Ladies and Gentlemen, you are witnessing history!
Cody Bellinger is one of those rare talents who come around to a team, once in a lifetime. The thing is, the Dodgers have three of those talents… maybe four. Some of you are going to say “Yeah, but his batting average is only .261.” Yeah, and your momma wears army boots! This kid is the real deal, just like Clayton, Corey and maybe Julio. Three of those are generational talents and Urias may be the fourth. We have to give credit to Logan White and Ned Colletti for acquiring them, but just as importantly, we have to give credit to Andrew Friedman for not making any dope-fiend moves and trading any of those guys.
Andrew Miller was Bellingerized last night as was Boone Logan. You will likely see 20 or 30 more times this year that a pitcher gets Bellingerized! That’s what it is called: Bellingerized! Add in the fact that he is one of the slickest fielding first basemen I have ever seen and you really have something. This kid is Rookie of the Year bound and headed for great things.
This will be two ROY’s in a row for the Dodgers if Bellinger wins. I remember back to 1979 to 1982, when Rick Sutcliffe, Steve Howe, Fernando Valenzuela and Steve Sax won the award for the Dodgers four years in a row. There is certainly not a lack of candidates for the Dodgers to continue the streak now. In 2018, it could be Calhoun, Buehler, White, Verdugo or whoever…
The Dodgers have won the most awards of any franchise (17), twice the total of the New York Yankees, and the historical Oakland Athletics and predecessors (8). For years, the Dodgers have been all about player development and it’s good to see Andrew Friedman put such an emphasis on it again. It’s a recipe for success!
Sure, Cody has a big swing and strikes out a lot, but he has shown a willingness to make adjustments and he will cut down his strikeouts. He might only hit .260 this year, but his proclivity for clutch hits is amazing. Yes, he has a big swing, but not like Joc Pederson who almost comes out of his shoes when he swings. Joc is frequently out of control with his big swing. Cody swings that bat like a buggy whip (so does Chris Taylor). His swing is big, but more controlled. Oh, and he’s OPS’ing .965 and unlike Joc, can hit Lefties!
I think one of Cody’s assets is his hard work at preparation. They say he studies film a lot. Joc is good at video games if you catch my drift! The kid is mature beyond his years.
Rants
- Chris Hatcher’s time in LA needs to be over NOW! This is your final warning, FAZ. I am like the Marines – No greater Friend, No Worse Enemy! Don’t piss me off! He has to go! Romo too!
- At least they didn’t re-sign Blanton like many of you wanted!
- Who would have thought Chris Taylor would be the Dodger’s LF three months ago? I suspect he can hit in the area of .280 with 20 HR. I’ll take it!
- Now, if Joc can just get his Mo Jo back!
- If flipping off fans is the worst things Yasiel does, I’m fine. It’s going to cost him though… $$$$
- Four Words: Brad Hand and Brad Brach. The team does not need starters. Trade them for these two guys. Figure it out.
Dodger Press Release:
DODGERS ANNOUNCE SELECTIONS FROM SECOND DAY OF 2017 DRAFT
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced their eight selections from the second day of the 2017 Draft, picking University of Houston catcher Connor Wong (third round), Park Vista Community (FL) High School right-hander James Marinan (fourth round), University of Utah right-hander Riley Ottesen (fifth round), University of Connecticut right-hander Wills Montgomerie (sixth round), University of Kentucky right-hander Zach Pop (seventh round), Xavier University third baseman Rylan Bannon (eighth round), University of Evansville right-hander Connor Strain (ninth round) and University of Kentucky outfielder Zach Reks (10th round).
Los Angeles drafted nine of its first 10 players from the college ranks and through 10 selections they have taken six pitchers, two outfielders, one infielder and one catcher.
The Dodgers started the second day of the draft by selecting University of Houston catcher Connor Wong in the third round. In his junior season, the 21-year-old Texas native posted a .287/.379/.494 slashline and led the American Athletic Conference with 61 runs and 26 stolen bases, while recording 13 doubles, three triples, 12 home runs and 36 RBI. Wong, who was selected to the 2017 Second Team All-American Conference Team as a catcher and 2016 First Team All-American Conference Team as a utility player, has played in 184 career games with the Cougars, hitting .280 with 152 runs, 32 doubles, eight triples, 23 home runs and 103 RBI. He has also seen time at shortstop, third base and in the outfield and was rated by Baseball America as the 77th overall prospect in the 2017 draft.
The Dodgers selected their lone high school player in the fourth round, taking right-handed pitcher James Marinan from Park Vista Community (FL) High School. During his senior season, the Florida native pitched two complete-game shutouts and went 8-1 with a 0.84 ERA (6 ER/50.0 IP) while striking out 66 against just 12 walks. Marinan was ranked the 58th overall prospect by Baseball America in this year’s draft.
The Dodgers selected four college pitchers today, taking University of Utah righty Riley Ottesen (fifth round), University of Connecticut right-hander Wills Montgomerie (sixth round), University of Kentucky right-hander Zach Pop (seventh round) and University of Evansville righty Connor Strain (ninth round). Ottesen, a 23-year-old sophomore, went 5-4 with a 4.93 ERA (52 ER/95.0 IP) and recorded 72 strikeouts against 33 walks in 16 games (15 starts) for the Utes. In 15 starts during his junior season with the Huskies, Montgomerie went 6-3 with a 3.73 ERA (37 ER/89.1 IP) and collected 116 strikeouts while issuing 40 walks. Pop, a Canada native, appeared in 22 games during his senior season with the Wildcats, going 1-1 with a 3.48 ERA (8 ER/20.2 IP), while recording 20 punch outs against 14 walks. Strain went 2-5 with a 2.62 ERA (20 ER/68.2 IP), striking out 68 batters and issuing 38 walks in 14 starts for the Purple Aces in 2017.
Los Angeles also nabbed collegiate position players Rylan Bannon, a junior third baseman from Xavier University in the eighth round, and outfielder Zach Reks from the University of Kentucky in the 10th round. Bannon started 61 games for the Musketeers last season and posted a .339/.449/.633 slashline while leading the team in runs (45) and home runs (15). Bannon also recorded 14 doubles, three triples and 50 RBI and was named the 2017 Big East Player of the Year. Reks posted a .352/.461/.471 slashline in 65 games with the Wildcats as a senior last season and recorded 44 runs, 16 doubles, two triples, three homers, 44 RBI and a team-leading 15 stolen bases.
Below is the list of the top 10 Dodger selections from the 2017 First-Year Player Draft.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS 2017 FIRST-YEAR PLAYER DRAFT
| Round | Pick | Player | Pos | School | Scout |
| 1 | 23 | Jeren Kendall | CF | Vanderbilt U | Marty Lamb |
| 2 | 62 | Morgan Cooper | RHS | U Texas | Clint Bowers |
| 3 | 100 | Connor Wong | C | U Houston | Clint Bowers |
| 4 | 130 | James Marinan | RHS | Park Vista HS | Adrian Casanova |
| 5 | 160 | Riley Ottesen | RHP | U Utah | Brian Compton |
| 6 | 190 | Wills Montgomerie | RHP | U Connecticut | Rich DeLucia |
| 7 | 220 | Zach Pop | RHP | U Kentucky | Marty Lamb |
| 8 | 250 | Rylan Bannon | 3B | Xavier U | Marty Lamb |
| 9 | 280 | Connor Strain | RHP | U Evansville | Stephen Head |
| 10 | 310 | Zach Reks | OF | U Kentucky | Marty Lamb |
The 2017 First-Year Player Draft concludes today with rounds 11-30 starting at 9:00 a.m. (PST).
Discussion (58)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Dodgers get to Miller twice in a row! Great action!
Dodgers’ ‘pen overworked? Giving up runs again; blow the save tonight.
I opened it and its pictures of Mark in a thong, obviously I saved them
It came into me yesterday from one of our largest vendors: Jacobi Carbons. I get many e-mails from them so I attempted to open it, but it took me to Google and I immediately closed it. I emailed him back and asked if it were valid, but no reply. 24 hours later to the minute. It started sending out e-mails…. over 3,000.
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We fixed it, but it took several hours. Another friend had it happen two days ago and he sent out 27,000 emails. I’m sure everyone will get this sooner than later. What a bitch!
Harlan, I was just typing the same thing! Mark, this is what I got as well, and of course I deleted it:
Mark Timmons
Hi,
Trust you are keeping well. Review the attachment and let me have your opinion.
Urias on the shelf with a shoulder? Just saw that on the Report. Joc scrapped the shuffle. On to another stance change. Neither Kershaw nor Hatcher could hit the catcher’s mit with the fastball. Kershaw is dominant enough to overcome. Not so with Hatcher.
I am not sure about making any trade right now. I would give Joc until the all star game and then make a decision on him. I think Joc needs to produce or be traded. I think there are three players that could go and they are Hatcher, Gutierrez, and Romo. I said this three weeks ago and have not changed my mind. I would like to see Morrow back on the team.
I would never complain about who they draft. I have no idea who is good and who isn’t. I would adventure a guess that most of us do not know what these players are capable of. I just know we have a good farm system and that is good enough for me.
Mark, today I received an email from you with a PDF attachment which asked for my email password, to which I did not respond. Was that from you, or is someone messing around?
Trayce Thompson finally cleared the Mendoza line at OKC. It would be nice to have him as an option if they need him later in the year.
The Dodgers will undoubtedly look to upgrade their bullpen for the pennant run. There are some who have suggested Kelvin Herrera either to the Dodgers or Nationals. The Dodgers have Herrera. His name is Chris Hatcher. In 26 games, Herrera has pitched 25.1 innings, allowing 15 earned runs, and 7 homeruns, for a 5.33 ERA. He has not been dominant for any stretch this year. In 23 games, Hatcher has pitched 31.1 innings, allowing 17 earned runs, 6 homeruns and a 4.88 ERA.
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Brad Hand has had a poor 2 out of his last 4 appearances, but he has been outstanding until 4 games ago. With Zach Britton out until the AS Break (and many suspect longer with a severe forearm strain), Brad Brach is the O’s closer. So until they believe they are out of it, the O’s will keep him.
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The White Sox have a couple of relievers worth a look,; RHP Anthony Swarzak, and one I really like, RHP Tommy Kahnle. Kahnle was not very good early in his first two years with the Rockies, but since going to the White Sox, he has been solid. This year in 26 games, 25.1 IP, 1.42 ERA, allowing 2 HR, and an almost Kenley like 44K and 6 walks. He throws a 97.92 4 seamer.
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I would like to see the Dodgers get a look at Felipe Rivero, LHRP, Pirates. Even though he gave up the grand slam to Corey, the Dodgers should take a long look at Raisel Iglesias.
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Texas LHRP, Alex Claudio, Braves RHRP, Arodys Vizcaino, Pirates and former Dodger RHRP Juan Nicasio, Phillies RHRP Pat Neshek. Even though they are absolute long shots, they might want to inquire about SF Giants RHRP Hunter Strickland and Cory Gearrin.
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Out for some snorkeling.
I have been a Dodger fan for 54 years. From the beginning I sucked in all I could about the farm system. I had favorites that I wanted to make it who didn’t: Greg Brock, Greg Miller, Andy LaRoche, but along the way, I developed an “eye” for talent.
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When Adrian Beltre was a rookie, I predicted a HOF career for him.
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When I saw Clayton the first time, I proclaimed him a HOF pitcher.
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I said the same for Seager and Bellinger, only recently.
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The same prediction goes onto Julio Urias.
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Sometimes, I can just look at players and know they have “IT.”
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When I would do that at another site, there were certain _____________s who would always take the opposite tact. I’m not always right, but when I proclaim a guy HOF Caliber, I have given it a lot of thought and they pass the “eye test.”
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I was wrong about Russell Martin. I predicted a HOF career for him too, but while he has been good, he is not HOF worthy. My eye failed me there, but I’m right more than I’m wrong on this stuff.
Marty Lamb is the scout for 4 of the first 10 Dodger draft picks. Marty was the scout who signed Chad Billingsley, AJ Ellis, Bryan Morris, Eric Stults, Cory Wade, and most recently Walker Buehler, Will Smith, Philip Pfeiffer. This is Marty’s 17th year with the Dodgers draft, and with his history, he obviously has Billy Gasparino’s ear. Don’t be surprised in three years to hear the name of Jake Eden in the discussion of Dodger draft projections. Eden is one of the best prep LHP who is headed to Vanderbilt. Most scouts and teams believe he is not signable and will matriculate to Vandy. He should get drafted on Day 3…just in case. But I guarantee you that Marty Lamb will be at Vandy during Fall Ball to watch this kid.
Wilmer Font has an amazing K/9 ratio at AAA. Not sure if he’s a legit prospect or not. Perhaps with that K rate, he’d be a solid middle reliever for us?
Verdugo hit his 3rd. The power will start to come now
12 of 19 picks in this year’s draft are RHP. No lefties; 7 position players.
So – the Dodgers have the best record in the NL so everything’s rosy? Don’t try to fix any problems? All is well?
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The Nationals have had the best record in the NL until last night – so same for them? Don’t gripe – all is well? Nope. here is from MLB Trade Rumors today:
“The Nationals’ terrible results from the bullpen have been frustrating fans all season, and it’s begun to take a toll on the clubhouse as well, per Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post. Svrluga quotes unnamed Nationals players that are exasperated by the persistently blown leads, quoting one who states, “We feel like we have to win the game three times.” ”
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Funny – Nationals’ players know when there is a problem that needs to be fixed and wants the team to do something about it. Is it unreasonable to want the Dodgers to fix their problems?
AC, and anyone else who knows:
how good can Trevor Oakes be up here? Is he a #4 workhouse type? Or better than that?
Keep Gonzalez on the DL until the All-Star break as far as I’m concerned. If he isn’t near 100%, I don’t see him helping the lineup trying to flip opposite field singles with a broken down body. Unless I missed something it has been quite on the Ethier news. Any updates? Bellinger has the most power of a homegrown Dodger since Piazza and I think Belly has more.
Since you were picking on Joc and I have too lately, I will say that I like some of his AB’s last night. It was trying to hit the ball the other way through the shift. Puig traded in the bat flip for a couple of finger flips. I found it funny, but I’m sure the MLB headquarters won’t. It was good to see him drive the ball to RCF. It has really been the one thing missing from his new approach at the plate. Anyone notice that he has 9 SB’s this year? Nine out of eleven.
Last start for the #22, I complained that I would have left Kershaw in until he got down facing Harper against Washington. I’ll go the other way last night. I would have pulled him after six. It was nice to see him gut out the 7th though.
I tend to agree with Mark. I’m less worried about starting pitching and would like to see another RH reliever to replace Romo and or Hatcher. Brach and Herrera seem like good targets to me. The Dodgers need to be proactive on that front and not wait until Washington has the pick of the bullpen pieces.
Despite all the hand wringing the Dodgers have the best record in the National League by % points and 2nd best record in baseball. It might be time to admit Faz and Roberts actually know what they are doing.
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In Denver area for next week visiting family, beautiful part of the country and cooler than Vegas! Father’s Day trip to Coors where despite the standings I will root against the Giants (some habits die hard) plus everyone here loves their Rockies. They have waited years for a good team, but I think even they are worried about the Men in Blue .
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Hatcher is like a match to gasoline and needs to go to a faraway corn field. I would think Morrow deserves his spot
more but perhaps Hatcher will be a throw in on a deadline deal. In other words this team will probably make a handful of moves to become even stronger for the stretch run.
Puig and Turner hit righties better than lefties and Bellinger’s stats so far are better against lefties than righties. Interesting splits.
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Now that Gonzales is out, it looks like the Dodgers have a cleanup hitter in Bellinger that will be there for a long time.
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The Dodgers could be settling into a set lineup with the most used platoon being Utley and Forsythe at second and to a much lesser degree Turner and Forsythe at third.
moderation issues again. I thought after changing my email that was over with. And while you’re talking with your tech guys, how ’bout having them add a simple text editor. The ability to make paragraphs would be nice.
In some ways Agon going down with his bad back indefinitely solves some dilemmas. Now Bellinger can take over first where he belongs and it gives Taylor a dedicated spot in the lineup every day. Forsythe and Joc now just have to start putting it together.
I’m amazed (actually I’m not) that some people still find it in them to criticize this FO for it’s draft. There’s a good article by Dustin Nosler, who I think is a great resource for his prospect knowledge, about the Dodger selections in rounds 3-5. The Dodgers got really good value out of those pics. Yes, they got pitching, which they already have maybe a surplus of, but the point is they got the best available PLAYERS at those respective slots. They acquired assets. You can always trade assets, and if you have position of strength, ..i.e….lot’s of good young pitchers, you can trade for the pieces that you need. All the bemoaning because the FO didn’t target the apparent positions of need is just a silly argument.
Ok, you don’t like FAZ. I get it. But at least try not to blame them for everything. I’m certain that Andrew Friedman and Zaidi weren’t responsible for the JFK assassination.