Every baseball season brings new hope for some players and a lack of hope for others. Some players progress, while others stay stationary, and yet others regress. Let’s look at the Dodgers systems after a little over a month and see who is who. (NOTE: These stats were compiled before last night games so they will differ slightly.)
Regression Station
Perhaps the poster child of regression is Diego Cartaya. I am also not impressed with Kendall Williams, Kendall George, or Jake Vogel.
Standing Still
Rancho Cucamonga
Zyhir Hope got off to a great start, but has slid to .282 and .899 – he’s raw. He needs more time. I am not a huge fan of Kendall George. He’s blazing fast, but I do not see any more than Juan Pierre.
Great Lakes
Peyton Martin pitched in his first game last night. I am high on him, but now we have to see some consistency. The same is true with Thayron Liranzo, who started out slowly and is still under .200.
Tulsa
Ben Casparius is interesting but unlikely to move up this year. The same is true with Sauryn Lao – a world of potential… he just has to execute.
OKC
Trey Sweeney is intriguing but not ready and probably will never be a regular. Hunter Feduccia and Chris Okey are just journeymen who are there in case the awful happens.
Ready to Roll
At the head of the class is Miguel Vargas, who hopes the third time is a charm, but there are others who are also worthy of moving up:
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Jerel Perez is smoking hot and leads the league in HR with 4 and is hitting .346 with a 1.067 OPS. He is also 2-2 in stolen bases. If he can keep this up… he’s headed to Great Lakes by next month. Did I mention he’s just 19? This kid came out of nowhere, but he needs to be challenged.
Jake Gelof is a little old for this league, so he needs to move up to Great Lakes. He’s not a 3B… maybe a LF’er or, ideally, a 1B. He’s hitting .312 with 22 RBI in 78 ABs and batting .312 with a .985 OPS. He is a hitting machine – they will find a place for him to play.
Zyhir Hope got off to a great start but has slid to .282 and .899. He’s raw but talented, and he has power, speed, and athleticism. I am not a huge fan of Kendall George. He’s blazing fast, but I do not see any more than Juan Pierre. Oh, I said that already!
Great Lakes Loons
At the head of the class is Jared Karros, who is head and shoulders above anyone here. He needs to move up… like now! If I had a favorite player, it would be Alex Freeland, who was born with a club foot. He should move to Tulsa by the break, as he is hitting .338 with a 1.079 OPS. He profiles as a utility man, but I would not bet against him being a regular. Peter Huebeck has a 2,51 ERA and has struck out 23 batters in 14 innings. He has walked 10, so if he can cut down on those (just a little), he could also move up later. There’s a lot of talent here, but most need some more time here.
Tulsa Drillers
The most notable player here is Dalton Rushing, but they are taking their time and not “rushing” him. I expect him to play all year at Tulsa. Diego Cartaya has totally imploded. I guess I was wrong on him. He looks pathetically lost. I have no clue what happened to him. Austin Gauthier has had some big hits, and he is a utility man-baller like Freeland. However, he needs all season at Tulsa. Ronan Kopp could move quickly as an LH reliever, but he just came back from extended spring training, and he has to cut down on walks. There’s a lot of talent in this group’, but they need time. Players like Casparius, Harris, Lao, Pilarski, Sublette, and Wrobleski just need time.
OKC Baseball Club
Past Miguel Vargas, there are some other newsworthy prospects, including Kody Hoese and Andre Lipcuis, both of whom have struggled until this year. I don’t know quite what to think about either one, so I guess I just wait and see. On the pitching side, there are Matt Gage, Alec Gamboa, Kevin Gowdy, Landon Knack, DInelson Lamet, Drew Pomeranz, Nick Ramirez, John Rooney, Ricky Vanaso, and maybe River Ryan. We could see a couple of those names this season.
Feel Free to weigh in and Agree or Disagree.
AAA – Oklahoma City Baseball Club 18-12 2nd place 2.0 GB
AA – Tulsa Drillers 11-11 3rd place 3.5 GB
A+ – Great Lakes Loons 16-8 1st pace 3.0 GA
A- – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 14-8 1st place 4.5 GA
Arizona Complex League starts tomorrow May 4th (Rookie League)
Dominican Summer League also starts tomorrow May 4th (Rookie League) with 2 Dodger teams
Two years ago Cartaya was a “generational” talent. Now he’s a third string catcher in double A. You just never know. Do the Dodgers have to send down Outman to bring up Vargas. Why bring him up not to play everyday?
If they bring Vargas up, it will be to play every day in LF, but Pages in CF is not as good defensively as Outman.
Cartaya is puzzling. He just seems to have lost it… but you can see the underlying talent. I can’t explain it!
Players I have seen that just stood out.
Pitchers
Edgardo Henriquez wow coming off TJ but as a reliever he could move quickly.
Lao reliever/great arm
Karros very impressive
Position players haven’t seen much. Jerel Perez and Hope sound exciting.
Rushing looks a long way away.
Gauthier utility
Vargas will arrive but when he does he has to play.
regression is not linear (:
Touche!
Friday Dodger Minor League Schedule
3 p.m. PT (doubleheader): Tulsa (Orlando Ortiz-Mayr & Kendall Williams) vs. Springfield (Edwin Nuñez & Max Rajcic)
4:40 p.m.: Great Lakes (Maddux Bruns) at Wisconsin (Brian Fitzpatrick)
5:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Eduardo Salazar) vs. Salt Lake (Davis Daniel)
7:05 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (Edgardo Henriquez) at Modesto (Elijah Dale)
“DODGERS MINOR LEAGUE NEWS
Blake Treinen nearing Dodgers return after back-to-back outings in Triple-A
Second scoreless inning in as many nights for Treinen, who started the season on the injured list but has now pitched five games on his minor league rehab assignment”.
OC-Register has a great article on Betts at SS:
https://www.ocregister.com/2024/05/02/has-mookie-betts-become-dodgers-permanent-solution-at-shortstop/
Mookie Betts probably thought it would be the most difficult job he would ever love.
But he didn’t really think about whether it would be temporary.
“No, not really,” the Dodgers’ accidental shortstop says. “If there’s changes made and I have to move back to second or wherever, that’s fine. I don’t care. I just want to win. If it is permanent, I’m prepared for that too.
“I think I’m kind of prepared for anything at this point. I’m more intentional about everything and that’s allowed me to be ready for any surprises that come.”
Moving to shortstop a month into spring training was a surprise in itself. The Dodgers had spent the winter saying the job belonged to Gavin Lux – as much to build his confidence in his return from last spring’s knee injury as anything.
…….
A lot can change in the nearly three months left before this year’s July 30 deadline. If the Dodgers do decide the best way to improve their team is by acquiring a shortstop, Friedman said “we will communicate with him (Betts), get a feel for what he’s thinking, he’ll get a feel for what we’re thinking as things play out.”
“But right now I would bet on him being an above-average shortstop,” Friedman says.
Would he also be willing to bet that Betts will still be the Dodgers’ primary shortstop when August arrives?
“Yeah, I would,” he says. “With how quickly he has taken to it, the plays he’s made. The last piece is syncing up his body on various throws that are just different than what he’s done.
And it was a piece that we knew would take a little time was the throwing – just in terms of how to organize your body to make various throws and we’ve already seen real improvement. So if that continues, he’s a good major-league shortstop.”
This was just a snippet out of a long article. It’s a good read from Bill Plunkett whom I think is the best Dodger Beat Writer.
Someone asked what is SS Abrams of the Nationals current contract. His current contract is a mere $752000 and he is under team control for the next 4 years., Forget about a trade ever happening.
But, the Dodgers could trade Vargas, Rushing, Knack, Ryan, Frasso, DePaula, Wrobleski, and Liranzo and the Nats would do it.
Pull the trigger AF!
😉
Do it!
That would never happen, not for a single player. AF isn’t that stupid.
Kendall George = Juan Pierre is probably a good comparison. Pierre was a career .295 average hitter and played for 14 years. No power but he had a good career. George would probably take that. I believe I saw where George needs to work on his base stealing.
But his career OPS was .704. You get sent back to the minors for that now.
Is OPS really the correct metric? OPS doesn’t take into account stolen bases and is there any real difference between a single plus stolen base or a double? Being able to steal bases will be the key to George’s game.
Good luck on your procedure.
Well, wish me luck – I’m off for my second cardioversion!
You’re all heart, Mr Timmons…
Best of luck Mark. You’re tough as nails. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Great stuff today as always. I got my eye on Kody Hoese and as quick as Diego Cartaya lost it I’m hoping he finds it before it’s too late. I’m looking forward to seeing Miguel Vargas back in the big leagues, unfortunately, it may cost Outman his spot on the roster.
Good luck Mark! And a speedy recovery.
so excited for Walkers return!! Not expecting 5 no-hit innings, but a 4-5 innings of solid pitching will be a big shot in the arm for the dodgers! ——- Really hope the dodgers can get at least 2 of these games with the braves. Sunday Fried going for the braves, tough one !! Stone and Glasnow first 2 up for the dodgers. Excellent opportunity for Gavin to try and get a strong hold on a spot in the rotation!———— Now the other Gavin? i’m getting the feeling he has 2-3 weeks to start producing or he might get sent down or as some have suggested, a new home! Really getting the sense AF has something cooking! ——- Maybe Will catches all 3 with the braves? But no day off monday, i guess Barnes is in the lineup sunday. But with Fried going sunday maybe Will is the dh again. ———. Hate seeing Trout go down again! A shame he probably never plays in a world series . That is unless he gets finally tired of Morenos BS and asks for a trade. Which probably won’t happen either since his contract is so humongous ! One of the best ever! Such a shame!
Why’s it a shame he might not play in a WS?
He clearly wasn’t bothered about that himself when he signed an extension with the hapless Angels when he could have had the choice of any team in Free Agency.
I found it odd at the time and havnt changed my thoughts.
He’s happy being a big fish in a small pond.
I always felt that way about Ernie Banks. But Banks had no choice but to stay a Cub. Seeing him in another uniform would have been weird. Like seeing Marichal as a Dodger.
My sentiments as well
As always thanks for the minor league info. I enjoy it almost if not more than the big team banter.
OBVIOUSLY and VERY HOPEFULLY- best wishes on your procedure!!
Something gotta give with Vargas. With nothing left to prove in the minors, and his trade value as high as it will get.. the Dodgers must either bring him up to play LF, or package him in a trade
It’s play him or trade him time ..SOON.
100% agree!
At least there will be baseball tonight.
Mark,You are in my prayers. I’m expecting to see you back and doing well in a short time.
Well, It looks like a late night for us east coasters. Looking for a win tonight, especially with a RH going for the Braves.
Baseball America previews the ACL ($$$$). Two Dodgers (both out of the DSL) merit a mention:
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/10-players-to-watch-in-the-2024-arizona-complex-league/
Jesus Tillero, RHP, Dodgers
… He mixed a four-seamer, cutter, slurve and changeup into a repertoire that helped him allow just 19 hits in 30.2 innings …
Eduardo Quintero, OF, Dodgers
… He’s a plus runner with budding power, oodles of athleticism and a very high ceiling, especially if he sticks in center field as he matures. With a strong turn in the ACL, he has a chance to move quickly through the system’s ranks.
Also Samuel Munoz, who was at extended Spring Training at the tender age of 19 is being promoted to Rancho Cucamonga
Where is Joendry Vargas ?Thought the Dodgers would put him at RC and now it appears he is not even in the ACL ?
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!
Let us know you’re new 40 time after the heart procedure today Mr Timmons
Boo-Yah!
I feel better already, and I get my ablation at Cleveland Clinic on August 30th to put an end to all this nonsense once and for all.
Great Mark. Glad to hear it.
Two thumbs up MT
glad you’re ok mark! —- And yes i think it’s sad Trout may never play in a world series!! What’s wrong with staying with one team for your career? Of course he didn’t have to sign an extension, the phillies or yankees would have matched or exceeded what he signed for. He’s one of the best ever! Nothing negative about the guy! Only wish he had been a Dodger! Just my 2 cents! no hostility meant towards any of my Dodger buddies!
10:10 PM ET
Braves (20-9)
Dodgers (20-13)
SP Charlie Morton R
2-0 3.60 ERA
SP Gavin Stone R
2-1 4.68 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
SS Mookie Betts R
DH S. Ohtani L
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
3B Max Muncy L
LF T. Hernandez R
RF Andy Pages R
CF James Outman L
2B Gavin Lux L
63° Wind 10 mph Out
Glad to hear the good news Mark
Arraez to the Padres?
The San Diego Padres are nearing a deal to acquire second baseman Luis Arraez from the Miami Marlins for a package of three prospects and a relief pitcher, a source familiar with the deal told ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
According to Marlins insider Craig Mish, San Diego will send outfield prospects Dillon Head and Jakob Marsee, first baseman Nathan Martorella and relief pitcher Woo-Suk Go to Miami in the deal.
That is San Diego’s #7, #8, #17 prospects, and I would never trade Woo-Suk Go… ever!
😉
Another great outing from our young arms. It is the strength of our franchise.
Miller (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
“Miller has been on the injured list since April 13 due to inflammation in his right shoulder, and Friday marked his first time throwing off a mound since then. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he isn’t sure how many more bullpen sessions Miller will need to throw before he progresses to facing live hitters, so the 25-year-old righty will likely remain without a clear return timeline until he gets to that point”.
Kershaw (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
“Kershaw has been limited to throwing from flat ground, and Friday was the first time he’s thrown off the mound since undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. The veteran southpaw threw 15 pitches ahead of Friday’s game against Atlanta, and manager Dave Roberts said Kershaw “came out well” from the bullpen session, per J.P. Hoornstra of Dodgers Nation. Kershaw is not expected to return until after the All-Star break, but it’s another positive step in his rehab program”.
Stone has grown so much. Quite the performance. Stone Cold!!
Hey Mark. I’m happy to hear that your procedure was successful and you had some immediate relief. Continued good health.
And of course, carry on!
Thank you, Ted!
I appreciate it. I feel really good.
Godspeed to you!
You are always welcome here.
Pages is not just a talented batter, he’s lucky too …because of his attitude …because he’s a WINNER!
The Dodgers hit the jackpot with him.
Great game and I’m still sticking to my Roberts rant until I get blocked ,if your going to trash his ass for all his ill perceived moves during a loss( once again , player driven , he doesn’t swing a bat or throw a ball), then pony up to the dinner table and I’ll hand you a bottle of ketchup with your crow when they win, You hate him, you praise him, same guy filling out the lineup. And I’m still waiting for somebody with their infinite keyboard wisdom to tell me who would take his spot and manage the WHOLE circus show that we call the Dodgers. Please, no recycled good ol boy ex managers considered .
Daniel Hudson has allowed runs in his last five appearances. He also is now tied with Glasnow for the most homers allowed. Who goes down when Treinen gets activated? He is very close to coming back. One roster move will be needed Monday so Striker Buehler can be activated. Nice at bat and single to left by Lux tonight.
My guess is Chrismatt and Varland . Chrismatt will have to be DFA’d with no remaining options and Varland has 3 remaining options back to Oklahoma City.