MINOR LEAGUE/PROSPECTS Thread

Dodgers announce 2016 Minor League Coaching Staffs
by Matthew Moreno | Dodger Blue — 20 minutes ago

In December the Los Angeles Dodgers announced the managers for all six of their Minor League affiliates, which translated to new skipper taking the helm with each affiliate.

On Thursday, the club announced the coaching staffs for Bill Hasselman (Triple-A Oklahoma City manager), Ryan Garko (Double-A Tulsa), Drew Saylor (High-A Rancho Cucamonga), Gil Velazquez (Low-A Great Lakes), Shaun Larkin (Rookie-Level Ogden) and John Shoemaker (Arizona League Dodgers).

Along with managing the Raptors, Larkin joins the organization as the coordinator of skills development.

John Valentin, who worked as the Dodgers Major League assistant hitting coach over the past three seasons, is now the Loons hitting coach.

Los Angeles replaced Valentin and former hitting coach Mark McGwire with Tim Hyers and Turner Ward, respectively.

Coaching under Hasselman with OKC will be Matt Herges (pitching coach), Shawn Wooten (hitting coach) and Luis Matos (fourth coach).

Herges and Wooten both held the same position with the Drillers last season. Matos joins the Triple-A staff after guiding the Loons to a fourth postseason appearance during his tenure as manager.

Garko’s staff includes, Bill Simas (pitching coach), Terrmel Sledge (hitting coach) and Leo Garcia (fourth coach). Simas held the same position with the Quakes in 2015 and enters his sixth season with the Dodgers organization; though this marks his first with the Double-A affiliate.

Sledge was the hitting coach for the Chicago Cubs’ Single-A Eugene affiliate last season and is in his first year with the Dodgers organization. This season will be Garcia’s second as the Drillers’ fourth coach.

Working on Saylor’s Quakes staff are, Kip Wells (pitching coach), Jay Gibbons (hitting coach) and Rafael Ozuna (fourth coach). Wells is new to the organization, while Gibbons held the same position with the Loons in 2015, and Ozuna returns for a second season as fourth coach with the Quakes.

Velazquez leads the Loons after spending last season as fourth coach for the AZL Dodgers. His staff consists of Bobby Cuellar (pitching coach), Valentin (hitting coach) and Fumi Ishibashi (fourth coach).

Cuellar was the Loons pitching coach in 2015, Valentin is in his ninth season with the Dodgers organization, and Ishibashi previously worked as the Raptors fourth coach.

Raptors (Don Alexander). A hitting coach and fourth coach have not yet been named. Alexander is new to the organization after spending the past four seasons as Houston’s Single-A Lancaster pitching coach.

Alexander enters his 25th season as a professional coach, which along with the Astros, includes time spent coaching in the Minors for the San Diego Padres.

Shoemaker’s AZL staff consists of Greg Sabat (pitching coach), Aaron Bates and Robert Fick sharing hitting coach duties. A fourth coach hasn’t yet been hired. Bates and Sabat return for a second season with the team. Fick was a roving instructor for the entire farm system last year.

 

nerds!

 

Dodgers' Jose De Leon ranked 5th right-handed pitching prospect
by Matthew Moreno | Dodger Blue — 2 hours ago

Since Andrew Friedman took control of the Los Angeles Dodgers front office as president of baseball operations in October 2014, he’s stressed the importance of having pitching depth.

Friedman and general manager Farhan Zaidi did their best to fortify the organization’s pitching staff, which proved beneficial, if not necessary, as the Dodgers used an MLB-high 16 starting pitchers last season.

Along with rolling the dice on the likes of Brandon Beachy and Mike Bolsinger, the Dodgers have prudently added pitchers via trades, the draft, and international free-agent market.

That was completed all the while retaining prospects who were already part of the organization. As a result, Los Angeles has assembled strong crop of young starters who are on the verge of making an impact at the Major League level.

One such hurler is Jose De Leon. The 23 year old has quickly moved up the Minor League ranks since being taken in the 24th round of the 2013 draft, and is listed as the No. 5 right-handed prospect by Jim Callis of MLBPipeline.com:

5. Jose De Leon, Dodgers
De Leon has skyrocketed from his lowly Draft status and a 6.96 ERA in his pro debut to leading the Minors with 12.8 strikeouts per nine innings and reaching Double-A in 2015, just two years later. De Leon’s stuff and command have gotten a lot better since he improved his conditioning and mechanics, giving him a riding 92-96 mph fastball, a plus changeup and an effective if inconsistent slider.​

De Leon began the season with High-A Rancho Cucamonga, where he went 4-1 with a 2.15 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and averaged 13.9 strikeouts per nine innings over seven starts (37.2 innings). De Leon then joined Double-A Tulsa, making his debut with the affiliate on May 22.

In 16 starts with the Drillers, De Leon was 2-6 with a 4.11 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. His strikeouts per nine innings dropped a tick, but remained an impressive 12.3 over 76.2 innings pitched.

High-A opponents hit .193 with one home run and five doubles against De Leon, while opposing batters in the Double-A level hit .219 with 11 home runs, four triples and 15 doubles.

With an overall average of 12.8 strikeouts per nine innings last season, it marked the second consecutive year De Leon has led all Minor League pitchers in that category (minimum 75 innings).

 

Prospects who could contribute in 2016
by Brian Robitaille | Dodgers Nation — 1 hour ago

Over the last couple of years, the Dodgers new front office has made moves that some fans may like, while others may question. But while the trades, signings, and acquisitions could be debated, one thing that most certainly can’t, is the increased focus on the farm system. The Dodgers haven’t had a core of top prospects like they have now in a very long time.

Some prospects are still years away from making the club. Also, there will surely be additional moves made that could send some of these guys to other teams before they ever have a chance to wear Dodger Blue. The depth that the Dodgers now have in their minor league system gives them plenty of flexibility. So, instead of looking too far down the road, we take a look here at 11 prospects that could play a role and contribute to the Dodgers club in 2016. (Where each player ranks on the prospect list in parentheses.)


Definitely Helping

Corey Seager (#1):
Not only the Dodgers top prospect, but likely the #1 prospect in all of baseball going into 2016. After getting a September call-up last season, Seager is ready to take over the starting shortstop duties this year. The Dodgers will likely try to temper their expectations, and not put too much pressure on their rookie, but it’ll be hard not to get excited about the possibilities. In his brief stint with the team last year, Seager hit .337 with 4 home runs in 113 AB. Dodgers fans are anxious to see what a full year will bring. He’s the one prospect on this list that will almost certainly be playing on opening day.

Micah Johnson (#8):
Acquired by the Dodgers this off-season in a three-way trade with the Reds and the White Sox, Johnson has a chance to not only make the opening day roster, but possibly be in the mix for the starting 2nd base job. Currently, the Dodgers only other options are 37-year old Chase Utley, who’s coming off a down 2015 season, and utility man Kiki Hernandez. Johnson has blistering speed (he stole 84 bases in his 2013 minor league season) and could be a needed table setter at the top of the order. He does have some improvements to make on the defensive end, and it’s unsure if the Dodgers would be willing to hand over the 2nd base job to another rookie, with one already likely to be playing shortstop, in Seager. Johnson played briefly for Chicago last year, and hit .230 with a .306 OBP. The Dodgers would like to see those numbers look closer to his minor league numbers (.301 Avg & .368 OBP over last 4 minor league seasons.)

Trayce Thompson (#16):
Yet another piece in the same trade with the Chicago White Sox that brought in Montas and Johnson, Thompson could provide depth in the outfield. He’s very athletic (his brother is NBA star Klay Thompson) and has some pop in his bat, but he hasn’t shown the ability to hit consistently in the minors. He also strikes out a lot. Though Thompson likely won’t earn a starting job anytime soon with the crowded outfield that the Dodgers currently have, he could find a reserve role with the team. Perhaps the same type of role as Chris Heisey had last year. Thompson will be 25 years old to start the 2016 season.


Might Make An Appearance

Zach Lee (#19):
A first round draft pick in 2010, Lee was once consider one of the Dodgers top prospects before dropping down in the rankings the last few years. He played most of last year at AAA, where he pitched well, posting a 2.63 ERA. Lee doesn’t necessarily have a high ceiling like some of the other pitching prospects, but he has seemed to run his course in the minors. The Dodgers starting rotation looks pretty deep right now, and it doesn’t appear they have room to pencil in any rookies at this point. However, if, and when, injuries happen, Lee could be one of the first guys to get a chance for a spot start throughout the season.

Jose De Leon (#3):
If the Dodgers were ever going to give one of their rookie starting pitchers a chance to win a spot in the rotation during spring training, De Leon seemed like the best candidate. But with the off-season acquisitions made, it’s doubtful now that he’ll get a realistic look for 2016. De Leon started to turn heads when he was named the pitcher of the year in 2014 for the Rookie-level Pioneer League. He struck out hitters at a 13.9k/9 inn rate that year, and 12.8k/9 inn last season. As the #3 prospect overall for the Dodgers, many teams surely had De Leon included on their asking price for any possible trades. But thus far, the Dodgers have resisted parting with him, or any of their other top guys. The Dodgers would probably like to let him develop another year in the minors, but he could be one of the first to get a call if a need arises for a starter. De Leon is 23 years old, the same age as Noah Syndergaard, who turned into one of the best pitchers last year for the NL champion New York Mets.

Austin Barnes (#13):
Barnes had a brief appearance with the Dodgers in 2015, and if any injuries occur to Yasmani Grandal or A.J Ellis, Barnes will be the first catcher to replace them. He has hit for Avg well in the minors, and also has a good OBP. His defensive skills seem to be a plus as well. With Grandal still the unquestionable starting catcher right now, and Ellis still serving as a great veteran backup, it’s unsure where Barnes will fit in down the road. But assuming the Dodgers hold on to him this year, it seems like a safe bet that he’ll at least get a crack at contributing sometime during the season.

Frankie Montas (#4):
Montas was acquired in the same trade that brought in Micah Johnson. He also got a brief call-up from Chicago last season, and some think he may be ML-ready now, even though he’s still only 22 years old. He’s got a live arm and has the potential to be a top tier starter, although he could also wind up as a reliever if he struggles with his command. There’s a good chance the Dodgers have Montas start the year at AAA and continue with his development, but a September call-up or possibly even a spot start somewhere along the season wouldn’t be surprising.


Outside Chance of Appearing

Ross Stripling (#25):
Stripling missed all of the 2014 season after Tommy John surgery, but came back nicely in 2015. At 26 years old, he may have already made his ML debut if not for his injury. The problem, again, comes with the current depth that the Dodgers have in their starting rotation. He’ll likely be at AAA to start the year, however, if the Dodgers get bit by a bunch of injuries (just look at last year) Stripling could get a call. He projects as more of a mid-level starter.

Jharel Cotton (#17):
Cotton bounced around at different levels of the minors last year, and will probably start this year at AA or AAA. He started 11 games in 2015, but most believe Cotton will end up being a relief pitcher, which could give him a quicker shot to make the club. He has the ability to miss bats (9.8k/9 inn strikeout rate in 2014 and 10.7 in 2015) but he’ll need to continue to develop his off-speed pitches. A mid-season call-up isn’t out of the question for the 23-year old, especially if there happen to be any injuries to relievers.

Chris Anderson (#9):
Another first round pick by the Dodgers (2013), Anderson could turn out to be a starter or a reliever. He’s only 23, and had some ups and downs between AA/AAA last year, finishing with a 9-10 record and 4.74 ERA. With the ability to throw multiple pitches, the Dodgers will likely give Anderson a shot to be a starter, but if he gets a mid-season call-up this year, it will likely be coming out of the bullpen.

Julio Urias (#2):
Other than Corey Seager, Urias is probably the prospect that Dodgers fans are waiting for the most. He’s only 19 years old, but had already made his way up to AAA ball by the end of last year. Many scouts believe that Urias pitches beyond his years, and he obviously has the ability to improve even more with how young he is. Just as with Jose De Leon, the Dodgers have been steadfast in their desire to not part with the talented youngster, despite numerous rumored trades within the last couple of years. The Dodgers are gradually trying to work up his pitch count & innings, and continue to develop their young prospect, so it’s very likely Urias could spend at least another full year in the minors. Depending on how he does down at AAA, a September call-up could happen, although it’s probably not likely. Dodgers fans may have to wait another year before getting to see Urias in the big leagues.

 

:woot:
MLB Pipeline ranks Urias top left-handed prospect
by Matthew Moreno | Dodger Blue — 16 minutes ago

Over the past two seasons much has been made of the Los Angeles Dodgers top three prospects — Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Julio Urias.

Pederson was first to reach the Majors, debuting in September 2014, followed by taking on a starting role with the Dodgers last season.

Seager’s path to joining the Dodgers essentially was a carbon copy of Pederson’s as he was called-up last September and is on track to be the club’s everyday shortstop this season.

Now Urias figures to be headed down the same road. There was an outside shot the young pitcher would be among the call-ups once rosters expanded in September, but elective eye surgery threw his season off course.

Although some of his development was slowed, Jim Callis of MLBPipeline.com ranked Urias as the top left-handed prospect in all of baseball for a second straight year:

1. Julio Urias, Dodgers
He doesn’t turn 20 until August, and he’s already knocking on the door. Urias has an outstanding combination of stuff and pitchability well beyond his years. He has three plus pitches with outstanding command. The only thing he doesn’t have is innings. Urias has yet to top even 90 innings in a season, but that shouldn’t hold him back for too long.​

Urias began 2015 with the Drillers and went 1-2 with a 3.00 ERA, 2.57 FIP and 0.94 WHIP in seven starts prior to his eye surgery.

Opponents hit .194/.246/.318 over that stretch, and Urias averaged 11.50 strikeouts per nine innings, plus struck out 33 percent of batters faced. Overall in Double-A the lefty was 3-4 with a 2.77 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 13 starts.

After the elective eye surgery, Urias made two rehab starts with the Arizona League Dodgers and one for the Quakes. His final appearances on the season came with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where Urias was 0-1 with a 18.69 ERA and 3.92 WHIP in 4.1 innings pitched over two starts.

Reports indicated the Dodgers were willing to include the prized 19 year old in a trade for Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez. However, that ship, for now at least, appears to have sailed.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said last month he doesn’t anticipate Urias or any of the other organization’s young pitchers being part of the Opening Day rotation.

Jose De Leon, who spent last season with High-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Tulsa, was ranked the fifth-best right-handed prospect by Callis on Tuesday

 

Dodgers' Bellinger ranked 6th best 1st baseman in minors
by Matthew Moreno | Dodger Blue — 1 hour ago



An organization once built on the foundation of their farm system, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ crop of Minor League talent was depleted under previous owner Frank McCourt.

With Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten leading the charge, the Guggenheim group steered the franchise back down the path of developing young players.

Kasten’s efforts have been furthered by team president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, with the two often mentioning the organization sustaining itself with home-grown talent.

The Dodgers have avoided trading any of their top prospects while using the draft and international free-agent market to re-establish a deep farm system.

With Joc Pederson and Corey Seager now in the Majors, Julio Urias headlines the group of prospects still in the Minors. Urias was ranked the top left-handed Minor-League pitcher by Jim Callis of MLBPipeline.com.

Callis ranked Jose De Leon the fifth-best right-handed pitcher in the Minors. The Dodgers added another prospect to Callis’ position-by-position rankings with Cody Bellinger checking in as the sixth-best Minor-League first baseman:

6. Cody Bellinger, Dodgers
The son of former big leaguer Clay Bellinger switched from a line-drive approach and emphasized power last year, resulting in 30 homers and California League-leading totals of 97 runs and 103 RBIs. Bellinger’s lanky frame still has room to add a lot of strength, and he’s the best athlete and defender on this list.​

Bellinger was selected by the Dodgers out of Hamilton High School (Chandler, Ariz.) in the fourth round of the 2013 draft. He appeared in 47 games for the Arizona League Dodgers that year, batting .210/.340/.358 with one home run, nine doubles and 30 RBIs.

Bellinger then spent the 2014 season with the AZL Dodgers and Rookie-Level Ogden Raptors, hitting a combined .312/.352/.474 with three home runs, six triples, 14 doubles and 34 RBIs in 51 games.

Last year the 20-year-old first baseman spent the entire season with High-A Rancho Cucamonga. Bellinger hit .264/.336/.538 with 30 home runs, 33 doubles and 103 RBIs. He led the California League in RBIs, finished second in home runs and his .873 OPS ranked eighth.

 

Urias comfortable with expectations and high praise
by Matthew Moreno | Dodger Blue — 90 minutes ago



With Joc Pederson and Corey Seager in the process of making an impact in the Majors, the next Los Angeles Dodgers prospect many are awaiting is Julio Urias. Coming off a bit of an interrupted 2015 season, the young lefty was named the top left-handed prospect in the Minors on Wednesday.

It was the second consecutive year Urias was named the top Minor-League lefty by MLBPipeline.com. Prior to undergoing elective surgery on his left eye that forced Urias to miss two months, the expectation was he would be among the Dodgers’ September call-ups.

While the organization didn’t rule out promoting Urias in spite of the time missed, Los Angeles has carefully ushered along the 19 year old.

Urias threw 87.2 innings over 25 games (20 starts) with High-A Rancho Cucamonga in 2014. Pitching for multiple Minor League affiliates last season, he totaled 80.1 innings in 18 starts.

Last year the Mexican native was one of 17 players extended a non-roster invite to Spring Training. Most notably, he was joined by Seager. Both presumably will be with the Dodgers again this spring, though Seager’s participation won’t be on a non-roster invite.

Still working his way toward a Major-League debut, Urias said he’s comfortable with the praise that’s been heaped on his shoulders, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:

“The truth is, I’m proud that they’ve given me that high praise,” Urias said in New York. “It gives me strength to keep working, work harder and achieve the goal I have in my mind.”​

As for the pitching depth the Dodgers front office has accumulated over the last two years and how it may negatively impact him, Urias is confident the organization has his best interest in mind:

“As I’ve always said, you just have to do your job,” Urias said. “A lot of times you might know that you could have what it takes to be on the big league team, but they’re the ones who know what’s best. I’ve always said that the team wants what’s best for you and as I said before, I hope this is the year they can give me an opportunity. But if not, I’ll have to keep working and above all, have patience.”​

Urias figures to spend this season with the Drillers and Triple-A Oklahoma City. Last year he was 3-4 with a 2.77 ERA and 0.99 WHIP at the Double-A level. He finished the season in OKC, going 0-1 with a 18.69 ERA and 3.92 WHIP in 4.1 innings pitched over two starts.

Prior to re-joining the Drillers after his eye surgery, Urias made two rehab starts with the Arizona League Dodgers and one for the Quakes.