My 2015 Top 100 Dodgers prospects

Oh, hi there. It's been awhile. I just concluded my Top 100 Dodgers' prospect series over at Dodgers Digest. Here's a link to every entry in the series.

• Introduction
• 100-76
• 75-51
• 50-41
• 40-31
• 30-21
• 20-11
• Top 10

I have also updated the sidebar with the new Top 10 (it links to the post at Dodgers Digest until we get the prospects page updated).

The Dodgers' farm system is as strong as it has been in years. It's considered a Top 10 system by most publications, as it has a lot of top-end talent and improved depth. So, head over to Dodgers Digest to check it out (and the supplemental pieces to follow).

Also, it'd be swell if the Dodgers signed Yoan Moncada so I could add him to the list.

Photo credit: Dustin Nosler, Dodgers Digest

A look at the trade market, and if the Dodgers should go all-in

In my last post, I discussed how I saw the Dodgers' chances going forward (hint: it's good). They have an excellent chance of getting to the playoffs. There are a few holes of course. Which team doesn't have a few holes?

But the Dodgers' main concern at this point is really the postseason. Over the course of the regular season, total talent on the roster is a good predictor of success. But as the A's have learned -- the hard way the last 15 years -- it doesn't mater if you win 90 games (or even 105 games) in the regular season, you need other things to get to the World Series. Those things are:

1. Having your guys healthy and rested at the end of the year 
2. Luck, grit, clutch, whatever you want to call it
3. Top-end talent. The competition's all good in the postseason

What are the Dodgers' holes when thinking about the regular season? Bullpen depth, a defensive center fielder, backup catcher and maybe a backup infielder. I actually feel pretty good about backup infield situation with Alex Guerrero, Justin Turner, Chone Figgins and Erisbel Arruebarrena. Zero of those four are healthy and ready right now, but all four should be ready in a week or two.

The other three spots have been a horrible mess and ought to be addressed via trades. And a new hot spot seems to be bubbling to the top of the list -- rotation depth.

With Dan Haren continuing to struggle at times and Josh Beckett's health in constant question, the Dodgers may need a middle-of-the-rotation starter if they don't decide to go for an ace (more on that later).

There are potentially adequate solutions in the organization to solve the defensive center fielder and bullpen depth issues. Upgrading the backup catcher would yield fairly marginal benefits. I expect some kind of moves -- especially in center field, where the Dodgers' management seems to absolutely have reached their limits in watching the current crew go out there and try to run balls down.

On the starting pitching front, they could probably swing an Andre Ethier/Carl Crawford + B prospect + cash for Bartolo Colon or Jake Peavy, or players of that caliber. But what if they decided instead to go big and trade Julio Urias and several other (hopefully not named Corey Seager) shiny things for David Price, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels or Jon Lester? Urias probably has a 10 percent chance -- five years from now -- turning into that kind of guy, and a 90 percent chance of turning into someone lesser than Eric Stults. The Dodgers are geared for this year and next. They probably don't need a third legitimate ace to get to the playoffs, but it would make them really scary once they get there.

Aces don't assure postseason success, historically. But, playoff teams have not had trip aces. When you look at teams with one very good pitcher, that very good pitcher may or may not in fact pitch great in his two or three games. And then there's the rest of the games. I already liked the Dodgers playoff chances this year purely because of what Clayton Kershaw is doing this year. There's apparently a level above ace. Who knew?  

If you look at the playoff odds today at FanGraphs, the Dodgers have a 90 percent and rising chance of making the playoffs but "only" a 12% chance of winning the World Series. I'm not sure how they think about the odds of advancing through the playoffs, but according to Jeff Sullivan anyway, acquiring Price would bump that to 17%.  I imagine the numbers would be similar for the other aces potentially in play.  That's actually kind of compelling.  Send out Kershaw / Zack Greinke / New Ace / Ryu as your playoff rotation and bullpen depth doesn't matter much. We won't be calling on Chris Perez in the 6th inning in any of those games.

Even if the cost also included Joc Pederson, the Dodgers' putative solution to center field, I don't see what alternate strategy would take the their championship odds up over 17 percent. The marginal upgrade of getting him in center field and sending out one of the extra outfielders somehow, plus counting on Beckett, and reinforcing the bullpen -- I don't think that does it this year or next.

And as we've seen all over the league (and even with the Dodgers), it's pretty easy for even Hall of Fame-trajectory guys to fall off a sudden cliff, so we can't count on the current core for much longer than that. It's been 26 years since the last championship. I was a teenager then, and I'm old enough to have my own teenagers now.

So, while it took me awhile to warm up to the idea, I'm starting to like it. Seager's a guy I (and Greinke, for what it's worth) believe in, though. If he's part of the deal, too, I start to turn a little sour. And of course, 17 percent chance of winning is still 83 percent chance of wait 'til next year. The regret could be massive.

Although several of those guys are signed for next year, so that changes things somewhat. Let's say acquiring a 2014-15 ace gives the Dodgers a 17 percent chance this year and a 17 percent chance next year. That's a 28 percent chance of one championship and a 3 percent chance of back-to-back.

We know what watching Pedro Martinez & Paul Konerko do what they did entirely for someone else feels like. Even watching guys that came up and we got their first few good years, like Mike Piazza and Adrian Beltre -- we know that feeling too. On the other hand, I also know what going to AT&T Park last year and seeing the hated Giants World Series trophies (plural!) felt like. And that felt a lot worse.

Podcast: 'Dugout Blues' episode 85 - Kershaw, Puig, Hanley, prospects

On these episodes of "Dugout Blues," Jared Massey (Dodgers Nation) and I talk about Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter and the suddenly relevant (again) Dodgers.

Kershaw threw the first no-hitter of his career, and Jared tried his best to keep it in his pants. Spoiler alert: he didn't.

Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez are battling injuries, and one or both of them might need to be placed on the disabled list.

Corey Seager and Julio Urias were named to the Futures Game, while Joc Pederson is hurt.

Grant Holmes signed his deal, and we talk about other prospect news.

Per usual, we close with the Q&A. Some good ones this week, including one where I'm called out for being, for lack of a better term, "lazy."

Libsyn link
Direct link
iTunes link

Look for new episodes of "Dugout Blues" every Wednesday. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and review us on iTunes. We want to make this the best podcast we can so we're always looking for suggestions and ways to improve.

If you have questions you'd like us to answer or certain topics/players you want to hear more about, feel free to email us (dugoutbluepodcast@gmail.com) or send us messages on Twitter (@JaredJMassey or @DustinNosler). You can also "Like" the podcast on Facebook. We always welcome audience participation.

Image credit: Joe Martin

Podcast: 'Dugout Blues' episode 83 - Dodgers, MLB Draft review, prospects

On these episodes of "Dugout Blues," Jared Massey (Dodgers Nation) and I are joined by Chris Rodriguez of Baseball Prospectus to recap the 2014 MLB Draft and some Dodgers' prospects.

Chris Anderson has been generally disappointing, and the Dodgers might be changing his mechanics. Julio Urias is still great, as is Corey Seager. Tom Windle still might be a reliever, but he's been solid this season.

We get into the Dodgers' draft, which was underwhelming after nailing their first two picks in Grant Holmes and Alex Verdugo. They took just eight high schoolers -- the fewest number of prep players of any year in Logan White's tenure. There are a few guys who might be something, but on the whole, we were expecting more.

Libsyn link
Direct link
iTunes link

Look for new episodes of "Dugout Blues" every Wednesday. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and review us on iTunes. We want to make this the best podcast we can so we're always looking for suggestions and ways to improve.

If you have questions you'd like us to answer or certain topics/players you want to hear more about, feel free to email us (dugoutbluepodcast@gmail.com) or send us messages on Twitter (@JaredJMassey or @DustinNosler). You can also "Like" the podcast on Facebook. We always welcome audience participation.

Image credit: Joe Martin

Podcast: 'Dugout Blues' episode 68 - Jason Parks of Baseball Prospectus

On this episode of "Dugout Blues," I interview Jason Parks of Baseball Prospectus about the BP Top 101 and his Top 10 Dodgers' prospects.

Parks is BP's prospect guru, and was kind enough to give me 30 minutes of his time to indulge me about prospects.

First, we talk about Julio Urias' placement in the BP 101 (35). Then we touch on the others who made the BP 101 (Corey Seager, 44; Joc Pederson, 50; and Zach Lee, 84).

After, we go in-depth into the Dodgers' Top 10. I ask him some detailed questions and throw in my 2 cents, for whatever that's worth (probably less than 2 cents).

I close by asking him about the system overall, which continues to improve.

Baseball Prospectus' prospect coverage is unparalleled. Parks has done a fantastic job taking over for Kevin Goldstein and has put together some really good talent evaluators who can write a little bit.
Libsyn link

Direct link
iTunes link

Look for new episodes of "Dugout Blues" every Wednesday. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and review us on iTunes. We want to make this the best podcast we can so we're always looking for suggestions and ways to improve.

If you have questions you'd like us to answer or certain topics/players you want to hear more about, feel free to email us (ladugout@gmail.com or feelinkindablue@gmail.com) or send us messages on Twitter (@Dodger_Diamond or @FeelinKindaBlue). You can also "Like" the podcast on Facebook. We always welcome audience participation.

Image credit: Joe Martin

Dodgers' minor-league coaching staffs have a lot of MLB experience

The Dodgers made a number of changes in the minor-league coaching ranks and announced said changes on Sunday.

There was a vacancy at the Triple-A level after former Albuquerque Isotopes' manager Lorenzo Bundy was promoted to third base coach. The Dodgers filled that hole with a former Major League catcher. There are new managers at every level of the Dodgers' minor-league system (save the Dominican Summer League).

Triple-A Albuquerque
Manager: Damon Berryhill
Hitting coach: Franklin Stubbs
Pitching coach: Glenn Dishman

Double-A Chattanooga
Manager: Razor Shines
Hitting coach: Shawn Wooten
Pitching coach: Scott Radinsky

High-A Rancho Cucamonga
Manager: P.J. Forbes
Hitting coach: Mike Eylward
Pitching coach: Matt Herges

Low-A Great Lakes
Manager: Bill Haselman
Hitting coach: Johnny Washington
Pitching coach: Bill Simas



Pioneer League Ogden
Manager: Lee Tinsley
Hitting coach: Leo Garcia
Pitching coach: Greg Sabat

Arizona League Dodgers
Manager: John Shoemaker
Hitting coach: Henry Cruz
Pitching coach: Hector Berrios

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The most interesting move is Berryhill jumping from the short-season ball to the highest level of the minors. Berryhill managed Ogden for the last five years. He guided the Raptors to four playoff appearances. He's a former catcher, so there's no doubt he has the smarts for the job He's a fine choice to replace Bundy.

Stubbs returns as Isotopes' hitting coach. Last season was his first with club and sixth with the organization. He should have a good opportunity to work with Joc Pederson. Dishman has the unenviable position as the Isotopes' pitching coach. But it's his fourth year in that position, so he must be doing something right. Maybe he can make Zach Lee's stay a little more enjoyable than is anticipated.

Shines earned a promotion from Low-A to Double-A, where he figures to manage some familiar faces. He managed the Loons last season to the playoffs. His son Devin Shines is an outfielder in the organization.

Wooten, a former major leaguer most notably with Anaheim, will have the task of making guys like Scott Schebler and Darnell Sweeney into better hitting prospects. Former Dodger Radinsky takes over as the team's pitching coach. He figures to work with some of the better Dodger pitching prospects in 2014, including guys like Onelki Garcia, Chris Reed and Ross Stripling.

Forbes takes over for Carlos Subero and could have the most talent of any Dodger minor-league manager. He should have Corey Seager and Julio Urias to start the season, as well as Chris Anderson and Tom Windle.

Eylward gets bumped up from Great Lakes, where he was the hitting coach, to Rancho Cucamonga, where he will be the hitting coach. Herges returns third season as the Quakes' pitching coach.

Haselman managed the Inland Empire 66ers (Angels' affiliate and former Dodgers' affiliate) the last two seasons. He went to UCLA.

Washington was the Quakes' hitting coach this past season and also was the Glendale Desert Dogs' (Arizona Fall League) hitting coach in 2013. Simas returns for his second campaign as the Loons' pitching coach.

Tinsley is coming over from the Cubs for his first year with the organization. He played 14 years in the big leagues. Shoemaker has been with the Dodgers' organization in some capacity since 1977.

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Overall, some really nice hires. If these guys can continue to develop and improve the prospects through their respective minor-league journeys, then their work will be done.

Zach Lee should be the Dodgers' No. 5 starter in 2014 if no Tanaka, Price

It's Dec. 20, and the Dodgers still haven't acquired a big-name starting pitcher. It isn't necessarily a huge need, but it'd be nice to have one more big arm in the rotation.

The Dan Haren signing was really good, but I envision him as the team's No. 5 starter rather than its No. 4. But there's a very real scenario in which he's the No. 4 starter, and that isn't the worst thing in the world.

The market has been quiet. David Price rumors abound, and I'm not as opposed to him as I was earlier this offseason (or as others, including the Dodgers, it seems). Masahiro Tanaka may or may not be posted (somewhat reminiscent of the Alexander Guerrero situation). 

Obviously, Tanaka would be the preference. He's younger than Price and wouldn't cost prospects. Price would cost prospects and a length contract extension. With the Dodgers still needing to lock up Clayton Kershaw (hurry up already!) and Hanley Ramirez (could be soon), a Price extension might be No. 3 on the "To Do" list.

Some have suggested Price would be an insurance policy in case Kershaw -- somehow -- decides to leave via free agency. After all, he's "curious" about the prospect, and who could blame him?

If the Dodgers don't acquire Tanaka or Price, it's unlikely the Dodgers would sign a free agent. Ubaldo Jimenez and Ervin Santana both have draft pick compensation tied to them, while the team has shown little-to-no-interest in Matt Garza. Aside from that trio, there isn't really any starter worth signing.

Josh Beckett would be the No. 5 starter if the season were to start today. But let's be honest: No one wants to watch Beckett pitch anymore.

He's probably done, but he's also due nearly $16 million in 2014. There might be the obligation to pitch him -- and the Dodgers probably will -- but they should spare us the inevitable mound meltdown by Beckett. He had one good start in 2013 and was surprisingly solid for the Dodgers in 2012. But, as Daniel Brim laid out today on his blog (seriously, check it out), the history of those who attempt to come back from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome surgery don't tend to have much success.

My alternative: Zach Lee.

Lee, 22, is pretty much MLB-ready and, if he isn't traded, he should be given serious consideration for the No. 5 spot in the rotation. He enjoyed his best season to date in the Southern League, posting a 3.22 ERA, 3.37 FIP, 2.2 BB/9 and a 8.3 K/9. All of those numbers were career-bests for the Dodgers' 2010 first-round pick. He's getting better every year he pitches.

If he begins the season in the minors, the Dodgers could conceivably send him to Albuquerque, as they did with Matt Magill last season. Almost everyone knows the Pacific Coast League is none too friendly to pitchers, and the Dodgers tend to avoid sending their top starter prospects there. However, if Lee went back to Chattanooga, it'd be his third stint with the Lookouts. He doesn't have much more to prove.

His stuff ticked up slightly in 2013, and he definitely has a future as a starting pitcher. He won't be a No. 1 or No. 2, but I see him as a low-end No. 3 or high-end No. 4 at worse. Plus, it'd be nice to see the Dodgers give a youngster a shot. They haven't really done so since Kershaw and Chad Billingsley (through no fault of their own).

If I'm Lee, I'd attach myself to Zack Greinke's hip in spring training and absorb everything the cerebral starter has to offer.

The Dodgers appear committed to keeping the farm system in tact. If they want to see what Lee's true worth is, this might be the time to find out. If the truly want to model their farm system and development after the Cardinals, this would be a fine time to start.

As for what to do with Beckett: I'm not sure. Make him the long reliever? Eat almost all his contract to trade him? Designate him for assignment? All of them seem like viable options. Honestly, I don't particularly care. I want the best 25 guys out there, and Lee profiles to be better than Beckett is right now. Beckett won't make-or-break the Dodgers' season.

I really hope the Dodgers land Tanaka. I'd be OK with them landing Price. If they must include Corey Seager to land Price, then I'd like to see them sign Aledmys Diaz to replace him (that's pretty much the only scenario in which that is acceptable, but it still isn't preferred). If those two options fall through, Lee is my guy. And I've been higher on Lee than most in the last couple of years (even if he won't be my No. 1 prospect for 2014).

One way or another, I'd rather not see Beckett throw another pitch as a starter for the Dodgers again. It's nothing personal, it's just the fact that Lee is the better option.

Photo credit: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Dodgers re-sign Juan Uribe to 2-year deal, save us from Michael Young

In a move that was overdue, the Dodgers on Saturday re-signed Juan Uribe to a 2-year contract. It's the smart, somewhat safe play, but I find myself feeling a touch disappointed about this deal.

Uribe had been holding out for three years. As the best free agent third baseman, he would have been foolish not to. He drew alleged interest from the Marlins, Rays and White Sox.

I'm disappointed because I was hoping for an upgrade at the position -- or at least someone with the potential to be an upgrade. Uribe is a great defensive third baseman, but it remains to be seen if he can duplicate (or come close to) the offensive numbers he posted in 2013. I also acknowledge I shouldn't be disappointed in this signing, but the offseason just got a lot less interesting for the Dodgers. Again, that should be a good thing, but I guess I'm just craving some kind of acquisition to get my transaction fix.

It isn't terribly hard to hit .278/.331/.438 these days -- and I'd take that from Uribe. But the first two years of his 3-year deal were absolute garbage. Uribe was a .199/.262/.289 hitting in 2011-12, prompting the Dodgers to go with Luis Cruz for the last couple months of 2012 and the first six weeks of 2013.

Quality third baseman just aren't readily available in baseball these days, as evidenced by this offseason and the Dodgers' inability to fill the position post-Adrian Beltre. To get Uribe at two years isn't the worst thing in the world.

Now, Uribe won't play 162 games. Hell, he will probably struggle to make it to 140. So, a left-handed complement could be in order. I pegged Eric Chavez as that guy in my offseason plan. He's about the only guy on the open market worth a flyer. At last check, the Dodgers aren't interested in him. That could change, as the offseason has been held up in some part due to the Uribe situation.

This move also, in my eyes, renders Corey Seager untradeable. Seager should be ready for full-time duty in two years -- be it at shortstop or third base -- just as Uribe ends his deal. If the Dodgers trade Seager for anyone who isn't a long-term third baseman (or shortstop), they'll be in this exact position in two years. If they were to acquire a bonafide offensive superstar, that might be the only other situation in which it makes sense to trade Seager.

This assures another two years of #Uribear, which is just fine with me. One of the best hashtags after (right after #fuente).

I never thought I would grow to like Uribe, but his solid play in 2013 and his great clubhouse presence is worth the 2-year deal alone. The financials aren't out yet, but I'd be shocked if he got more than $20 million. It's a bit high, but it's also an easy price to pay considering the alternative. 

After all, Michael Young could have been the Dodgers' starting third baseman in 2014. Just think about that for a second and try to go on with your day.

Photo credit: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Winter Meetings Day 1 - Dodgers after Wright, Price rumors heating up, Kemp rumors abound, Numata official?

Jamey Wright? That's your ace in the hole, Ned?

Just kidding. Actually, Wright would be a pretty solid signing. The Dodgers need a long reliever (doesn't require him to be long in the tooth, though), and Wright would fill that role.

Ken Rosenthal tweeted Wright is deciding between his former team, the Rays, and his former-former team, the Dodgers. Honestly, he can't really make a bad choice. Both teams are in need of a long reliever and he had success at both stops.

In 2012 with the Dodgers, Wright put up some surprisingly good numbers.

67 2/3 IP
3.72 ERA
3.39 FIP
7.2 K/9
61.2 GB%
6.4 HR/FB

Wright wasn't retained and spent 2013 with the Rays. He, once again, posted some surprisingly good numbers.

70 IP
3.09 ERA
3.13 FIP
8.4 K/9
50.8 GB%
7.1 HR/FB

Something to note is the reduced ground ball percentage. The nearly 11 percent decline didn't result in an outrageous rise in his home run per fly ball rate, which was likely because he struck out more than a batter per nine innings more in 2013 than he did in 2012.

He'll be 39 later this month, so there's no guarantee the success will continue. But on a 1-year deal, Wright would be well worth a look.

Wright has made a Major League rosters in each of the last eight seasons as a non-roster invitee. This year, it seems he won't have to be an NRI, as NRIs don't usually get inked in December -- especially those who have been really solid the last couple of years.

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With the uncertainty surrounding Masahiro Tanaka (seriously, no one really knows what's going on), the David Price market is set to heat up.

The Dodgers, Mariners and Rangers are the teams in on Price at the moment, and the Rays figure to get quite the haul in return.

I still balk at Corey Seager and Julio Urias. I'm now starting to balk at Seager or Urias. I'm not even keen on including Joc Pederson, but the Rays are going to want at least one of the Dodgers' three best prospects in return for Price. Dee Gordon's name was even mentioned, for some reason.

I'd still rather the Tanaka situation be resolved and the Dodgers just throw gobs of money at him, but I've said it before: The Dodgers will end the offseason with either Tanaka or Price.

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Matt Kemp rumors are still out there, despite his medicals not being the best. The Mariners, Orioles, Rangers and Red Sox are the teams on him (and Andre Ethier).

In fact, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune tweeted this tonight.

Yep. No specifics on return. But M's can eat more money than most clubs. @topherJmitchell: are you hearing any Kemp to Seattle buzz?
— Bob Dutton (@TNT_Mariners) December 10, 2013

I'm not sure if that means a whole lot at this point, but Kemp's name isn't going away in rumors. I wrote about what a deal to Seattle might look like at Yahoo Sports today. I'm still really against moving him.

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Remember Takumi Numata? Of course you don't, as I got a lot of questions on Twitter when I was retweeting him today.

He's the 19-year-old Japanese pitcher the Dodgers signed. Numata is the player who got himself a lifetime ban from the Japanese Amateur Baseball Association because he agreed to sign with the Dodgers. He circumvented the rules, which obviously didn't make Japanese officials too happy.

Well, Numata was apparently at Dodger Stadium today for his physical, a stadium tour and to likely make his minor-league deal official.

If I had to guess, he'll begin the season at either Ogden or Great Lakes -- depending how aggressive the Dodgers want to be with him.

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At press time, that's about it. Day 2 of the meetings could be a lot more eventful. The Dodgers are going to have start making moves sometimes, right?

Photo credit: Keith Allison, Wikimedia Commons

Dodgers' Winter Meetings shopping list: Starting pitcher - Tanaka (or bust), Price, Garza

In the second of a four-part series, I look at who and what the Dodgers should be looking for when Monday's Winter Meetings come 'round.

I looked at third base on Friday, and they certainly won't need a shortstop if the rumors of a Hanley Ramirez contract extension are true (pretty sure they are).

• Third base
• Starting pitcher
• Bench pieces
• Left-handed RP and/or power right-handed RP

Masahiro Tanaka

There's really only one starting pitcher the Dodgers should be in on -- Tanaka. With the new posting system between Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball seemingly close, it may not be up to the Dodgers whether they want to go after Tanaka.

His parent club Rakuten Golden Eagles are said to be hesitant to post him because they'd only get $20 million in a posting fee.

All the money in the world couldn't change this fact. Under the new rules, MLB teams can post a maximum of $20 million for players posted by NPB clubs. If Tanaka isn't posted, he won't be a free agent until after the 2015 season. The Golden Eagles could choose to post him next winter if they want, but they also risk a year of taxing Japanese league pitching on the 25-year-old's arm. It's a gamble, but a gamble that might be worth it because he's the best pitcher in Japan.

I've written extensively about Tanaka here and at Yahoo Sports, so my thoughts should be well-known. I want the Dodgers to get this guy. I believe he's their No. 1 offseason target and would slot in quite nicely as the No. 4 starter (for now).

If he is posted, the Dodgers -- and probably 10-15 other teams (at least) -- will post $20 million to negotiate with him. In the end, the Dodgers should be able to beat out the likes of the Yankees, Cubs and Rangers. I predict a 6-year, $108 million deal.

David Price

Price might be the second-best left-handed pitcher in the game (behind that Clayton Kershaw fella). So, why am I hesitant for the Dodgers to go after him?

I wrote about it at Yahoo in October. Basically, the Dodgers would likely have to give up one of Corey Seager or Julio Urias, plus a combination of Joc Pederson, Zach Lee, Chris Reed and Chris Withrow. It just doesn't seem to make that much sense

Price is a luxury at this point, as is Tanaka. The difference is, Price would cost prospects, and the Dodgers seem hellbent on preserving the system (which is great).

The former Cy Young award winner will get traded this winter, it's just a matter of where he lands. After Robinson Cano signed his mega contract with the Mariners, I'd put my money on them. If they offer Taijuan Walker in a package for Price, there's almost no way the Dodgers could beat that.

Matt Garza

If the Dodgers must go the "real" free agent route, I guess Garza would be the best option. He struggled after being dealt from the Cubs to the Rangers, but he's a quality pitcher. He won't be worth whatever contract he gets, but he'll be a solid No. 3-4 starter for the next four-plus years.

The Garza market should heat up after Price is traded and it's determined whether Tanaka is posted. Then, he could be the most attractive free agent starter because there's no draft pick compensation tied to him like there is with Ervin Santna and Ubaldo Jimenez.

I wrote about starting pitcher options last month as well. They're not pretty.

Photo credit:WKnight94, Wikimedia Commons

Analyzing Baseball America's Dodgers' Top 10 prospects list for 2014

Baseball America is in full prospect-ranking season, and the Dodgers' Top 10 list officially drops online Monday.

However, the print publication (yes, print media still exist) came out on Tuesday to give us an early look at the list.

Big thanks to silverwidow99 for making the list public.

1. OF Joc Pederson

2. SS Corey Seager

3. LHP Julio Urias

4. RHP Zach Lee

5. RHP Chris Anderson

6. RHP Chris Withrow

7. 2B Alexander Guerrero

8. LHP Chris Reed

9. LHP Onelki Garcia

10. RHP Ross Stripling

I had originally planned to write a quick piece predicting the list, but I waited to long.

After a strong 2013 and winter ball season, Pederson lands at No. 1 -- and I like it. He's now established as a Top 50 prospect, and probably closer to Top 30.

Seager has the most potential of anyone on this list, especially if he's able to stick at shortstop (which he probably won't).

Yes, even more potential than Urias, but that's no knock on the 17-year-old. He was great in his professional debut.

Baseball America doesn't factor in service time into its prospect status, hence the inclusion of Withrow.

No. 8-10 are pretty interchangeable, although, I think Stripling deserves to be a bit higher.

The only ranking I question is Guerrero at No. 7. I get it, BA isn't particularly high on Guerrero. But one would think a potentially plus bat at a traditionally glove-first position has to be a Top 5 ranking in this system. Remember, they ranked Hyun-Jin Ryu at No. 1 heading into 2013, so they aren't averse to ranking older, international prospects high on their lists.

The ranking says a little about Guerrero and more about BA's intel, which is usually pretty good. I have a better feeling about Guerrero's future and am inclined to trust the Dodgers' scouting department (and yes, my opinion is obviously biased). After all, they've hit on their last three big international signings -- Hiroki Kuroda, Yasiel Puig and Ryu.

The Dodgers' system is pretty top-heavy, as evidenced by this list. I'm shooting for sometime in the next six weeks to unveil my Top 50 Dodger prospects. Admittedly, I'm waiting to see how the Masahiro Tanaka situation plays out. If he gets posted and the Dodgers sign him, he's the clear No. 1 prospect in the system.

We'll see what happens.

Photo credit: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Podcast: 'Dugout Blues' episode 62 - Offseason rumors, awards, Rule 5/AFL

On this episode of "Dugout Blues," Jared Massey (Dodger Diamond) and I somehow record one of the longest episodes in the show's history, despite not having a whole lot to talk about.

We wrap up awards season and I divulge my Internet Baseball Writers Association of America ballot.

Tim Wallach was officially announced as Don Mattingly's bench coach. Bully.

Offseason rumors abound, and the Dodgers are mentioned with some good players and some not-so-good players. We also say goodbye to Nick Punto and Skip Schumaker.

The 40-man roster deadline is tonight and we discuss who we would add to protect from December's Rule 5 Draft.

The Arizona Fall League is over and Corey Seager had a "meh" showing. Not surprising for a 19-year-old in his first full season of ball.

The Dodgers hired an executive away from Washington to be a national crosschecker in the form of Roy Clark. Great hire.

Episode dedications
Jared and Dustin: Jose Nunez

As usual, we close with Q&A. Here's hoping for some more good ones next week!

We'll probably continue to record every other week, or as news warrants, during the winter.

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Look for new episodes of "Dugout Blues" every Wednesday. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and review us on iTunes. We want to make this the best podcast we can so we're always looking for suggestions and ways to improve.

If you have questions you'd like us to answer or certain topics/players you want to hear more about, feel free to email us (ladugout@gmail.com or feelinkindablue@gmail.com) or send us messages on Twitter (@Dodger_Diamond or @FeelinKindaBlue). You can also "Like" the podcast on Facebook. We always welcome audience participation.

Image credit: Joe Martin

My Top 5 Dodgers' prospects at minor-league every level

In preparation for prospect season, I'm going to rank the Top 5 prospects at every level of the Dodgers' minor-league system.

It won't necessarily reflect a prospect's position on my Top 50 list (as I've yet to complete it), but it should give some sort of idea where I rank these players.

To be eligible, I'm using Baseball America's rules. For hitters, they must average at least one plate appearance per team game. For starting pitchers, they must average at least 1/3 of an inning per team game (no applicable to short-season teams). For relievers, they must have made 20 appearances (10 appearances for short-season leagues).

Here are my top 5 Dodgers' prospects at each level. Player's age-season in parenthesis.

Dominican Summer League Dodgers

1. OF Michael Medina (16)

2. OF Deivy Castillo (17)

3. LHP Jairo Pacheco (16)

4. OF Ariel Sandoval (17)

5. RHP Osiris Ramirez (17)

Arizona League Dodgers

1. 1B Cody Bellinger (17)

2. LHP Victor Gonzalez (17)

3. RHP Victor Arano (18)

4. RHP Bryan Munoz (17)

5. SS Cristian Gomez (17)

Ogden Raptors

1. OF Jacob Scavuzzo (19)

2. 3B/OF Alex Santana (19)

3. 2B/SS Jesmuel Valentin (18)

4. 1B Justin Chigbogu (18)

5. RHP Scott Barlow (20)

Great Lakes Loons

1. SS Corey Seager (19)

2. LHP Julio Urias (16)

3. RHP Chris Anderson (20)

4. LHP Tom Windle (22)

5. RHP Zachary Bird (18)

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

1. OF Scott Schebler (22)

2. RHP Duke von Schamann (22)

3. OF Noel Cuevas (21)

4. 1B O'Koyea Dickson (23)

5. SS/2B Darnell Sweeney (22)

Chattanooga Lookouts

1. OF Yasiel Puig (22)

2. RHP Zach Lee (21)

3. OF Joc Pederson (21)

4. RHP Ross Stripling (23)

5. LHP Chris Reed (23)

Albuquerque Isotopes

1. RHP Matt Magill (23)

2. OF/1B Scott Van Slyke (26)

3. RHP Red Patterson (26)

4. LHP Kelvin De La Cruz (24)

5. No one else qualified

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Hope this gives some insight to how I rank the Dodger prospects. I'd like to hear how you'd rank some of these prospects in the comments section.

I'm shooting for December or January for my Top 50 prospects list. Follow me on Twitter for updates on its status.

Photo credit: Ali Messick, courtesy of the Great Lakes Loons

Dodgers' 2013 Arizona Fall League update: Seager, Garcias, more

The Dodgers didn't send a lot of talent to the 2013 Arizona Fall League, but they did send one of their top prospects in Corey Seager.

He hasn't played particularly well, but it's hard to get discouraged at AFL numbers. Keith Law fell into that trap last year when Joc Pederson hit .096/.161/.154 in 56 plate appearances. Law has since did a reversal on Pederson.

Here's a brief update on all the Dodger prospects who have participated in the AFL. They're playing for the Glendale Desert Dogs.

Hitters

Brian Cavazos-Galvez, OF
.250/.300/.389, 1 HR, 2 2B, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 7 K
- Not a bad showing thus far, but Cavzos-Galvez is 26, so he's a bit older than most of the competition in the league.

Chris O'Brien, C
.100/.296/.200, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 6 BB, 5 K
- O'Brien is having a rough go of it, though, the six walks are nice. However, he's been tweeting quite a bit about his AFL time -- especially about Twins' super prospect Byron Buxton.

Pratt Maynard, C
2-for-8 (.250/.455/.625), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 0 K
- Not a ton of data on Maynard, but 2014 will be a telling season for the former third-round pick.

Corey Seager, SS
.162/.262/.243, 3 2B, 4 RBI, 5 BB, 12 K
- Not Pederson-esque, but not especially great, either, considering how much he struggled with his late-season promotion to Rancho Cucamonga.

Pitchers

Pedro Baez
4 1/3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K
- The converted third baseman has thrown well so far in Arizona. Many thought he would be the second coming of Kenley Jansen. Those people would be wrong. Baez is no longer on the Desert Dogs' roster.

Onelki Garcia
No stats
- Yet to pitch, but he just replaced Baez on the roster. Could use a little seasoning.

Yimi Garcia
6 2/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
- Garcia has been the best performer of any Dodger prospect in Arizona so far. While his fastball is no better than a 55 pitch, his slider will determine how long his Major League career will be.

Jarret Martin
8 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 12 BB, 6 K
- Oof, 12 walks in eight innings isn't going to get it done. His future lies in the bullpen. He'll need to get his command and control down if he wants to ever crack a big league bullpen.

Michael Thomas
5 2/3, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
- Thomas is an under-the-radar prospect who could be a left-handed specialist in the majors one day. He had a rough start in Arizona, but has managed to turn it around a bit.

Photo credit: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Podcast: 'Dugout Blues' episode 59 - NLDS review, NLCS preview, Price

On this episode of "Dugout Blues," Jared Massey (Dodger Diamond) and rejoice in the Dodgers' NLDS victory over the Atlanta Braves. We give a thorough review of the series.

Then, we talk about the Dodgers' next opponent in the NLCS -- the St. Louis Cardinals. It's going to be a long, good series between the two best teams in the National League.

Andre Ethier could be fully back for this series, which gives the Dodgers' lineup more depth. Hanley Ramirez continues to mash and Juan Uribe is just the best.

David Price rumors are already floating, and many have the Dodgers linked to the former Cy Young award winner. While it's too soon to look toward the offseason, a Clayton Kershaw-Zack Greinke-Price trio wouldn't be half-bad, no? But I wouldn't give up both Corey Seager and Julio Urias to get him, though.

The Arizona Fall League started on Tuesday, and Seager had a solid debut. There isn't a lot of high-end talent there from the Dodgers, but Seager is the guy to keep an eye on.

Episode dedications
Jared: Kelly Wunsch
Dustin: Ismael Valdez (honorable mention to Guillermo Mota)

Then, we close with Q&A, which were, unfortunately, lacking. Step it up next episode, folks.

Libsyn link
Direct link
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Look for new episodes of "Dugout Blues" every Wednesday. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and review us on iTunes. We want to make this the best podcast we can so we're always looking for suggestions and ways to improve.

If you have questions you'd like us to answer or certain topics/players you want to hear more about, feel free to email us (ladugout@gmail.com or feelinkindablue@gmail.com) or send us messages on Twitter (@Dodger_Diamond or @FeelinKindaBlue). You can also "Like" the podcast on Facebook. We always welcome audience participation.

Image credit: Joe Martin