Price probably will not get one, but that is up to the front office. They usually decide who gets them. I would think that because of his long association with the team, and the fact he still works in the organization that they might even give one to Honeycutt.

  23. In find it interesting that there are some who might be ready to give up on Gavin Lux or trade him away for older, more expensive players. This makes no sense for several reasons:
    1 – He might not have done well in MLB yet but it’s been a small sample size
    2 – He hasn’t had that much opportunity yet
    3 – He’s awfully young to give up on – he’s about to turn 23
    4 – It’s unlikely that, given his minor league production and improvement that management is ready to give up on him
    5 – Since when does Andrew Friedman trade young, cheap players with upside for an older more expensive player (except when you have the chance to obtain the likes of Mookie Betts)?

    My guess is that he will be the starting 2B at the beginning of the 2021 season (if there is one)

    1. Re Lux

      I don’t see him being traded away unless AF is overwhelmed by the offer (and we already have Mookie though Trout would probably get it done). As you mentioned a young controlled high ceiling prospect is not one that AF gives away.

      With the current financial climate I don’t see Lux being traded away for a high priced player.

      They Dodgers don’t give positions to players, they have to earn it. JT, Cory, Cody all took their position when given the chance and wouldn’t give it back. I think Lux will be given the opportunity again in 2021 to win the 2B job but if he doesn’t earn it it may be a platoon position.

      Unless Lux takes hold of the 2B job adding LF to his repertoire would help get him playing time.

  25. I agree with you Dodgerrick. Lux will stay at second with the Dodgers. The Dodgers have to sign Seager, Bellinger, and Beuhler. That is why Lux, who is cheap, will stay with the Dodgers.

    1. I mostly agree but our logic if applied to Turner, doesn’t bode well for Turner being a Dodger next year.

  27. MOOKIE BETTS WINS RAWLINGS GOLD GLOVE
    Dodger outfielder wins fifth consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove

    LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Dodger outfielder Mookie Betts has been named 2020 National League Gold Glove Award winner for right field, winning his first Rawlings Gold Glove in the National League and his fifth straight Rawlings Gold Glove (2016 – ‘20).

    Betts, 28, makes it two consecutive seasons that a Dodger right fielder has won the award, joining teammate Cody Bellinger who captured the prize last season. The Nashville native is the ninth Dodger outfielder to receive the honor, joining Bellinger (2019), Andre Ethier (2011), Matt Kemp (2011), Steve Finley (2004), Raul Mondesi (1995, 1997), Dusty Baker (1981), Willie Davis (1971-1973) and Wally Moon (1960).

    In his first season in Dodger Blue, Betts, finished second in the National League with 52 games in right field, while recording a .966 fielding percentage with four errors. He was among the National League right field leaders in innings played (438.2, 2nd), assists (1, T-7th), Ultimate Zone Rating (6.0, 1st), range runs or RngR (6.0, 1st), Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 games (15.9, 1st) and Defensive Runs Saved (11, 1st).

    The former fifth round pick out of Overton High School in Nashville, TN is the 30th outfielder in Major League history to win five or more Rawlings Gold Gloves and he is the first outfielder to win five straight Rawlings Gold Gloves since Ichiro Suzuki (2000-‘10). Since 2016, Betts has played 636 games in the outfield, recording a .991 fielding percentage with 38 assists and 13 errors in 5597.0 innings. During that five-year span, he ranks among the Major League outfield leaders in innings played (2nd), assists (4th), fielding percentage (12th), Ultimate Zone Rating (77.7, 1st), range runs or RngR (47.9, 1st), Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 games (18.3, 1st) and Defensive Runs Saved (104, 1st). His 104 runs saved are the most by any player in Majors in that five-year span, 11 more than Andrelton Simmons and are 48 more than the second closest outfielder (Lorenzo Cain, 56).

    Due to the compressed 2020 MLB season, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award qualifications were amended to rely solely on the SABR Defensive Index (SDI) this year. The SDI draws on and aggregates two types of existing defensive metrics: those derived from batted ball location-based data and those collected from play-by-play accounts, including data from MLBAM’s Statcast, Sports Information Solutions, and STATS, LLC.
    Below is the complete roster of 2020 Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners from each League, and the number of Rawlings Gold Glove Awards each player has won in his career:

    AMERICAN LEAGUE
    Position Player 2020 Team Award(s) Won
    P Griffin Canning Los Angeles Angels 1 (’20)
    C Roberto Pérez Cleveland Indians 2 (’19-’20)
    1B Evan White Seattle Mariners 1 (’20)
    2B César Hernández Cleveland Indians 1 (’20)
    3B Isiah Kiner-Falefa Texas Rangers 1 (’20)
    SS J.P. Crawford Seattle Mariners 1 (’20)
    LF Alex Gordon Kansas City Royals 8 (’11-’14, ’17-’20)
    CF Luis Robert Chicago White Sox 1 (’20)
    RF Joey Gallo Texas Rangers 1 (’20)

    NATIONAL LEAGUE
    Position Player 2020 Team Award(s) Won
    P Max Fried Atlanta Braves 1 (’20)
    C Tucker Barnhart Cincinnati Reds 2 (’17, ’20)
    1B Anthony Rizzo Chicago Cubs 4 (’16, ’18-’20)
    2B Kolten Wong St. Louis Cardinals 2 (’19-’20)
    3B Nolan Arenado Colorado Rockies 8 (’13-’20)
    SS Javier Báez Chicago Cubs 1 (’20)
    LF Tyler O’Neill St. Louis Cardinals 1 (’20)
    CF Trent Grisham San Diego Padres 1 (’20)
    RF Mookie Betts Los Angeles Dodgers 5 (’16-’20)

  28. After reading the article on Kody Hoese yesterday, I want to change my Position prospects:

    1. Kody
    2. Kaybear
    3. Mike Busch

  29. I went back and read the comments, and some of you (and I will not make names) absolutely miss the point, so I am going to lay it out one more time:

    1. I mentioned that a vaccine would be ready in 30-120 days.
    2. I did that so that we can realize there is hope for the 2021 season. Without it, there may not be a season!
    3. COVID-19 is not political. It is a virus. People make it political. I did not.
    4. A vaccine is not political. It is a solution to a problem. People make it political. I did not.
    5. To feel compelled to then make it political, is like me reminding you to vote yesterday (which I did) and you start talking politics.

    Do I need to use monosyllables to explain this?

    COVID-19 is something that hangs over the head of MLB and MiLB – to ignore it is to deny reality. To politicize it is absurd for these purposes.

    1. Bluto
      November 3, 2020 at 6:52 pm

      Even if someone else brings it up.

      Be a better person. Let it go.

      The proprietors ask not to have it discussed.

    1. I think there’s a 90% change he comes back to the Dodgers, just because they need that right handed bat and Rios would will be able to provide more off days and a bridge until Hoese makes the team. By then, they can decide if they like Rios or Muncy better. I would give it a 5% change he could sign with another team and a 5% chance he would retire. I think it would be doubtful that he receives a significant suspension for virus related activities especially since no one else on the team was infected.

      BTW, that’s a Class A ballpark you have there. What a beauty!

      I agree, stop with the politics and if you think the media tells the truth all the time, you aren’t doing your homework.

    1. I still like Gavin Lux a lot. I think his “yips” are something.

      If Kody Hoese is for real and Gavin says he is, then the Dodgers could sure use a power-hitting speedy LF, and maybe that LF could really rake… if he didn’t have to worry about the Yips.

      If they wanted to get even more RH, put Smith at 2B and Hoese at 3B.

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