Tag: Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodgers, Kenta Maeda Agree on Contract

Published on by Dennis Schlossman3 Comments

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One day after strengthening their starting rotation with the signing of Scott Kazmir, the Los Angeles Dodgers went a step further by reportedly reaching a contract agreement with Japanese righty Kenta Maeda.

Christopher Meola first reported the news on Twitter, which was later confirmed by Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.

Terms of the deal are still unknown, but rumors that are swirling early suggest that the contract could possibly encompass eight years.

In addition to the money owed to Maeda in the terms of the contract, the Dodgers will pay the Hiroshima Carp a posting fee which may total up to $20 million.

Think Blue Planning Committee explored the possibility of signing Maeda earlier in December.

Maeda, who will be 28 at the beginning of the 2016 season, is considered by many the top current pitcher in Japan. He began pitching professionally at age 20 for the Carp in 2008. In 2015, he posted a 15-8 record, hurling 206+ innings while recording a 2.09 ERA, 7.6 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9.

His banner year may have been 2013, when he fanned 171 batters in 206 innings while logging a 1.53 ERA. His efforts for both of those years earned him Sawamura Awards — Japan’s equivalent to MLB’s Cy Young Award.

According to scouting reports, his early projection is to be a workhorse-type — possibly slotting in as a solid #3 or #4 starter upon his arrival to MLB.

Baseball America‘s Ben Badler recently posted a scouting report (subscription required) on Maeda, which he offered the following analysis (excerpt):

“Maeda has shown solid stuff across the board, with a fastball that sits at 89-93 mph and can touch 94, a tick above-average slider that he leans on heavily, along with a curveball and a changeup … While Maeda’s slider is usually his go-to secondary pitch, his best offspeed weapon in two starts against Mexico and Puerto Rico was his changeup.”

Maeda will compete for in a spot in the Dodgers’ starting rotation with Kazmir, Clayton Kershaw, Brett Anderson, Alex Wood and Hyun-jin Ryu, potentially breaking up the possibility of an all left-handed starting five.

With the offseason now past the halfway point, approximately seven weeks remain for the Dodgers to fine-tune and polish the roster before spring training begins.

Maeda will presumably report to Camelback Ranch with other Dodgers’ pitchers and catchers on February 19.

(Photo Credit: The Japan Times)

Dodgers Bolster Starting Rotation with Scott Kazmir

Published on by Dennis Schlossman3 Comments

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In a much needed move to strengthen a questionable starting rotation, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed lefty Scott Kazmir on Tuesday to a reported three-year contract worth $48 million.

The deal involves several deferred payments, as well as an opt-out clause which may be exercised after only one season. The deferred money is reported to consist of three payments of $8 million each, spread out from 2019-2021.

Because he was dealt mid-season to the Houston Astros, the Dodgers did not surrender a draft pick to sign Kazmir.

At age 20, Kazmir began his career in Tampa Bay with Andrew Friedman as his GM in August of 2004. Despite his young age, Kazmir quickly became one of the better left-handed starting pitchers in the American League, primarily relying on a mid-90s fastball coupled with an extremely effective slider.

Nagging injuries led to inconsistencies from 2008-2011, and eventually forced Kazmir out of MLB entirely. After logging endless hours of individual work and persevering through several independent and winter league seasons, Kazmir signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians before the 2013 season and eventually earned a spot in their big league rotation .

Since returning to the Majors, Kazmir, who turns 32 in January, has compiled a 3.54 ERA with a 8.1 K/9 and a 2.6 BB/9. In 2015, Kazmir was 7-11 with a 3.10 ERA and 1.208 WHIP in 31 starts between Oakland and Houston, recording 155 strikeouts and 59 walks in 183 innings of work.

The addition of Kazmir creates the potential for an all-lefty starting rotation, also featuring Clayton Kershaw, Brett Anderson, Alex Wood and Hyun-jin Ryu, if healthy.

The opt-out clause seems strategic for both parties in some senses. If Kazmir throws well in 2016 (considering the pitcher-friendliness of Dodger Stadium), he could opt-out and join a very scarce free agent market next year. In doing so, the Dodgers could potentially gain an extra draft pick if they extend a qualifying offer.

If the Dodgers add more starters via trade or free agency, and stay healthy through July in the process, they could possibly deal Kazmir to a contender before the trade deadline and conceivably gain a high-level prospect in return.

The Dodgers are also rumored to be in pursuit of Japanese righty Kenta Maeda, who was posted by the Hiroshima Carp earlier this month. The addition of Maeda, paired with a potential mid-season return of Brandon McCarthy, may perhaps balance out the rotation in terms of right-handers vs. left-handers.

Maeda has a 30-day window to make a contract decision which expires on January 8.

(Photo Credit: foxsports.com)

Dodgers Prospects: Cody Bellinger Emerging

Published on by Dennis Schlossman3 Comments

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Considering the high number of pitching prospects in the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system, it’s quite refreshing when a position player reels in the accolades and climbs the rankings list.

Cody Bellinger was drafted by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB draft. After passing up a baseball scholarship at the University of Oregon, he began his career in the minors with the Arizona League Dodgers at the age of 17 and has never looked back.

Bellinger was named to both the first and second-half Cal League All-Star teams last season, and was named MVP of the Cal League Championship Series in which the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes swept the San Jose Giants three games to none. He was also voted as the best defensive first baseman in the Cal League for 2015 by Class-A managers and coaches.

Son of former New York Yankees utility man Clay Bellinger, Cody hopes to begin the 2016 season at Double-A Tulsa at only 20 years of age.

He’s currently ranked as the fifth best prospect in the Dodgers’ organization by Ben Badler of Baseball America, although that could be amended to a fourth place ranking considering Jose Peraza‘s departure to Cincinnati.

Well known for being a high contact and line drive-type hitter early on, Bellinger sacrificed his batting average for a little bit of power last year, slashing .264/.336/.538 in 478 at-bats while recording 30 HR, 103 RBI, 52 walks and 10 steals.

Listed at 6’4″ and 180 lbs. on the Quakes roster, Bellinger says he’s now up to about 195 lbs.  — which is part of the reason for the recent power surge.

“I don’t have to use my whole body to get it out any more,” Bellinger stated. “I’m still young and I know more weight will come as I fill out naturally. I’m excited to see what happens when I do.”

He also added that extra work in the cages and a few adjustments of his swing were key to last season’s success.

“Honestly, the game really slowed down for me this year,” Bellinger said. “Skipping a level, it was a little bit of an adjustment period to start. I have to give a lot of credit to our hitting coordinator, we were working on my swing all offseason. I always had the power — it was just a matter of time before I developed. He really helped me incorporate my hands into my swing. I’m using my hands a lot more, and the pitches I was hitting last year in the gap are going over the fence this year.”

Many scouts say that Bellinger’s glove may be his best asset, and coupled with his speed, he’s also found recent success in center field. All things considered, Bellinger believes that his true talent still lies at first base.

“They told me, the more positions you can play the better,” Bellinger added. “So I was all up for it, accepted it, and we’ll see where it goes. But definitely see myself as a first baseman and I think they do, too.”

Upon scouting him at June’s Carolina-California Class A Advanced All Star Game in Rancho Cucamonga, Bernie Pleskoff, who served as a professional scout for the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners, had this to say about Bellinger:

“It appears obvious that Bellinger has an outstanding grasp of baseball fundamentals. Having learned from his father and good coaches along the way, Bellinger has poise, composure and baseball acumen beyond his years. About to turn 20 in mid-July, he looks and plays like a seasoned veteran. 

“He has the type of quick bat that produces a crucial base hit at the right time in the game. He will be a force with runners on base, because he knows the strike zone well and has the patience to wait for a pitch he can drive. Bellinger will get his share of RBIs by hitting the ball from gap to gap. 

“I think Bellinger can become a fan favorite. He hustles, plays extremely good defense, gets important base hits and is a consummate team player. If Bellinger can develop power, he could become a fixture at first base. Even if he doesn’t hit 20 homers a year, his contribution as a run producer will be welcomed.”

One season in the California League at High-A is only a small sample size and shouldn’t be used as a platform to elevate Bellinger into superstar status. However, based on his pedigree, his hustle and his work ethic, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in Dodger Blue a few years down the road.

(Photo Credit: milb.com)

Dodgers Prospects: Does Zach Lee Still Have Value?

Published on by Dennis Schlossman2 Comments

Los Angeles Dodgers workout

Once considered the crown jewel of the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system, former first-round draft pick Zach Lee continues to tumble in the team’s prospect rankings despite relatively consistent numbers.

Chosen by the Dodgers with the 28th overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft, Lee had previously committed to play quarterback for the LSU Tigers, but ex-Assistant GM Logan White swooped in with a signing bonus offer of $5.25 million, which eventually persuaded Lee to stick with baseball.

After a solid age-19 season with the Great Lakes Loons in 2011, Lee was unanimously ranked #1 among all Dodgers’ prospects in 2012, and many scouts viewed him to have the potential to be at least a #2 starter in the bigs.

He began 2012 with High-A Rancho Cucamonga, and continuing to climb the organizational ladder, progressed quickly to Double-A Chattanooga. In 2013, Lee secured a spot in the Southern League All-Star game and compiled a 10-10 record with a 3.22 ERA in 28 appearances. He struck out 131 batters over 142 innings that season, sporting a 8.3 K/9.

Despite the solid progression, Lee began to fall in the Dodgers’ prospect rankings, mainly thanks to the emergence of newcomers Yasiel Puig, Joc Pederson and Corey Seager.

In the high desert of Albuquerque in 2014, his numbers declined as expected, as he put together a 7-13 record over 150 innings of work, with a 5.39 ERA, a 1.537 WHIP and a meager 5.8 K/9.

Not including his shaky debut in the bigs, Lee found reasonable success with Oklahoma City last season. But with the ascension of players like Julio Urias, José De León and Yadier Alvarez, he continues to plummet in the prospect rankings.

Preliminary rankings for 2016 have him placed in the #13 – #15 range within the Dodgers’ organization.

After beginning his career with a ceiling of a possible #2 starter, many scouts now view him as a potential #4 or #5 at best.

All that being said, does Zach Lee have any value to a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers and their immediate needs?

His command is still sharp, which was made evident by his 1.5 BB/9 last season. His sinker is consistently solid, resulting in a 50% ground ball rate. His slider is still developing, which will eventually compliment his four-seamer, changeup and above-mentioned sinker. He still shows plenty of velocity with the heater, so there is some upside.

It’s tough to speculate how he fits in with the Dodgers. Heading into 2016, the rotation at Triple-A OKC is extremely crowded, and it may be possible that he’s packaged in some type of potential trade scenario. Regardless, he is one of three pitchers in the minors that is considered MLB-ready, and may get a call-up at some point depending on how much starting pitching depth the Dodgers stash via trade or free agency.

As for the long term, with players like Brandon McCarthy and Alex Wood around for several more years, it’s hard to see Lee being a fit in the back end of a rotation that soon may be featuring Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-jin Ryu, De León and Urias up front.

With all the the new talent emerging, perhaps the Dodgers’ best bet is to find a deal for Lee with another squad who would appreciate the ceiling of a #4 or #5-type starter, especially before his value slips any further.

After all, at one point he was completely untouchable.

(Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

Los Angeles Dodgers 25-Man Roster: 2015 Holiday Edition

Published on by Dennis Schlossman3 Comments

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As we approach Christmas weekend, everyone here at TBPC chose to put together a fun, quick post about the Los Angeles Dodgers that really wouldn’t take a ton of work or research.

We decided on taking a look at the 25-man roster as if the season began today — basically just to illustrate how much work actually remains before pitchers and catchers report on February 19.

A few things to note before we begin: we did include Yasmani Grandal and Justin Turner, assuming they make clean recoveries and are 100% healthy by spring training. We did not, however, include Hyun-jin Ryu. Currently, all signs point to him being on schedule, but there are just too many factors at this point to pencil him into the starting rotation.

So with no further ado, here’s how we broke down our version of the 25-man at this juncture of the offseason (and it wasn’t really fun or quick, by the way):

Outfielders (5) – Andre Ethier, Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, Carl Crawford and Scott Van Slyke

Infielders (6) – Justin Turner, Corey Seager, Chase Utley, Adrian Gonzalez, Enrique Hernandez and Alex Guerrero

Catchers (2) – Yasmani Grandal and A.J. Ellis

Starting Pitchers (5) – Clayton Kershaw, Brett Anderson, Alex Wood, Mike Bolsinger and Carlos Frias

Bullpen (7) – Kenley Jansen, Chris Hatcher, Pedro Baez,  J.P. Howell, Luis Avilan, Yimi Garcia and Adam Liberatore

Of course, the most glaring concern is the starting rotation. There’s no need to panic just yet, because additions will be made and there’s still plenty of time. January 8 is an important date to remember, as Kenta Maeda‘s camp will have arrived at a contract decision by day’s end. And it’s also safe to speculate that at least one other starter will be added via trade or free agency, giving Frias the ability to slide back into the swingman role.

A strong and healthy Ryu would also fill a slot, but it’s just not safe to hope and wait for that length of time.

It’s very much worth noting that the two most talented pitchers in the entire organization not named Kershaw, José De León and Julio Urias, aren’t even a part of the 40-man roster just yet. Look for that to change as Opening Day approaches — unless some type of impact trade occurs and surprises everyone.

Another area of concern is the bullpen, which right now looks the same as last year, sans Juan Nicasio and Jim Johnson. This seems to be a priority for Andrew Friedman as well, as made evident by the attempt to bring aboard Aroldis Chapman. There are a few other options in-house, as players such as Frankie Montas, Jharel Cotton, Chris Anderson, Josh Ravin and Ian Thomas are waiting in the wings.

With the exception of the Alex Guerrero situation, the infield may hold up just fine barring any type of injury epidemic. Ronald Torreyes waits at Triple-A to provide any required cover at second, third or short. Micah Johnson, Charlie Culberson and Austin Barnes could provide additional depth, if needed.

Trayce Thompson was acquired to provide complimentary depth at all three outfield spots, but it’s inconceivable to think that the Dodgers will carry six outfielders. It’s easy to speculate that somebody could be moved in some type of trade for a much needed starting pitcher or bullpen piece.

One additional area of concern is the lack of the traditional leadoff batter. Pederson’s strikeout rate is way too high for him to maintain a high OBP. Other options here are limited, but may include Hernandez or Puig, being that the sabermetric philosophy of Friedman doesn’t put a high value on stolen bases.

All that being said, there’s still a multitude of work remaining for the front office. Hopefully Farhan Zaidi and Friedman come fresh out of the gates after the New Year, and finish molding the roster with high hopes, expectations and the talent to contend in 2016.

(Photo Credit: Joe Hamilton)

Weighing the Dodgers’ Options with Carl Crawford

Published on by Dennis Schlossman2 Comments

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With spring training less than two months away, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been relatively quiet in the player personnel department; but as February quickly approaches, expect the Dodgers front office to start shuffling a few players — especially in the outfield.

One player who continues to draw consistent criticism from the fan base is left fielder Carl Crawford.

Crawford, 34, is under contract with the Dodgers through the 2017 season. He’ll earn $21,607,000 in 2016 and $21,857,000 in his walk year.

His banner year as a Dodger came in 2014 when he slashed .300/.339/.429 in 105 appearances.

He has often been hampered by injuries, which was the case in 2015, when he missed almost half the season with a serious oblique strain.

There’s no question that a healthy Crawford can contribute to the Dodgers in some extent, but whether or not he can produce to the tune of $21 million remains to be seen. With up to six outfielders competing for roster spots in 2016, every spot on the 25-man is extremely valuable.

All things being considered, Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi are faced with making a decision regarding Crawford, with the outcome hinging on three possible scenarios.

The first, which is the most unlikely, is to designate him for assignment. Although Friedman has shown no fear of DFA’ing players with hefty contracts in the past (see Brian Wilson and Brandon League), $43 million is just too large a sum to simply throw away, especially if Crawford is healthy enough to produce.

The next scenario is to try and trade him to another team. Looking at this on the surface, it seems like an impossibility, but don’t discount the creativity of Friedman.

A one-for-one deal with another team is highly improbable unless the Dodgers would settle for a lower-tier prospect and send money for all of Crawford’s 2016 contract, plus a check for a chunk of his 2017 salary. However, that’s not to say that Friedman couldn’t score a 3-4 team deal involving pieces that are only conceivable to the imagination. It’s safe to believe that Friedman and Zaidi have been on the phones now for sometime trying to make this happen.

The final option is to play Crawford part-time in left field and to utilize him as a late inning bench piece. Without a myriad of injuries, it’s reasonable to assume that Crawford won’t play every day, as there are just too many options besides him that will net better results. That being said, if the Dodgers were to trade away one or more core components of their current outfield corps, a starting spot could be conceivable.

There’s still enough time for the landscape to change in terms of players coming and going via trade, thus the decision for Friedman and Zaidi may get easier. However, a bench piece making $21 million annually will make Friedman cringe, and based on his beliefs and philosophies, he’ll certainly try his best to get a better return for his investment down the road.

(Photo Credit: zimbio.com)

Projecting the Starting Rotation at Oklahoma City

Published on by Dennis Schlossman5 Comments

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Although the starting pitching rotation for the 2016 Los Angeles Dodgers is still very much in doubt, the same cannot be said for their Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City Dodgers.

Truth be told, after a brief analysis of available starting pitchers on the farm, nine different hurlers have a legitimate shot at vying for a rotation spot in OKC. Let’s take a look at all nine pitchers, listing their ages come Opening Day, number of option years remaining, and where they may begin their respective 2016 campaigns.

  • Mike Bolsinger – 28 years, one option remaining
  • Carlos Frias – 26 years, one option remaining
  • Joe Wieland – 26 years, one option remaining
  • Zach Lee – 24 years, two options remaining
  • Ross Stripling – 26 years, all three options remaining
  • Jharel Cotton – 24 years, all three options remaining
  • Frankie Montas – 23 years, all three options remaining
  • José De León – 23 years, all three options remaining
  • Julio Urias – 19 years, all three options remaining

Needless to say, that’s a very crowded yet talented list. Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi may decide to simplify things by moving a few to the bullpen, or more likely, use several as trade pieces in a package for a much needed impact starter at the big league level.

Carlos Frias may command a spot on the 25-man roster, perhaps filling the role that Juan Nicasio held last season as long man or spot starter. Frias made 17 appearances including 13 starts for the Dodgers last season, hurling 77.2 innings to a tune of a 4.06 ERA.

Both Mike Bolsinger and Joe Wieland are also considered MLB-ready, and barring any trade or the need to begin the season in the Dodgers rotation, will certainly fill starting roles for OKC.

After a hot start, Bolsinger ended up contributing 109 innings over 21 starts in the bigs, compiling a 6-6 record with a 3.63 ERA and a 8.1 K/9.

Wieland made two unsuccessful starts for the Dodgers in 2015, but put up relatively consistent numbers for OKC. He threw 113 innings over 21 starts and posted a 4.59 ERA.

Former first-round draft pick Zach Lee had a nightmare of a debut for the Dodgers, but put up solid numbers in Triple-A. Lee hurled 113 innings over 19 starts sporting a 2.70 ERA. He also likely fills a starting slot for Oklahoma City.

Having had Tommy John surgery and sitting out all of 2014, Ross Stripling returned and pitched 67 innings over 13 starts for the Tulsa Drillers last season. He was added to the 40-man in November to protect him from Rule 5 status. Stripling isn’t overpowering, but features a nasty arsenal of breaking pitches much like Bolsinger. Stripling has never thrown at the Triple-A level, and may begin the year at Tulsa just to make room for others at OKC.

Although two completely different pitchers, Jharel Cotton and Frankie Montas find themselves in similar situations. Cotton had been a starter, and was given an opportunity to relieve late last season, while Montas has proven himself as a reliever but projects as a hard-throwing starter.

Cotton, who probably has the best changeup in the Dodgers system, projects better as a starter due to the lack of velocity on his fastball (90-91 MPH). His breaking pitches are his best weapons, leading him to a 10.7 K/9 in almost 100 innings of work last year.

Whether an honest evaluation, or an attempt to make him look attractive to other teams as a trade piece, Andrew Friedman continues to hype the talent of Montas. Friedman believes that his fastball-slider combo is among the best in the minors and often touts his triple-digit fastball. If able to maintain his command as a starter, there’s no doubt Montas will climb to the top of the Triple-A rotation quickly.

Perhaps the two most talented starters among the entire group are José De León and Julio Urias. Although both have ascended through the Dodgers’ system rapidly, neither is on the 40-man roster.

In terms of control, fastball velocity, mental maturity and overall talent, De León is fully developed physically and ready to go. If there’s still a crowded house come Opening Day, he may begin the season at Tulsa, but should make the jump to Triple-A quickly and be ready for a fall call-up when rosters expand in September.

Urias, the prized-possession of the farm, most likely needs one additional season on an innings count due to the fact that he’s still developing physically. He may be promoted to the 40-man at some point depending on the movement of other players, but like De León, should get a taste come September.

Based on no players being moved, and no service needed at the MLB level (assuming the Dodgers sign somebody like Kenta Maeda and one other free agent pitcher), we see things shaping up like this:

  • OKC starting rotation: Bolsinger, Urias, Lee, Montas and Wieland; with Cotton as long man and spot starter
  • De León and Stripling beginning the year at Double-A Tulsa but rising quickly
  • Frias beginning the season as long man in the bigs

Of course, all this could change with an injury or any type of trade. Although the logjam could create some minor headaches for the managers and directors on the farm, it’s certainly a good problem to have — especially when the big league squad needs all the help it can get.

(Photo Credit: MLB.com)

Hyun-Jin Ryu on Pace to Return by Spring Training

Published on by Dennis Schlossman1 Comment

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Fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers finally received a bit of good news on Friday when starting pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu publicly revealed the progress regarding his recovery from last spring’s shoulder surgery.

Alongside teammate Justin Turner, several Dodgers legends, and members of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, Ryu was at Dodger Stadium hosting 300 pre-selected schoolchildren at the annual Children’s Holiday Party.

Dodgers reporter Ken Gurnick of MLB.com first reported the news Friday evening.

“Other than throwing off a mound and going all out, I pretty much can do everything I want to do. I’m on a great program and everything is going great. No discomfort, absolutely nothing,” Ryu explained.

“I have no reason to believe I won’t be ready for Spring Training.”

Although the Dodgers’ medical staff and trainers are monitoring Ryu’s progress closely, the news comes as a bit of relief to many impatient fans who see a very sizable void in the starting rotation.

“My personal goal is to be in the rotation Opening Day until the season ends,” Ryu said.

Despite knowing that his initial physical before the 2013 season revealed a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Ryu pitched with the injury for two seasons and went 28-15 with a combined 3.17 ERA.

His best year was his rookie campaign in 2013, when he hurled 192 innings in 30 games, posted a 14-7 record (including one shutout) and a 3.00 ERA — numbers certainly worthy of a #2 rotation slot.

In light of Ryu’s progress, Dodgers’ President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman considers Ryu a “wild card” in terms of being ready for Opening Day.

Even with Ryu healthy, the Dodgers still need to add rotation depth, unless a solid and dependable option emerges from the farm  — most specifically Jose De Leon or Julio Urias.

The Dodgers have also been linked to trade rumors involving the Cleveland Indians and Tampa Bay Rays, as well as talks with free agent starters Mike Leake and Scott Kazmir.

Perhaps the best option of any is Japanese righty Kenta Maeda, who was posted by the Hiroshima Carp on December 10, and has a 30-day window to complete a contract agreement.

Regardless of what the Dodgers decide to strengthen and deepen the starting rotation, a healthy Ryu to begin the season would be very much welcomed by the fans, the players, and management alike.

(Photo Credit: isportsweb.com)

Dodgers Prospects: Scouting Yadier Álvarez

Published on by Dennis Schlossman3 Comments

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Digging deeper into the seemingly limitless list of pitching prospects in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, another name sure to turn heads in the very near future is Cuban righty Yadier Álvarez.

After defecting from Cuba at the age of 18 and showcasing his skills in the Dominican Prospect League, the Dodgers signed Álvarez to a $16 million bonus on the first day of the 2015-2016 international signing period last July.

He’s currently ranked as the 10th best prospect in the Dodgers organization by Ben Badler of Baseball America.

Badler’s initial report of the Álvarez signing included this brief tidbit of scouting data:

“Alvarez, 19, has been clocked anywhere from 92-98 mph with his fastball, with a skinny frame (6-foot-3, 175 pounds) and a quick arm. His secondary stuff is inconsistent, but he has flashed an above-average slider that’s ahead of his changeup, a pitch he’s still learning to maintain his arm speed when he throws one. There’s some wildness in the very limited track record that exists with Alvarez, who never pitched in Serie Nacional and did not make Cuba’s junior national team before he left the island.”

Dodgers Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations Josh Byrnes and other Dodgers scouts were intrigued by the velocity of Álvarez’s fastball and potential for plus breaking stuff dating back to December of 2014.

“He’s one of the more talented teenage right-handed pitchers we’ve seen. A lot of us have been doing this a long time,” Byrnes said. “He has a prototypical body, with high-end velocity. We’ve seen him consistently 92-97 mph, occasionally touching 99-100. There is very little effort, a pretty good feel for secondary pitches, and he’s a pretty good strike-thrower. He’s got a long way to go, but his foundation, his ingredients for his age are pretty rare, so we’re excited to have him.”

It’s hard to say this early if Álvarez has the stamina or durability to be a starter. He finished out 2015 by throwing 2-4 innings per clip during workouts in the Dominican Republic, and it’s probable he’ll begin his career in the States with the Arizona League Dodgers this spring.

If he proves capable of handling the role of being a starter, his value and ranking among Dodgers prospects will skyrocket.

Rookie ball will be a valuable gauge in assessing the true talent of Álvarez. If he measures up anywhere near his initial evaluations, the already stellar Dodgers farm system will have gotten just a little bit deeper.

(Photo Credit: hngn.com)

Dodgers Prospects: José De León On the Rise

Published on by Dennis Schlossman4 Comments

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Regardless of how questionable the starting rotation looks for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, fans can take comfort in knowing that a handful of future stars are on the verge of making an impact in the bigs.

One such prized prospect is 23-year-old righty José De León.

Born in Isabela, Puerto Rico in 1992, De León played college ball at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and was drafted by the Dodgers in the 24th round of the 2013 MLB draft.

De León is currently ranked the third-best prospect in the Dodgers organization by Ben Badler of Baseball America.

After a full year of rookie ball in 2013, his ascension to star level began to take place when he was named the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Year while playing for the Ogden Raptors in 2014. Later that year, after being promoted to Single-A Great Lakes, he broke Clayton Kershaw’s team record of 12 Ks set back in 2007 by fanning 14 Fort Wayne TinCaps in only his second career-start for the Loons. 12 of his 14 strikeout victims were retired by swinging strikes.

The beginning of 2015 saw De León promoted to High-A Rancho Cucamonga where he continued to shine. On May 29 against the Frisco RoughRiders, he threw 91 pitches over seven innings of work while striking out a season-high 11 batters and only allowing three hits, two walks and one earned run. His total tally for Rancho included 58 strikeouts over 37.2 innings of work, which calculated to a 13.9 K/9. A WHIP of .903 and a 1.9 BB/9 reflected the dominance he showed at the Single-A level. He was promoted to Double-A Tulsa after only 7 appearances for the Quakes.

While with the Drillers, De León fanned 105 batters over 76.2 innings to close out 2015. He posted a 12.3 K/9 and a WHIP of 1.124. His 3.4 BB/9, however, revealed his continued efforts to develop and diversify his off-speed and breaking-pitch arsenal.

Over the course of 2015, De León showed that he was much more serious about baseball as opposed to his earlier years. He ended up dropping 25-plus pounds by the end of the season. His improved fitness and conditioning allowed him to refine his mechanics, while increasing the spin on his slider and noticeably elevating the velocity of his fastball.

De León’s fastball, which has nasty, late movement and sits in the 93-96 MPH range, is by far his best weapon. His slider rates a little above-average but continues to improve. His changeup is by far his best off-speed pitch — he’s not afraid to use it when behind in the count and often uses it as his strikeout pitch.

Many scouts within the organization project De León to be a solid #3 starter down the road, but as time goes by, his ceiling continues to rise. His hard work on and off the field reflects a progressively improving command and pitching arsenal as well as added mental maturity. His rapid development and advancement almost indicate that he has a desire to be the Dodgers #1 prospect on the farm.

Most within the Dodgers’ organization see De León getting his first taste when rosters expand in September of 2016 and being ready to contribute to the rotation in 2017, but with his hard work and his uncanny ability to advance, don’t be surprised to see him on the hill much sooner.

(Photo Credit: milb.com)