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

Dodgers' prospect notes from four Rancho Cucamonga Quakes' games

I just finished watching four consecutive Rancho Cucamonga Quakes’ games (two in Stockton against the Ports, two in Modesto against the Nuts -- big thanks to both affiliates for the media credentials), and there’s a dearth of talent in Rancho right now.

My takeaways: There isn’t as much talent on this team as there was earlier this season or as in years past.

Ross Stripling and Duke von Schamann getting promoted to Double-A left the rotation depleted. Garrett Gould was also promoted, but he hasn’t pitched well the last two seasons.

Not much movement on the position player front, aside from a resurgent Jon Garcia heading to Chattanooga. There’s just not a lot of talent in Rancho.

Here are a few notes from each game. I’ll post in-depth scouting reports of guys like Lindsey Caughel, Noel Cuevas, Carlos Frias, Scott Schebler, Darnell Sweeney and more in the coming days here and at Chad Moriyama’s site.

Thursday (7/18/13)

Cuevas had a couple soft hits and a couple stolen bases.  His speed is probably his best tool.

Jon Michael Redding got the start. It’s the third year in a row I’ve seen him start in Stockton (and that’s not good). He wasn’t good on this night. His stuff is the same as it’s been. He’s a non-prospect.

Blake Smith took the hill and had impressive velocity for a guy who hasn’t pitched since 2009 in college. He sat at 90-92 MPH with his fastball. Unfortunately, his curveball was a mess. The first he threw went behind the hitter while the other he threw hit a batter. It was a 75 MPH offering. He has a long way to go on the hill, but his mechanics are clean enough to be successful. His command/control needs lots of work.

Friday (7/19/13)

Bobby Coyle popped a home run as the team’s designated hitter. O’Koyea Dickson showed some nice opposite-field power by hitting a no-doubter to right-center field.

Casio Grider, who took over for Cuevas who twisted his ankle in the first inning, has crazy range in center field. A natural infielder, Grider tracked a deep fly ball that he had no business being near, dove and missed a spectacular catch by about six inches. It was an impressive display of speed.

Carlos Frias was awfully impressive. He mixed all his pitches and struck out 11 in seven innings. It was one of the best pitching performances by a Quake this season.

Schebler has a legitimate bat. He hit two home runs. The first was a lined shot over the right-center field wall. The second was a moonshot over the batter’s eye in center field (video below).

Sweeney doesn’t have the chops to stay at shortstop long-term. There’s some loop in his throw from short and he’s messy with his footwork and mechanics. He makes spectacular plays, but botches the routine ones.

Saturday (7/20/13)

Gustavo Gomez started. His velocity was actually pretty good (90-93 MPH), but he gave up a grand slam in the first inning to put him

Schebler has a lot of swing-and-miss, but he also has loud tools. He can play center, but he fits best in a corner. His arm is average in right, so left field could be his future. Speed/power combination isn’t dissimilar to Joc Pederson’s. Has some issues with the mental aspect of the game. Too emotional at times, wears it on his sleeve.

Scott Wingo has sneaky speed and is playing all over the infield. He’s a natural second baseman. He has great on-base ability, but he doesn’t barrel up enough pitches to be considered a legitimate prospect at this point.

Sunday (7/21/13)

Caughel doesn’t have the velocity to be successful in the rotation long-term. Has four pitches, but none grade out as even average. Velo dipped after about three innings.

Coyle is about a 40-45 left fielder at best. His arm is weak and his range is limited. He fits best there or at DH. He has power, but not much else to be excited about.

Grider’s home run was surprising. He’s not a power guy at all, but he ran into one. He had a bunt single in the first inning, too.

Pedro Guerrero has a decent glove, but he can’t hit a lick. He doesn’t hit the ball hard, leading to poor at-bats.

Pratt Maynard has good instincts behind the plate and a decent eye, but the hit tool must improve for him to be more than a career minor-leaguer (and probably a backup in the minors).

James McDonald, the Dodgers’ 18th-round draft pick, isn’t much of a prospect. He doesn’t have a good hit tool, has zero power and his first step at second base is slow. He played left field on Friday night. He’ll be lucky to be a utility man in Triple-A, let alone the majors.

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That's about it. Like I said, I'll have some in-depth reports in the coming days and weeks. I'm going to try to get down to Rancho toward the end of the minor-league season to see the boys in their home environment.

Photo credit: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Dodgers' SS prospect Darnell Sweeney hits for the cycle at High-A Rancho

Los Angeles Dodgers' shortstop prospect Darnell Sweeney hit for the cycle on Tuesday night against the Inland Empire 66ers.

Sweeney, 21, hit a home run in his first at-bat, a triple in his second, a single in his third and a double in his fourth. He's done this all in just six innings of work.

Quakes' play-by-play man Mike Lindskog said Sweeney could have easily had a triple, but manager Carlos Subero held Sweeney up at second base.

Sweeney was the leadoff hitter for Rancho Cucamonga for the first month-plus of the season. He was moved to the No. 3 spot on Friday night and has taken off a bit:

• 8-for-20 (.400) with a double, two triples, a home run, three walks and two stolen bases.

I was surprised to see him hitting third on Friday night, but so far, so good.

Sweeney naturally draws comparisons to Dee Gordon, and not because they're both black. They have similar statures and skill sets.

Sweeney doesn't have the ceiling Gordon had, but he could be a Major League regular, if he can stick at shortstop. I have some concerns about that, but for now, that's where he'll play.

I'll have a scouting report on Sweeney in the coming weeks.

Angelo Songco, still with the Quakes, was the last Dodger prospect to play for the Quakes to hit for the cycle. He did so in May 2011 in a 25-9 victory.

Photo credit: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Dodgers' prospect Jarret Martin dominates, but loses in best outing of career

Jarret Martin had one of the best performances of his Dodger career on Wednesday night, but it wasn't enough to propel the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes to victory.

Martin's line was rather impressive: 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K.

The Stockton Ports scored their only two runs of the night in the first inning, aided by a Darnell Sweeney error -- his 13th in 24 games. Addison Russell was on first when Martin gave up a booming triple off the center field wall to Antonio Lamas. Lamas would later score on a sacrifice fly.

But Martin was the story for the Quakes. He gave up just two hits, zero walks and struck out eight. Martin had a start last season for the Great Lakes Loons which was as follows: 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K. That was against lesser competition, so I'm calling tonight's outing the best of his Dodger minor-league career.

Martin used an overpowering fastball that sat in the 92-94 MPH range and touched 96 -- including the last pitch of his evening. His slider sat around 84 MPH and his changeup -- used seldom -- was in the low-80s and didn't offer much in the way of effectiveness.

But when ones fastball is as dominant as Martin's was, there's not much need to throw a changeup. His slider was just good enough to keep hitters form sitting on his fastball.

His fastball also featured some nice arm-side movement, something that comes naturally with left-handed pitchers.

Here's an admittedly crappy video (shot by me on an iPhone) of Martin getting Russell to ground into a double play in the sixth inning.



Martin, 23, has trouble with command and control. Tonight, he didn't have trouble with either. If he were more like this, not only would he be a more highly regarded prospect, he'd have a definite Major League future.

Now, the fact he throws in the mid-90s and is left-handed should precipitate an MLB career, but likely as a reliever.

For now, he's the Quakes' No. 2 or No. 3 starter, and he should have a chance to hone his skills in the California League the rest of the season.

Photo credit: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes announce 2013 roster, led by Ross Stripling and Angelo Songco

Stripling

The next Dodger minor-league affiliate to announce its roster is the High-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the California League.

• 2013 Great Lakes Loons opening day roster

Last year, the Quakes boasted an impressive pitching staff that included Garrett Gould, Zach Lee, Chris Reed, Angel Sanchez and Andres Santiago. This season, in the hitter-friendly league, the team looks to have another potentially strong pitching staff.

Ross Stripling and Duke von Schamann – both 2012 draftees (fifth and 15th, respectively) – figure to head the rotation, along with Cal League returners Gould and Jon Michael Redding. Jarret Martin, who made two appearances with the Quakes in 2012, will fill out the rotation.

Again, like the Loons, I hit on 14 of 25 players from my January prediction.

Roster

Catchers

Pratt Maynard

Chris O’Brien

Dickson

Infielders

O’Koyea Dickson

Elevys Gonzalez

Casio Grider (DL)

Ryan Mount

Darnell Sweeney

Scott Wingo

Outfielders

Noel Cuevas

Jonathan Garcia

Robbie Garvey

Scott Schebler

Starting pitchers

Garrett Gould

Jarret Martin

Jon Michael Redding

Ross Stripling

Duke von Schamann

Baez

Relief pitchers

Pedro Baez

James Campbell

Daniel Coulombe

Gustavo Gomez

Raydel Sanchez

Matt Shelton

Craig Stem

Michael Thomas

The offense could be good and is led Songco, a Cal League All-Star in 2011. Songco was on the fast track to Double-A after that season, but a broken leg derailed his 2012, a season in which he spent time at Low-A Great Lakes and Rancho.

Sweeney, another 2012 draftee (13th round), should be the team’s starting shortstop. He played a lot of second base in spring training in deference to other players, but Wingo returns to Rancho and figures to be the team’s leadoff hitter and second baseman. The team also has Dickson, a 2012 Midwest League All-Star, who figures to share time with Songco at first base and designated hitter (both getting ample playing time).

Maynard, 80 name, returns to Rancho, along with O’Brien, to be the team’s backstops.

Garcia returns to the Cal League at the ripe old age of 21. He struggled, surprisingly, in his first stint with the Quakes. He has good power potential and here’s hoping a season against advanced competition leads to success in 2013. Noel Cuevas, a toolsy outfielder, figures to get a lot of playing time in his this time in High-A after a 23-game stint there in 2011. Scott Schebler, who doesn’t walk a lot, is will be the team’s every day left fielder. And, in perhaps the most interesting story, the player the Dodgers signed after open tryouts during spring training, is headed to Rancho.

Garvey is a short, speedy left-handed hitter who can play center field. Cuevas figures to start in center, but Garvey should get a decent look and spell Schebler and Garcia when they need off days (with Cuevas shifting to a corner).

My best guess at a lineup

Wingo 2B

Sweeney SS

Songco 1B/DH

Dickson DH/1B

Schebler LF

Garcia RF

Mount 3B

O’Brien/Maynard C

Cuevas CF

Songco, if he hits well enough, figures to earn a promotion to Double-A. Dickson, Garcia and Schebler could be a solid middle-of-the-order, especially if the table-setters (Wingo and Sweeney) get on base enough.

This team could challenge for a playoff spot, if the pitching holds up over the season. The bullpen, with converted third baseman Baez and a couple of tough lefties in Coulombe and Thomas could prove to be tough for Cal League hitters.

There’s usually a lot of talent in the Cal League. This team could make some noise if everything goes right, though.

Photo credits: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Speedsters: Examining the fastest prospects in the Dodgers' farm system

Speed, as much as it tries to make a comeback, is still a lost art in baseball. Gone are the days of Lou Brock, Vince Coleman, Rickey Henderson and Maury Wills stealing 100-plus bases in a season.

The Dodgers have one player who's come up through the system in recent years to have plus-plus speed: Dee Gordon. While fast, he hasn't been able to get on base enough to make use of said speed.

There's no Billy Hamilton in this group of speed demons, but the Dodgers have a few intriguing jackrabbits in the farm system. But, like the diminishing elite speed in baseball, the Dodgers don't have that many speedsters. They might have some in the lowest level of the minors, but there isn't a lot of information on those players.

A couple guys who looked like, at one time, might be plus-runners were Brian Cavazos-Galvez and Rafael Ynoa. Cavazos-Galvez stole 43 bases in 2010 at Great Lakes. However, he's failed to top 17 stolen bases in any other season. Ynoa stole 40 bases on the same team as Cavazos-Galvez in 2010. His highest total since is 23, which he tallied in 2012.

This list is reserved for players with at least a "60" speed rating (on the 20-80 scale), which is plus speed.

Best speed prospects

James Baldwin
- Baldwin is the fastest runner in the system, with legitimate plus-plus speed. He's shown that speed in his 219-game career, swiping 92 bases (caught just 16 times). He does it as a center fielder, where his plus-plus speed allows him to track balls down that some center fielders couldn't dream of catching.



Noel Cuevas
- Cuevas is probably the "slowest" of the five on this list, but he still managed to steal 35 bases in 42 attempts in 2012. He has the speed and range to play center field -- where his bat would play best, but he'll likely end up in a corner, likely left field. Still, a left fielder with the range of a center fielder is never a bad thing.



Malcolm Holland
- Holland was a Boise State University commit as a defensive back in football before the Dodgers signed him away as a 33rd-round draft pick. Holland showed off that defensive back speed in his second season by stealing 44 bases (caught nine times) in 60 games for Ogden in 2012. Defensively, he profiles at either second base or center field. Obviously, his speed would benefit him much better in center, but that speed also allows him to range for balls at second better than others.



Yasiel Puig
- There have been varying reports about Puig's speed. I gave him a "55" in my Top 50 rankings. This was before DeJon Watson made this claim on local Los Angeles radio:

I'm told that DeJon Watson, on 570am tonight, said Yasiel Puig has been playing some CF in Puerto Rico and has "75 speed".
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) January 17, 2013

Jason Parks of Baseball Prospectus also heard from a non-Dodger person that Puig has "7" (70) speed. So, he's either a slightly above-average runner, or he's a plus-plus runner. I'm inclined to believe it's somewhere in the 60-65 range. That's good enough to play center field, but Puig likely ends up in right field and could develop into a top-flight defender at the position with that speed.



Darnell Sweeney
- Sweeney is easily the best runner from the Dodgers' 2012 draft class, and he showed it in his debut. Built a lot like Gordon, Sweeney stole 27 bases in 33 attempts in his debut season and easily has plus speed. He's not as fast as Gordon, but Sweeney is at least a "60" runner and could be a "65" runner going forward. At shortstop, he has a good range and a quick first step. He could be a dynamic leadoff-hitting shorstop if everything falls into place.

Dodgers' full-season minor league team preview: Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

This is the second in a four-part series projecting the Dodgers' full-season minor league teams. Up now, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

• Part 1 of 4: Great Lakes Loons

Last season's Rancho Cucamonga Quakes squad was set to blow right through the California League competition. The team was headed by top pitching prospects  Garrett Gould, Zach Lee, Chris Reed and Angel Sanchez.

Despite it being a hitters' haven, that quartet was supposed to lead the Quakes to the playoffs -- and it almost did in the first half.

The Quakes were tied with the High-Desert Mavs for the top spot. A one-game playoff between the two on June 25 determined the first-half champion. With Sanchez on the hill, the team jumped out to a 5-2 lead after 4 1/2 innings. The Quakes allowed six runs in the next two innings, giving the Mavs the playoff berth.

Lee pitched well before being promoted to Double-A, Reed pitched sparingly (35 innings) before his promotion to Double-A. The rotation was spearheaded by Gould (5.75 ERA), Sanchez (6.58 ERA) and Jon Michael Redding (4.42 ERA). Andres Santiago threw 96 1/3 quality innings until he was promoted to Chattanooga.

Pericht

While the offense had a nice 1-2-3 of Leon Landry, Joc Pederson and C.J. Retherford, the rest of the squad was inconsistent. Landry was traded at the end of July, Pederson paced the offense in the second half and Retherford was promoted to Double-A. Players like Austin Gallagher, Michael Pericht and Jonathan Garcia just weren't able to hit enough to overcome the lackluster pitching.

The Quakes lost some quality players in 2012 to promotions. With the number of quality players in Chattanooga, I wouldn't expect there to be a lot of up-and-down action between the two squads (injuries notwithstanding).

The 2013 roster doesn't look as good as 2012, but it could surprise some folks.

Projected roster

Catchers (2)
Pratt Maynard
Michael Pericht

Jacobs

Infielders (6)
Jesus Arredondo
Jesse Bosnik
O'Koyea Dickson
Pedro Guerrero
Chris Jacobs
Darnell Sweeney

Outfielders (4)
James Baldwin
Jonathan Garcia
Jeremy Rathjen
Scott Schebler

Starting pitchers (5)
Garrett Gould
Jarret Martin
Angel Sanchez
Duke von Schamann
Ross Stripling

Relief pitchers (8)
James Campbell
Yimi Garcia
Gustavo Gomez
Joel Lima
Brandon Martinez
Arismendy Ozoria
Matt Shelton 
Michael Thomas

The best prospects on this projected roster are Baldwin, Dickson Gould, Sweeney and Rathjen. Guys like Garcia, Gould and Sanchez are slated to repeat High-A because of poor performance and because there's a logjam in Double-A ahead of them.

The bullpen has three guys capable of starting (Gomez, Martinez, Ozoria), but they have to pitch somewhere. Perhaps one of them could unseat Sanchez in the rotation.

I'm not sure Rathjen and Stripling will begin with Rancho, but I'd like to see the Dodgers be aggressive with two of their selections from the 2012 draft.

My lineup
Baldwin CF
Sweeney SS
Dickson 1B/DH
Jacobs DH/1B
Garcia RF/Schebler LF
Bosnik 3B
Rathjen LF/RF
Maynard C
Arredondo 2B

Baldwin didn't hit a lick in Low-A, but he does have decent on-base ability. Maybe a hitter-friendly environment will help him, but it's also likely to hurt him, especially if he hits a few dingers early on. Rathjen could eventually work his way up in the lineup.

The rotation could be strong if Stripling handles the aggressive assignment well enough and Gould and Sanchez pitch to their capabilities. The bullpen has a nice back-end combination of Campbell and Garcia, while Thomas could be a nice sleeper in the group.

Someone who didn't make my projected Loons or Quakes roster is Juan Rodriguez. I have a hunch -- and that's all it is -- that he'll be released prior to the season. If he isn't, he'll likely begin in High-A.

The Cal League is a crap shoot, and this year is no exception.

Photo credits: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Two Dodgers' draftees make Pioneer League's best prospects list

Dodgers' 2012 first-round pick Corey Seager on Thursday was named the fourth-best prospect in the Pioneer League by Baseball America.

Seager had a nice showing in the league after a somewhat slow start. He posted a .304/.383/.520 triple slash with eight home runs, nine doubles, a surprising eight stolen bases and a 10.4 percent walk rate.

The 18-year-old played shortstop in 44 of his 46 games (two games as the designated hitter), but struggled defensively, as he committed 17 errors. The Dodgers could give him one more shot at shortstop, but he's the team's future at third base.

Joining him in the Top 20 was fifth-round pick Ross Stripling. Because he pitched a lot of innings for Texas A&M prior to being drafted, his innings were limited in his debit. He made 14 appearances (12 starts) and threw just 36 1/3 innings.

But Stripling showed the ability to get strikeouts (9.5 K/9) while not walking hitters (1.5 BB/9). That's always good to see, especially in a hitters' league.

He doesn't have elite stuff, but Stripling has a good feel for pitching early in his career.

I was a little surprised to see the 22-year-old on the list, but I was even more surprised not to see another 22-year-old on the list.

Jeremy Rathjen, the Dodgers' 11th-round pick, posted better numbers than Seager (despite being four years older), but didn't make it.

Rathjen had a .323/443/.500 triple slash with nine home runs, 17 doubles, 16 stolen bases and a 14.8 percent walk rate.

The Corey Hart clone fell to the 11th round because of a knee injury. Otherwise, he easily would have been a Top-10 round selection. He's definitely a sleeper in the organization and it will be interesting to see him in full-season ball.

I also thought shortstop Darnell Sweeney was possibly an omission. The 13th-rounder wasn't expected to hit much when he was drafted, but he's adjusted quite well to professional ball. He could be a big mover next season, as he's already reached Low-A and could conceivably reach Double-A with a fantastic 2013.

There's a reason Assistant General Manager Logan White is excited about the Dodgers' 2012 draft class. I'm not as excited, but its definitely growing on me. I need to see the prospects at the higher levels of the minors, but so far, so good.

Pederson and Ely earn top honors

Outfield prospect Joc Pederson and pitcher John Ely were named the Dodgers' Minor League Players of the Year on Thursday.

As you'll recall, I also named Pederson my player of the year last week. But I think I overlooked Ely, who had a fantastic year with Albuquerque. I focused on prospects, which is why I went with Matt Magill as the pitcher of the year. Despite the oversight, I stand by my selection.

But congratulations to Pederson and Ely. They both had amazing years.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Perfect Game

My 2012 Los Angeles Dodgers' all-prospect team

There are lots of familiar names on this list, but also a lot of new names on this year's all-prospect team.

To be eligible for this team, the player must have been a prospect at the beginning of the season and is still with the organization. So, guys like Allen Webster, Nathan Eovaldi and Leon Landry will not be included on this list.

Without further adieu, here's my 2012 Dodgers' all-prospect team:

Catcher: Tim Federowicz, 24, Triple-A
.294/.371/.461, 11 HR, 76 RBI, 34 2B, 10.9% BB rate
- Federowicz established himself as the clear-cut best catching prospect in the Dodgers' system with a solid season for Triple-A Albuquerque. Federowicz was definitely helped by the Isotopes' home environment (.350/.415/.569 at home, .245/.331/.370 on the road), but he did show an improved walk rate from 2011 to 2012. He was selected to the Triple-A All-Star team and should be A.J. Ellis' backup starting next season.
Second team: Eric Smith, 21, Rookie-Ogden

First Base: O'Koyea Dickson, 22, Low-A
.272/.366/.479, 17 HR, 63 RBI, 27 2B, 10.2% BB rate
- Dickson is a favorite of mine and it looked like he was going to establish himself as truly a legitimate prospect in the system after a torrid first half. However, a poor second half brought his numbers down to a pedestrian level. Still, he had a .207 ISO and .845 OPS in a pitcher's league. He should begin next season with in Rancho Cucamonga with the Quakes.
Second team: Jesus Valdez, 20, Rookie-Ogden

Second Base: Rafael Ynoa, 25, Double-A
.278/.364/.352, 37 RBI, 23 2B, 23 SB, 11.8% BB rate
- Ynoa, while having no power potential, showed some nice on-base skills in Double-A. While I nearly gave this to Scott Wingo, I gave Ynoa the edge for playing against advanced competition, despite being 25 years old. Ynoa doesn't have much more than utility player upside (at best), so I wouldn't get too excited over him.
Second team: Scott Wingo, 23, High-A

Third base: Alex Castellanos, 26, Triple-A/Majors
.328/.420/.590, 17 HR, 52 RBI, 25 2B, 11.3% BB rate
- Castellanos played more games at second base (50) than he did third base (34) for the Isotopes this season, but he finished as the team's third baseman and might have a shot there going forward. He probably still ends up as an outfielder, but it's just nice to see production from a semi-prospect at a position of great need for the Dodgers. Most impressive was Castellanos' improved walk rate from 2011 (7.3 percent).
Second team: C.J. Retherford, 27, High-A/Double-A

Shortstop: Darnell Sweeney, 21, Rookie-Ogden/Low-A
.294/.374/.430, 5 HR, 33 RBI, 27 SB, 10.7% BB rate
- Sweeney, the Dodgers' 13th-round pick, wasn't expected to hit this well, but he was quite the surprise in his limited playing time. He showed a little pop, some speed and, most impressive, a good eye at the plate. He could surprise some folks and be a legitimate prospect this time next season.
Second team: Corey Seager, 18, Rookie-Ogden

Left Field: Scott Schebler, 21, Low-A
.260/.312/.388, 6 HR, 67 RBI, 32 2B, 5.4% BB rate
- Schebler led the Loons in hits, runs batted in, doubles and runs scored. Yet, he didn't play all that well this season. His inability to draw walks at a high rate could eventually be his undoing. At 21, he still has a chance to realize his potential. However, the former 25th-round pick is going to have to get it going quickly in Rancho next season.
Second team: Austin Gallagher, 23, High-A

Center Field: Joc Pederson, 20, High-A
.313/.396/.516, 18 HR, 70 RBI, 96 R, 10.2% BB rate
- This one should come as no surprise as Pederson was my Dodgers' minor league Player of the Year. He had a fantastic season in High-A as a 20-year-old and it'll be interesting to see how he handles himself next season in Double-A.
Second team: Jeremy Rathjen, 22, Rookie-Ogden

Right Field: Scott Van Slyke, 26, Triple-A/Majors
.327/.404/.578, 18 HR, 67 RBI, 34 2B, 11.2% BB rate
- Van Slyke performed well for the Isotopes this season. He even got a cup of coffee in the majors and hit a game-winning three-run home run against the Cardinals -- a game that was more important than anyone thought. Van Slyke benefited from the friendly hitter's environment in the Pacific Coast League, but he didn't slump when the team took to the road.
Second team: Blake Smith, 24, Double-A

Starting Pitcher 1: Matt Magill, 22, Double-A
11-8, 3.75 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9, 10.5 K/9
- Like Pederson, this one should come as no surprise as Magill was my Dodgers' minor league Pitcher of the Year. He did well against older competition and led the Southern League in strikeouts. That's saying something. He still profiles as a No. 4 or No. 5 starter, but there's always a need for those guys.

Starting Pitcher 2: Zach Lee, 21, High-A/Double-A
6-6, 4.39 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9, 7.7 K/9
- Lee had good peripherals in Rancho Cucamonga, so he was promoted to Double-A. Despite a rough start, Lee finished his season on fire and established himself as the clear-cut No. 1 prospect in the organization. He'll get a full season at Chattanooga in 2013.

Starting Pitcher 3: Andres Santiago, 22, High-A/Double-A
6-5, 3.69 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9, 9.8 K/9
- Santiago is quickly becoming a favorite of mine and at 22, he has some upside. He repeated High-A to start the season before getting promoted to Double-A. Santiago was able to handle both levels and could be a sleeper in the organization. His 9.8 K/9 trailed only Magill among Dodger starting pitchers.

Starting Pitcher 4: Aaron Miller, 24, Double-A
6-6, 4.45 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 5.3 BB/8, 8.7 K/9
- Miller gets this spot due to trades and a nice strikeout rate. As you can tell, the walks are an issue for him. He had a decent 2012 season and, more importantly, he stayed healthy for it. If he can, somehow, harness his stuff and have better control, he could still be something. However, I see him ending up in the bullpen.

Starting Pitcher 5: Duke von Schamann, 21, Rookie-Ogden/Low-A/Double-A
6-4, 3.00 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9, 5.3 K/9
- Duke is the second 2012 Dodger draftee to make the first team and he made it through three levels of the minors in his debut season. He isn't a big strikeout guy and obviously relies on his control. His WHIP and walk rate are mighty impressive. Double-A might have a stacked rotation in 2013, so he could begin the season in Rancho Cucamonga.

Second five: Stephen Fife, Chris Reed, Jon Michael Redding, Arismendy Ozoria, Jarret Martin

Relief Pitcher 1:  Steve Ames, 24, Double-A
3-3, 18 SV, 1.56 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9, 10.2 K/9
- Ames really had a great season for the Lookouts. Ames took over for Shawn Tolleson after he was promoted to Triple-A and eventually the majors. He doesn't get the acclaim guys like Tolleson and Kenley Jansen got, but he could be every bit as good as them (well, maybe not Jansen). He throws strikes, keeps the ball in the yard and misses bats -- hard to ask for much more than that from a reliever.

Relief Pitcher 2: Shawn Tolleson, 24, Double-A/Triple-A/Majors
0-1, 5 SV, 2.82 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9, 13.7 K/9
- Tolleson's accumulated numbers are low because he's thrown 33 games in Los Angeles. That doesn't take away from his performance in the minors before being recalled. He should be a fixture in the Dodgers' bullpen for many years, hopefully dissuading Ned Colletti to acquire a reliever next July.

Relief Pitcher 3: Yimi Garcia, 22, Low-A/High-A
6-5, 16 SV, 2.92 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9, 14.1 K/9
- Garcia established himself as one of the system's best fireballing relievers this season, as evidenced by his ridiculous strikeout rate. He threw nearly 11 innings with Rancho Cucamonga and I wouldn't be surprised to see him begin next season there with a midseason call-up to Chattanooga.

Relief Pitcher 4: Javier Solano, 22, Double-A
3-0, 0 SV, 2,73 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9, 8.6 K/9
- Solano is one of the more underrated relievers in the system and he just keep plugging away. He doesn't overpower hitters, but he does enough to get the job done. I could see him starting next season in Triple-A just as easily as I could see him repeating Double-A.

Relief Pitcher 5: Eric Eadington, 24, Low-A/High-A/Double-A
4-3, 26 SV, 3.63 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9, 10.3 K/9
- Eadington was a quick riser this season after dominating the Midwest League (13.8 K/9, 27.0 K/BB). He was less successful going up the ladder, but not to the point that hurt his prospect status too much. He misses bats, throws in the low-90s (touches 95 MPH) and is left-handed -- pretty much all one needs to be a Major League relief pitcher.

Second five: Steven Rodriguez, Red Patterson, Josh Wall, Jordan Roberts, Michael Thomas

Dodgers need to rid themselves of Juan Uribe as soon as possible

It's no secret I've been against the Juan Uribe deal since he signed with the team two winters ago. I'm not usually in the business of saying "I told you so," but, well, it's quite fitting at this time.

Uribe is mired in a miserable slump (yes, even more miserable than his Dodger career totals). Since rejoining the team from injury on June 11, he's 5-for-49 with three doubles, two runs scored three walks and 15 strikeouts. Even worse, he's on an 0-for-25 streak right now.

When the Dodgers signed him, Uribe was coming off a big postseason with the Giants. Well, that's what Ned Colletti would tell you. In reality, he went 7-for-47 with two home runs and eight RBI. Unfortunately, those two home runs came at "clutch" times, thus leading people to believe Uribe was some kind of postseason hero.

He's actually one of the worst players in baseball and the Dodgers just need to cut their losses short with him.

There are two things keeping him around right now: his defensive ability (which isn't exactly Adrian Beltre-esque no matter what his 21.2 UZR says) and the fact the Dodgers have zero third base depth in the minors. Why do you think guys like Elian Herrera and Luis Cruz have even seen time in the majors this season?

The Dodgers drafted Corey Seager to be the eventual long-term third baseman, but he won't be ready for at least three years -- and that's being extremely optimistic. Other than that, guys like Josh Fields (not a prospect), Jake Lemmerman (more of a utility/middle infielder) and Pedro Baez (can't hit) are the next guys in line and they're not exactly realistic options.

But as for right now, the Dodgers are better off playing Jerry Hairston at third base the majority of the time. But since he's not an every day player, playing career minor-leaguers like Herrera and Cruz (and maybe even Adam Kennedy) are better options than Uribe. He's a black hole at the plate and has no business being on a Major League roster right now.

The Dodgers -- mainly Colletti -- have a really hard time known when to cut bait. If there was ever a time he was going to own up to his mistake, this would be the time. The fact that guys like Mike Petriello, Eric Stephen and Jon Weisman are saying there's a chance Uribe could be designated for assignment means there's some hope.

If the Dodgers sack up and actually DFA Uribe, they won't stick with the trio Herrera, Cruz and Kennedy for long. My expectation is they would step up trade efforts for a third baseman, particularly guys like Chase Headley or Jed Lowrie (who plays short but could slide over to third).

First thing's first, though: time to trim the excess fat (pun intended).

Minor league moves

The Dodgers made a number of minor league moves this week. Here are some of the more notable ones:

• Seager was assigned to Ogden and has already played in a couple games
• Steven Rodriguez was signed and went straight to Great Lakes
• Angelo Songco was promoted from Great Lakes to Rancho Cucamonga
• Darnell Sweeney was promoted to Great Lakes from Ogden to take Songco's spot

Seager beginning in Ogden is no surprise. He'll finish his first professional season there.

Rodriguez, the Dodgers' second-round pick, going to Great Lakes doesn't surprise me, but him signing for slot ($610,800) surprises me. That means the Dodgers will have to pay a luxury tax which comes in a little less than $75,000. The expectation was the Dodgers could get Rodriguez signed cheaper than slot to offer Seager a little more to forgo his commitment to South Carolina and because Rodriguez was overdrafted a bit.

Songco was rehabbing at Great Lakes and actually struggled a bit: .175/.281/.367 with six home runs. The home runs and walks were nice, but the .175 batting average was not -- especially since he played in the league a couple years ago. No clue how long he'll be in Rancho, but I'd like to see him in Chattanooga before the season ends.

Sweeney, the Dodgers' 13th-round draft pick, had a solid triple slash in 16 games: .303/.380/.379 for a glove-first shortstop. Drawing nine walks (against eight strikeouts) and stealing 10 bases were both positives for a 21-year-old fresh out of college.

Photo credit: SD Dirk, Flickr