What a difference a couple of years makes when it comes to middle infield prospects for the LAD. Prior to the 2015 amateur draft, there was one regular SS (Jimmie Rollins), one regular 2B (Howie Kendrick), one utility (Kike’ Hernandez), and one prospect (Corey Seager) at SS. Chase Utley was added later in the year. There really was no other prospect. In the 2015 draft, Gasparino’s crew selected:
- Willie Calhoun – 2B (4th round)
- Brendon Davis – SS (5th round)
- Chris Godinez – 2B (18th round)
- Jordan Tarsovich – 2B (22nd round)
- Nick Dean – SS (32nd round)
Calhoun and Davis were traded to the Rangers in the Yu Darvish trade; Jordan Tarsovich was traded to the A’s for Brett Eibner; Godinez and Dean were released in 2016. Calhoun is on the Rangers MLB 25 man roster. Davis is in High A, and Tarsovich is in AA still in the A’s organization.
The Dodgers were concentrating on other deficiencies in the draft; catching and pitching.
In the 2015-2016 International signing period, the Dodgers signed:
- Ronny Brito – SS – Dominican Republic
- Oneil Cruz – SS – Dominican Republic
- Luis Rodriguez – SS – Venezuela
- Aldo Espinoza – 2B – Nicaragua
- Omar Estevez – 2B – Cuba
Brito (19) and Estevez (20) remain top Dodgers prospects. Brito (#22 prospect) is having a breakout year at Ogden, while Estevez (#30 prospect), is having a solid year at Rancho Cucamonga. It is his 2nd year there and he is still one of the youngest in the California league. Luis Rodriguez (19) was first assigned from DSL to AZL this year, and is now an emergency infielder at AA. He should return to AZL soon. Aldo Espinoza (19) is playing sparingly in DSL. Oneil Cruz was traded to Pittsburgh in the Tony Watson trade, and is one of their top prospects (#5).
In July 2015, FAZ also used some of that International signing bonus money to purchase Tim Locastro (2B) and Chase De Jong (RHP) from Toronto. Locastro is on the 40 man, but is playing more CF, and the transition to utility player looks to be complete. De Jong was traded to Seattle for Drew Jackson, another middle infielder, in 2017.
In November 2015, not yet having that depth that FAZ covets, they signed Charlie Culberson who was a very important (if not much utilized) SS (and utility) player for LAD in 2016 and 2017. In January 2016, FAZ traded former 1st round draftee RHSP, Zach Lee, for SS Chris Taylor. CT3 spent the last month of 2016 with the big club, but did not show what was about to be unleashed in 2017, albeit primarily as an OF.
With still the only long term prospect at SS being Corey Seager, FAZ needed sought some additional SS help in the 2016 amateur draft.
- Gavin Lux – SS (1st round)
- Errol Robinson – SS (6th round)
- Kevin LaChance – SS (10th round)
- Brandon Montgomery – 2B (26th round)
- Zach McKinstry – SS (33rd round)
After a tremendous first four months at RC, Gavin was just promoted to AA, where he had a great debut (3-5 with a HR and 2 RBI). He is now the teammate of Errol Robinson and Drew Jackson, and all three are in the top 30 Dodger prospects; Lux (#6), Jackson (#19), and Robinson (#20).
McKinstry is having a fine 2018, and also finds himself at AA, while one of my favorites, Brandon Montgomery, is at RC. LaChance has been released.
In 2017, the Dodgers drafted a pair of young shortstops that could move through the organization, Jacob Amaya and Jeremy Arocho. I have already talked quite a bit about Amaya who was an 11th round draft choice who the Dodgers bought out of a Cal St. Fullerton scholarship ($247,500 for an 11th round draft pick).
- Jacob Amaya – SS (11th round)
- Marcus Chiu – 2B (15th round)
- Connor Heady – SS (23rd round)
- Preston Grand Pre – SS (24th round)
- Jeremy Arocho – SS (27th round)
Amaya is also enjoying a great start to the 2018 season and was just promoted to Great Lakes where he went 1-3 with a walk and RBI in his Pioneer League debut. Chiu is getting more comfortable to being a professional baseball player playing in his first full season at Great Lakes. Heady is on the Ogden roster and is Active but he is not playing. He does not have an AB this year. Grand Pre has been placed on the 60 day DL for the second straight year. However, Jeremy Arocho continues to impress at Ogden, and should form quite a good middle infield combo with Ronny Brito. They will undoubtedly continue to switch between 2B and SS.
Of the above, I think Amaya will make it into the top 30 Dodger prospects at some point. Unless he is totally overwhelmed at Great Lakes (which I doubt), he could start next year at RC.
In 2018 the Dodgers drafted versatility.
- Devin Mann – 2B/SS (5th round)
- Luke Heyer – 2B – (8th round)
- Deacon Liput – 2B (10th round)
All three have been assigned to Great Lakes. The one that draws my interest the most is Deacon Liput. I will continue to follow him as he progresses. While he was drafted as a 2B, he has been primarily playing SS. Mann has been exclusive at 2B, while Heyer is almost exclusive at 3B (1 game at 1B). But it is evident, that all three were drafted for the now #10 position on the Dodgers lineup roster…utility.
Since FAZ has taken over, the organization has gone from 1 middle infield prospect (Seager) to 5 (Lux, Jackson, Robinson, Brito, and Estevez). All 5 are capable of getting to the Show, with Lux looking to be the most prominent. While I like Lux, I would not look past Brito to make a ML impact as well. Robinson is the most pure defensive SS, so he could stay there, but Jackson and Estevez will probably be utility depth on a ML roster if they make it. In addition to the 5 top prospects, they have several good prospects throughout the organization that can either make a run with LAD or become logical trade package inclusions.
Tulsa – Lux, Robinson, Jackson, McKinstry
Rancho – Estevez, Montgomery
Great Lakes – Amaya, Liput, Mann, Heyer, Chiu
Ogden – Brito, Arocho
The Dodgers will continue to fill in with organizational depth via trade and minor league contracts especially at the upper levels (OKC – Solano, Mora, Peter). But their current future ML middle infielders will come from the last three year’s draft and international signings.
While their prospects continue to flourish in the minors, for now the Dodgers are blessed to have Manny Machado at SS (although at a steep price), Brian Dozier at 2B, Kike’ and CT3 more than capable SS (and 2B), and Muncy and Utley capable 2B (and 1B). Back up catcher Barnes is also a viable 2B reserve. Seager should be ready to resume his role in 2019. I am going to pencil him at SS until proven otherwise. Who joins him is still a chapter unwritten.
Discussion (84)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Judge should sentence the law firm of Axford and Rosscup to the farm for contempt of court.
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CF Pederson
RF Puig
3B Turner
SS Machado
1B Bellinger
2B Taylor
LF Toles
C Grandal/Barnes (not a platoon but share time to keep fresh in the dog days of summer)
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Give Kemp a 10 day vacation
I wonder how long we’re gonna stay in 2nd place in the division. I don’t think the team quite buys into the lineup constructions. I hate baseball at the moment.
Dodgers K 28 times in 2 game while scoring 1 run. They need someone who makes contact. They need to play a lineup that makes sense. They still need relief pitchers. I thought that was their biggest need before the deadline and The Axe and The Cup aren’t the answer.
The lineups continue to be inscrutable. At least for this fan of 65 years…
And I LIKE imagination in lineup construction:-).
Your in a pennant race and playing the world champs at home. What do you do? Play Kike, Barnes, and Kemp while benching the team’s hottest hitters.
Big wake up call.
We are good, but not gonna near good enough this season.
How about let Rosscup pitch the ninth and waive him right after the game and get Verdugo on the first flight out of Oklahoma City.. If Verdugo has not been down 10 days then dL Rosscup again for toe inflammation.
Rosscup looks like a great addition too.
Great game.
Axford looks like our 8 inning pitcher. Not.
Axford looks like our 8 inning pitcher. Not.
Great beginning for the Axe man
Mark are you preparing a write up? I will need some positivity in the morning as we face Cole and attempt to avoid the sweep. Kemp to the dL with right wrist or toe inflammation, Verdugo up.
Maeda is a 5 inning pitcher about 70 pitches his max but for some reason Roberts continues to try to extend him. For the second game in a row Roberts has left him in to let the game get away. Adam as far as the 3-0 count they been doing it all year. The analytics must say swing 3-0. That’s where a manager has to be more in control but I guess he believes it is the right thing to do. Houston started the night with 5 guys in the lineup hitting .250 or worse and we can’t get them out. I guess if Correa and Altuve were here they would score at will. Bedtime
I think I mentioned this before: andrew romine batting for seattle in critical game. His season–53 games .211/.260/.233 0 hr 1 rbi
Slow with the hook tonight
8 Ks in 5 innings. Who on this team can make contact?
Kemp and Muncy are lost right now, swinging 3 and 0 come on Kemp, what is the downside of puting them on the DL and getting up Verdugo and Toles? Kemp’s unwillingness to take a walk and babip was bound to catch up with him and Muncy may be regressing to who he was the last few years. Or maybe they are tired, either way at least one or both should sit for a week and half.
Roberts has 71 homeruns on the bench tonight. I would have like to have seen joc in there. But, he hit a homer last night for our only run So let’s bench him tonight.
So who do you guys like in the oakland/yankees wild card game?
The Los Angeles Dodgers today placed LHP Alex Wood on the 10-day disabled list with a left adductor tendonitis and reinstated LHP Zac Rosscup from the 10-day disabled list
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Bill Plunkett reports Ross Stripling will join the Dodgers on the road trip and replace Wood in the rotation
Testing.
DC–ethier’s career numbers compare favorably to karros’s and that seems like a decent generational comparison. Each was charismatic, productive. And enjoyed a length dodger tenure. Additionally, each declined toward the end of his contract and drew criticism. I consider ethier the superior player based on being a more complete player and I always felt karros put up a lot of his numbers in meaningless spots. Ethier wa DC definitely more intense. Karros probably has him on hair.
I periodically (okay more than periodically) check in on the Bowie Baysox to see how the four former Dodgers are performing. Last night was a good night for the former Dodger farm hands. Dean Kremer started and pitched 5 scoreless innings allowing 5 hits and 3 walks, with 6 Ks, to get the win. Zach Pop pitched the final two innings allowing 1 unearned run on 1 hit and 1 HBP, with 3 Ks. Yusniel Diaz went 2-3 with 2 doubles, 1 RBI, and 1 SB. Rylan Bannon went 1-3 with a RBI single.
It’s crazy to think that Andre was part of our 08/09 NLCS teams with Kemp, Loney, Broxton, Bills, Martin, Manny, etc (seems so long ago) and then he was part of the last 5 NL West winners as well. 12 years is a long time!
I agree Mark, at the time everybody thought we made the smart move by getting Darvish over an aging Verlander, as did I. If Darvish would have continued to pitch in the play-offs the way he did during the season, we are not having this conversation. But that’s baseball, you are not going to get it right all the time. Look at what Hamels did for the Cubs in his first start. Some older players get energized by a change of scenery and rediscover themselves. I still think that last year, with all the information they had available to them at the time,, FAZ would have made the same trade for Darvish.
I hate to break the news, but the Dodgers got Darvish, not Verlander for two reasons:
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1. The Luxury Tax – The Dodgers wanted to be under it in 2018 and if they signed Verlander, they could not do that; and
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2. At the time, most baseball people thought Darvish was the best choice. Verlander looked to be on the down-slide. It turned out the opposite. The Yankees passed on Verlander too, and signed Sonny Gray (whom many Dodger fans adored) and that necessitated making more trades and signings.
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Why the Dodgers did not take on Verlander goes back to (Some of you are going to hate this) THE TRADE. They were paying Crawfish and Gonzo and that caused them to sign risky pitchers too. Delete THE TRADE and Verlander may have been a Dodger… but I digress!
Andre Ethier is one of my all time favorites. I know last night was a tribute to Dre and if I still lived in LA I would have been at the game. If anyone on this site (Bobby?) was at the game, how was Dre received by the crowd? Was it a good ceremony? He was always known as Captain Clutch, and he will always remember his last PA was a fun scoring single in Game 7 of the 2017 WS. It sure would be nice to have his clutch bat in the lineup, but Father Time calls on all of it us.
When FAZ passed on Verlander last year, they probably knew that they were going to try and stay below the CBT threshhold. They probably didn’t know that they were going to get there with a deal for Kemp (or maybe they did), but you can rest assured that they were looking for ways to offload the expensive dead weight they were carrying.
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In whatever decisions FAZ is going to make for next year, you can bet they’re also throwing into the equation the cost of Seager, Bellinger, etc. in the years beyond 2019.
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It looks to me that Manny is trying too hard, and as a result is over-swinging. Hopefully he will get comfortable enough to relax, and we’ll begin to see the Manny we expected. Even superstars are human.
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Maybe Max Muncy is just in a slump, and will come out of it. Or maybe he’s been exposed and the league has got him figured out. I still remember Delwyn Young looking like a hitting machine at the end of 2007, and looking totally vulnerable to breaking balls and offspeed stuff the following year. I’m not giving up on Muncy (adjustments sometimes take a while), but I do admit that I have grown skeptical. Prove me wrong Max.
Things never work out the way you plan them but I could see several scenarios playing out next year and the future. For 2019 I have to put Turner at 3b and Seager at ss. I like the idea of dozier at 2b (if the price is right) but failing that I could see a taylor/mincy job share, which could be great. Even with the trade of Diaz it still feels like next year could see an OF logjam. Assuming bellinger returns to 1b and Taylor stays in the infield, we still have Kemp. Puig. Joc, toles. And verdugo. I’m telling you: verdugo can play cf. Machado is the wild card. I see him as a ss predominantly, so Seager would gave to move. Considering pitchers recover from TJ, I dont see why he cant too. He can slide to 3b when turners time is up. The best thing about all this depth is it gives our minor leaguers time to develop.
I might be wrong, but I don’t think Verlander beat us in either WS start.
The Dodgers didn’t let Verlander beat them. Their bullpen wound up being the difference as I remember. There should not have been a game 7.
I was a big proponent of getting Manny, and so far his stats show he’s doing well in LA. But he came here with some really impressive numbers in clutch situations and late game situations. But so far in the 15 or so games he’s been here, I haven’t seen 1 clutch hit. Please correct me if I’m wrong. His 9th inning HR was in a 5-0 game, so it was meaningless. But he needs to step up and play like a superstar.
All I’m seeing is strikeout or weak out when it’s a pressure situation for him.
The Astros had the first pick in the draft in 2012 (Carlos Correa), 2013 (Mark Appel) and 2014 (Brady Aiken), but Correa is the only player still in the Houston organization.
Can’t help but think how things would have been different if Houston had gotten Darvish and us Verlander. Verlander wanted to be a dodger. So Verlander essentially beat us without their best players altuve and Correa. They should have just brought Verlander, springer, and a catcher. I know we won game 6 I was there but a missed opportunity for sure.
That is a great summary of the middle infield project. Thanks.
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I too like guys like McKinstry and Mongomery who are not big names but give big time efforts.
Ity’s almost cliche, but the depth FAZ is building is astounding!
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I could see Dozier and Machadi with LA next year, or the could be gone. A lot depends upon what else happens: Grandal, Kershaw, Puig, et al. They only have $130 million on the books not counting arbitration. Wood, Pederson, Kike, Corey and CT3 should all get big raises, which could add up to $35+ million. Dozier and Machado could command upward of $50 million a year combined, so you can see there are a lot of issues to be decided.