Dodgers ink former Astros' prospect J.R. Towles to minor-league contract

The Dodgers on Wednesday signed former Houston Astros top prospect J.R. Towels to a minor-league deal. Don't worry, A.J. Ellis' job is plenty safe.

Towles, a catcher, has played in parts of five seasons in the majors and has posted a horrific .187/.267/.315 triple slash.

Towles, 29, is nothing more than minor-league depth, if you consider a catcher who can't hit depth. He has a career .284/.381/.453 line in the minors and had a .942 OPS in 19 games with the Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals Triple-A affiliate) this season. He played in the Twins' minor-league system in 2011.

With Tim Federowicz ripping up Triple-A pitching, he shouldn't be long for the Pacific Coast League. Matt Wallach is the Isotopes' backup catcher after the club cut ties with Jesus Flores earlier this month.

The fact the Dodgers signed Towles to any kind of deal shows the complete lack of catching depth in the organization. Perhaps that's an area the Dodgers will address in next week's MLB Draft and the subsequent international signing period.

In theory, Towles is going to Triple-A Albuquerque to replace Federowicz, who should be displacing Ramon Hernandez in Los Angeles. In actuality, Towles is going to replace Matt Wallach, who will be demoted to Double-A and will likely replace Jan Vazquez.

The Dodgers really need Gorman Erickson to regain his flash of goodness from 2011 or for Pratt Maynard to take off behind the plate. Guys like Eric Smith and Tyle Ogle aren't good bets for long-term production behind the plate, even though I like Smith as a potential sleeper going forward.

Photo credit: SBoyd, Flickr

Gold Glovers: Examining the best defenders in the Dodgers' farm system

In what is probably the least-sexy tool among baseball players, I examine the best defensive players in the Dodgers' farm system.

There are no Cesar Izturis' or Alex Cora's in this bunch, but there are some players who are quality defenders.

Postseason hardware is not indicative of defensive prowess, as Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp have Gold Glove awards, but the Dodgers could have a few guys who contend for the award in the future.

While the tool is not sexy, it is necessary and an underrated facet of the game.

Previous entries in this series

• Power
• Fastball
• Speed
• Slider
• Hitting 
• Curveball 

This list is reserved for Dodger position player prospects who feature 60 or better (future) defense.

James Baldwin
- Baldwin is the Dodgers' best defensive outfielder, as he handles center field with relative ease. His speed helps him range for fly balls not many other Dodger prospects. His arm is just average in center field, but his other defensive tools are unquestioned. Provided he hits enough, he could be a starting center fielder in the majors.

Gorman Erickson
- Erickson made big strides behind the plate last season, challenging fellow farm hand Tim Federowicz for best defensive catcher. The only thing really holding him back defensively is a below-average caught stealing rate. His arm is at least average, but it's a little difficult to get his lanky 6-foot-4 body to be compact when he throws.

Tim Federowicz
- Voted the best defensive catcher in the Pacific Coast League in 2012, Federowicz boasts a quality glove that is major-league ready. He is pretty good at throwing out runners, snagging 39 percent of basestealers in Triple-A last year. He's caught 50 percent of attempted basestealers in the majors, even if it is just 3-of-6. He should have a long career based on the strength of his glove. If he hits, then he's a surefire starter.

Blake Smith
- Smith took to right field in college and, despite logging some time on the mound at Cal, has stuck at the position. He uses his above-average instincts and average speed to track down fly balls with ease in right field. He has the best outfield throwing arm in the system, but Yasiel Puig is giving him a run for his money. Smith has even dabbled in center field, but he'll likely stay in right field going forward.

Jesmuel Valentin
- Valentin earned rave reviews for his defense in his debut season, earning best defensive infielder and best infield arm honors from Baseball America. Despite playing mostly second base in deference to 2012 No. 1 overall pick Carlos Correa, Valentin still projects as at least an average shortstop (probably better) and above-average at second base. He has enough arm for shortstop, making it a plus arm for second base. He could carve out a niche as a utility infielder at worst, but the Dodgers hope he's much better than that.

Rafael Ynoa
- Smith sung Ynoa's defensive praise when he was a guest on "Dugout Blues." Ynoa is a lot like Valentin (or is it the other way around?), as he can play both middle infield positions well. Ynoa is better at second base than he is at shortstop, but he split time between the positions evenly in 2012. The Dodgers don't have much in the way of middle infield prospects in the upper minors, but Dee Gordon starting the season in Albuquerque eliminates Ynoa from being the Isotopes' opening day shortstop.

Photo credits: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Dodgers' full-season minor league team preview: Chattanooga Lookouts

This is the third in a four-part series projecting the Dodgers' full-season minor league teams. Up next, the Chattanooga Lookouts.

• Part 1 of 4: Great Lakes Loons
• Part 2 of 4: Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

Of all the Dodgers' minor league teams, this one should be the best. Once you see the roster, you'll see what I'm talking about.

The Lookouts were the only full-season Dodger minor league affiliate to make the postseason, thanks to a 41-29 second half.

Pederson

Chattanooga faced off against the Jackson Generals (Mariners), filled with a bevy of prospects (James Paxton, Taijuan Walker and Mike Zunino, just to name a few). Jackson took the first two games of the series before an absolutely dominant pitching performance by Chattanooga gave the team its only playoff win. Jackson would take the series with in the next game.

Led by Nick Buss, Blake Smith and J.T. Wise, the Lookouts actually struggled a bit. They received some late-season reinforcements from Rancho Cucamonga in the form of C.J. Retherford and Bobby Coyle, but it wasn't enough to help the offense.

The pitching is where the Lookouts thrived. The team started the season with Nathan Eovaldi, Matt Magill, Ethan Martin and Allen Webster in the rotation. Unfortunately for the Lookouts, only Magill is still with the organization. The team did add Zach Lee, Chris Reed and Andres Santiago to bolster the staff late in the season -- all of whom are expected to be Lookouts for at least a portion of 2012.

The bullpen was great, with Geison Aguasviva, Steve Ames, Logan Bawcom (later traded), Red Patterson and Javier Solano leading the way.

Joc Pederson and Onelki Garcia made cameos in the playoffs and both could be two of the brightest starts on the squad.

The 2013 roster will be filled with all kinds of talent, including the $42-million man: Yasiel Puig.

Projected roster

O'Brien

Catchers (2)
Gorman Erickson
Christopher O'Brien

Infielders (6)
Joe Becker
Casio Grider
C.J. Retherford
Miguel Rojas
Angelo Songco
Scott Wingo

Outfielders (5)
Bobby Coyle
Omar Luna
Joc Pederson
Yasiel Puig
Kyle Russell

Lee

Starting pitchers (5)
Onelki Garcia
Zach Lee
Aaron Miller
Rob Rasmussen
Chris Reed

Relievers (7)
Ryan Acosta
Freddie Cabrera
Kelvin De La Cruz
Jose Dominguez
Eric Eadington
Jordan Roberts
Andres Santiago

Guys like Erickson  and Retherford could see promotions to Albuquerque, but there's a lot of players in line ahead of them. The offense looks like it could be strong, especially if Songco has a bounce-back season. The outfield will likely be formidable with some big-time prospects.

The pitching looks absolutely filthy. The rotation is headed by three of my top eight prospects, while Rasmussen could be a nice fit after his acquisition from Houston.

The bullpen probably won't be as good as it was last season, but Dominguez, after his 25-game suspension, should be the team's closer. Santiago, who has ability as a starter, is forced to the 'pen in favor of former supplemental first-round pick Miller. Those two are interchangeable in my eyes. Cruz could make the roster as a non-roster invite and gives the Lookouts three left-handers (along with Eadington and Roberts).

My lineup
Wingo 2B
Pederson LF
Puig CF
Songco 1B
Retherford 3B
Russell RF
Coyle DH
Erickson/O'Brien C
Grider SS

I don't think it's too likely Wingo leads off (hell, he might start with Rancho Cucamonga), but he has good on-base ability -- second only to Erickson in this lineup -- but there's no way Jody Reed (yes, that Jody Reed) bats his catcher leadoff. The 2-7 spots could be damn good, if everyone is clicking.

The rotation should be the team's bread and butter, as it has six legitimate starters and some highly ranked prospects.

Photo credits: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Pederson, Puig, Rodriguez among Dodgers' prospects to play in AFL

The Dodgers are sending four position players and four pitchers to this year's Arizona Fall League following the season.

Teams tend to have legitimate prospects participate in the AFL, and the Dodgers are no exception this year.

Position players
Gorman Erickson
Joc Pederson
Yasiel Puig
Rafael Ynoa

Pitchers
Eric Eadington
Red Patterson
Steven Rodriguez
To be determined

Baseball America has the full rosters on its site. It lists the Dodgers' final pitcher as "TBD," so we'll see who it might be. I'd be shocked if it was a guy like Zach Lee or Chris Reed. It'll likely be another reliever.

Steve Ames went last season and because he's been dominant in 2012, I don't think he needs the extra work. I could see it being Juan Rodriguez. He was suspended earlier this season in Rancho Cucamonga for "conduct detrimental to the team," so he doesn't have a lot of mileage on his arm this season. However, his 9.6 walks per nine innings rate (no, that isn't a typo) is quite alarming. He could probably use the extra work.

There's also the possibility of the Dodgers not filling that spot. We'll see what happens.

I'm really excited to see how Pederson and Puig handle the league. Since a lot of good prospects play in the AFL, it's a solid determiner of potential success. It isn't the be all, end all, but it helps when evaluating players.

Pederson has been fantastic this season and is opening up eyes. Puig, as we all know, got a late start to the season after signing his record-breaking contract. He can definitely use the extra baseball.

Erickson was in the AFL last season and has been massively disappointing in 2012. We'll see if it helps him at all going forward.

Ynoa, who's finishing up his age-24 season (turned 25 one day after my birthday), has virtually zero pop, but he has decent on-base skills. My guess is the Dodgers want to see how he handles advanced competition. He's been decent in Chattanooga.

The same could be said about Eadington and Patterson. Both are a little old for their level, but both could be serviceable bullpen arms down the road. Patterson is a bit underrated and has handled Double-A well. Eadington was able to strike hitters out in his 11 Double-A innings, but he gave up too many hits (13). The Dodgers probably want to see if he's a viable option sometime next season or in 2014.

Rodriguez could be the first player from the 2012 draft class to get the call to the majors after Marcus Stroman's suspension. He'll get a little more work in Arizona and could conceivably make the Dodgers' bullpen out of 2013 Spring Training -- but I wouldn't put money on it.

So, if you live in Arizona and want to see some Dodger prospects, this might be your best chance to do so. Some of them will probably get Spring Training invites, but they won't play a whole lot.

Lee rolling in Chattanooga

Remember when people were freaking out over Zach Lee's poor Double-A performance? Well, he's done quite a bit to shut those people up.

Lee's last eight starts: 4-1, 1.97 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 7.3 H/9, 0.6 HR/9 (three home runs allowed), 2.0 BB/9, 6.9 K/9 and a 3.5 K/BB.

That's damn good for a 20-year-old in the Southern League. His strikeout numbers are down from Rancho, but that's to be expected going forward. He's more of a control/location pitcher than a strikeout guy. However, he has shown the ability to get the strikeout when needed.

Perhaps that worry should be focused on Chris Reed, who's had a lackluster year while adjusting to the rotation.

Photo credits: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Harang's histroic night and late-inning magic lead Dodgers to win, plus minor-league news

Despite a bad ninth inning by reliever Kenley Jansen, the Dodgers still won their seventh in eight games 9-8 via the walk-off walk.

Andre Ethier came up with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth and coaxed a four-pitch walk from Padres' reliever Joe Thatcher.

But the story of the game tonight's Dodgers' 8-6 win was Aaron Harang (right), who struck out 13 Padres in 6 1/3 innings at Dodger Stadium. He also set a Dodgers' record with those strikeouts.

After allowing a leadoff single to Cameron Maybin, Harang went onto strike out nine consecutive hitters (including Maybin for No. 9) in the first three innings.

The nine in a row broke Johnny Podres Dodgers' record of eight. Tom Seaver still holds the Major League record with 10.

The wheels came off -- briefly -- in the fourth as Will Venable hit a home run to break up the strikeout parade. Harang would give up two more runs in the inning. He also gave up a run in the seventh. Harang finished with this line: 6 1/3 IP, 4 H, 4 R (all earned), 2 BB, 13 K.

In the fourth inning, Matt Kemp hit his third home run of the season over the right field wall. He hit one out to right in San Diego last week and one to center field. He's yet to hit a home run to his pull field. He went 1-for-2 with the homer, two RBI, two runs and three walks -- his first three walks of the season. No longer will he have a better batting average than on-base percentage.

The bullpen tried to give away the game, as Todd Coffey and Scott Elbert were ineffective, but the combination of the soon-to-be-demoted Josh Lindblom put out the fire in the eighth before Jansen totally shat the bed in the ninth. He gave up a 2-out, 2-run home run to Chase Headley with two strikes, which tied the game. He ended up with the all important "W," though.

Minor league update

Triple-A - Isotopes won 7-4
The Isotopes won their home-opener in front of 10,000-plus fans. Josh Fields hit the first home run (2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 runs) in Albuquerque. Jerry Sands chipped in with a home run of his own, going 2-for-3. Alex Castellanos continued his improved plate discipline, walking once and getting a hit. Tim Federowicz went 1-for-2 with two runs and two walks. Josh Wall picked up his second save for the 'Topes.

Double-A - Lookouts won 7-3
Matt Magill got the start for Chattanooga and struck out eight batters. That's the good news. The bad news is he lasted just four innings (98 pitches, 61 strikes), four hits, three runs (all earned) and three walks. He boasts a 14.0 K/9 through his first two starts. The bullpen picked him up, though, by not allowing a hit, just one walk while striking out five. Steve Ames finished the game by recording two Ks.

The offense came to play, led by J.T. Wise, who went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and two walks. Gorman Erickson (right) went 2-for-4 with an RBI and run scored. The offense did strike out 14 times, which is a concern.

High-A - Quakes rained out

Low-A - Loons won 5-4
As much griping as I've done about the Loons' offense this year, one guy continues to perform: Jesus Alberto Arredondo. Hitting leadoff, he went 3-for-5 with a double, triple, stolen base and two runs scored. The Loons' second baseman is off to a fast start in the Midwest League, posting a .462 average in eight games.

Matthew Laney got the start and went four decent innings: five hits, three runs (all earned), three walks and six strikeouts. Juan Noriega and Eric Eadington both threw two scoreless innings, giving up five hits, one walk while striking out seven. Yimi Garcia blew the save by giving up an unearned run in the ninth, but he was picked up Joseph Winker's game-winning RBI single.

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I promise I'm trying to find out more information about Arredondo. This is what I have right now, via MLive.com:

"The Dodgers signed Arredondo as a free agent out of the Mexican League. Arredondo, who can play both second and shortstop, hit .320 last season in 53 games. He scored 31 runs and knocked in 14. He was just 4 of 14 in stolen base attempts."

Hope to have some more information in the coming days.

Photo credits
Harang: Blevine37, Wikimedia Commons
Erickson: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

The Dodgers have no switch-hitters for the first time since 1986

I was looking at the Dodgers' Opening Day lineup and noticed there were no switch-hitters in it. Then I looked at the roster and didn't see any. That got me thinking: when was the last time the Dodgers...

a) had no switch-hitters start Opening Day?
and
b) had no switch-hitters on the roster, period?

The answer to a) is 1996. The answer to b) is 1986 (courtesy of Baseball-Reference).

The only switch-hitter on the 2012 Dodgers' 25-man roster is Mike MacDougal. But does that really count? Barely, I suppose.

In recent years, the switch-hitting role has been filled by Rafael Furcal (right). Before him (pre-2006), guys like Jose Cruz, Jose Valentin and Milton Bradley filled that role. The Dodgers had a glut of switch-hitters.

We get back to the early part of the century and guys like Cesar Izturis, Todd Hundley and Chad Kreuter were the some of the switch-hitters. Devon White, Jose Vizcaino and Wilton Guerrero (Corky!) filled the role in the late 1990s.

We come to 1996. The Dodgers opened the season in the Astrodome against the Houston Astros. Ramon Martinez was on the bump for the Dodgers taking on Shane Reynolds. The Dodgers' starting lineup looked like this:

Delino DeShields 2B
Brett Butler CF
Mike Piazza C
Eric Karros 1B
Raul Mondesi RF
Mike Blowers 3B
Todd Hollandsworth LF
Greg Gagne SS
Martinez P

Roger Cedeno, Chad Fonville and Guerrero were the only switch-hitters on the club the entire season, and Guerrero wasn't on the team until September.

Fonville pinch-ran for DeShields in the sixth ining and Cedeno, a 21-year-old top prospect at the time, came in as part of a double-switch in the seventh inning.

That kept the streak of switch-hitters playing for the Dodgers alive. You then have to go all the way back to 1986 to find the Dodgers a switch-hitterless team.

I just thought it was an interesting tidbit.

Will the Dodgers have any switch-hitters this season? That remains to be seen.

Gorman Erickson (right) is the Dodger closest switch-hitting prospect to the majors, but he's not the closest player to the majors.

Fellow catcher Josh Bard is playing for the Isotopes and could see time if there are significant injuries. Infielder Elian Herrera, who had all of six at-bats this spring, is also with the 'Topes.

Infielder Lance Zawadzki is another switch-hitter and got 15 at-bats in Spring Training, but he's not even on a Dodger minor-league roster.

So, unless there's a trade acquisition, it's going to take some doing for a "real" switch-hitter to crack the Dodgers' roster this season.

Photo credits
Furcal: SD Dirk, Flickr
Erickson: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Zach Lee's Cal League debut a rousing success, plus other Opening Day news

While the Dodgers were busy dispatching of San Diego 5-3 despite an ailing Clayton Kershaw, Zach Lee (right) was making his California League debut for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

Here is his line from the night:

5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K

That's quite a debut for the 20-year-old Dodgers' top prospect. However, he's not in line for the win because reliever Bret Montgomery gave up Lee's 2-0 lead in the sixth inning.

He'll be tested in the hitter-friendly league, but he passed his first test with ease.

#####

The Isotopes and Lookouts both lost tonight in their season debuts.

Albuquerque lost to Omaha 8-4. Some highlights from that game include Alex Castellanos going 1-for-4 with a triple, two walks and two stolen bases as the team's No. 2 hitter and second baseman.

Scott Van Slyke, much like in his first Spring Training game, homered. He went 2-for-4. Jerry Sands drove in two runs without picking up a hit. Tim Federowicz went 1-for-3 with two walks.

Despite the solid offense, the pitching was bad. Mike Parisi went five solid innings, but the bullpen lost the game. Brent Leach, fresh off his season in Japan, gave up three runs in 1 2/3 innings. Josh Wall lasted just 1/3 of an inning, giving up three hits and two runs.

The Lookouts didn't fare much better with pitching, but it was Allen Webster who dropped the proverbial ball here. He gave up just two runs, but he also gave up seven hits and allowed five walks in 3 1/3 innings. Not a great season debut for him after his late-season struggles in Double-A in 2011. Javier Solano struck out four in two innings of work.

The offense didn't come to play tonight, as it was shut down by Nicholas Struck (6 IP, 10 K). Blake Smith (left), making his Southern League debut, went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. Gorman Erickson put up the same hitting line. Jake Lemmerman went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a hit-by-pitch.

So, not the best of night's for the minor-leaguers. Lee's awesome performance, reportedly with 14 MPH winds, makes it even more impressive.

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Matt Kemp picked up right where he left off in 2011, hitting a towering home run to right field. It barely got over the fence, but it still counts, especially in Petco Park.

Dee Gordon made an amazing play in the fourth inning on a ground ball off the bat of Yonder Alonso (deflected by Josh Lindblom, winning pitcher on the night).

The aforementioned Lindblom came in and pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Kershaw. Kenley Jansen gave up a 2-run home run to Cameron Maybin. It wasn't his best outing, but he'll be fine. Javy Guerra pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to notch his first save of the season.

Photo credits

Lee: mwlguide on Flickr
Smith: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue
Gordon: UC International via Wikimedia, bridgetds on Flickr

Rubby De La Rosa could give Dodgers' bullpen a shot in the arm

I was reading Jon Weisman's piece for ESPN LA last night and it got me thinking: the Dodgers are going to have a huge addition late in the season.

The addition? None other than Rubby De La Rosa.

De La Rosa sprained the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on July 31 and ultimately needed Tommy John Surgery.

De La Rosa pitched out of the bullpen in his first three games before securing a spot in the rotation. In 10 starts (55 2/3 innings), he went 3-5 with a 3.88 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and struck out nearly a batter per inning.

But if (when) he returns this season, he'll be coming out of the bullpen. Depending on where the Dodgers are at that point, he could help to secure a playoff berth or getting ready to take the No. 2 spot (as it stands right now) in the 2013 rotation.

If he returns in before Sept. 1, he'll be more than one year removed from ligament replacement surgery and also be eligible for the postseason roster.

Tony Jackson of ESPN LA reported on Feb. 22 De La Rosa is aiming for a rehabilitation assignment after the All-Star break. However, it'd be wise for the Dodgers not to rush him back.

The Dodgers need to make sure he's, without a doubt, 100 percent ready for action. He's far too valuable to risk another injury for a shot at a playoff spot with an imperfect team.

But that filthy fastball-changeup combination coming out of the 'pen would be reminiscent of the Eric Gagne days, minus the performance-enhancing drugs.

Despite losing most of the season due to surgery, De La Rosa still has a chance to contribute in 2012 and prepare himself for 2013. It's the best of an unfortunate situation.

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The Dodgers signed Kyle Smit, presumably today, tweets Baseball America's Matt Eddy. The Cubs released him on March 4. Smit was sent to Chicago with Brett Wallach for Ted Lilly before the 2010 trade deadline. I literally just looked at his Baseball-Reference page yesterday, for some reason.

I missed this 20 days ago: Chad Moriyama released his Top 25 Dodger prospects for 2012. Lots of familiar names. The ranking I'm most pleased to see is Gorman Erickson at No. 10. Here's hoping he can continue to hit and get on base at Chattanooga.

Mike Petriello has no issue with one of the ownership groups inquiring about naming rights for Dodger Stadium. Regardless of what happens, it's still going to be "Dodger Stadium."

Photo credit: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

2011 Los Angeles Dodgers' All-Prospect Team

The Dodgers' minor league system enjoyed the most success it has in a long time with three teams advancing to their respective postseasons.

With good team performances comes good prospect performances. So, here is my 2011 All-Prospect team for the Dodgers.

To be eligible for this team, the player must have been a prospect to start the 2011 season.

Catcher: Gorman Erickson, 23, High-A/Double-A
.293/.379/.486, 13 HR, 66 RBI, 14.1% BB rate
- I wrote a piece on Erickson a few days after Federowicz was acquired. Even with Federowicz good month of August in the Pacific Coast League, I still like what Erickson brings to the table. His 14.1 percent walk rate is impressive and he is clearly No. 1 on the catching depth chart for me. He finished 2011 in Double-A and I bet he returns there to start 2012 with a midseason call-up a possibility.
Second team: Tim Federowicz, 23, Triple-A

First Base: Scott Van Slyke, 25, Double-A
.348/.427/.595, 20 HR, 92 RBI, 45 2B
- Van Slyke is the odds-on favorite to win the Southern League MVP award, according to an unbiased source -- me. He led the league in batting and doubles and was second in total bases. While his prospect star has never shone too bright, he's making some noise in the Dodgers' organization and could get a look on the 2012 Opening Day roster. This slot could have gone to Sands or Songco, but they'll be mentioned later on.
Second team: O'Koyea Dickson, 19, Rookie-Ogden

Second Base: Ivan DeJesus, 24, Majors/Triple-A
Majors: .188/.235/.188, 6 RBI, 2 BB
Minors: .310/.389/.432, 8 HR, 59 RBI, 11.6% BB rate
- DeJesus actually made the Dodgers' Opening Day roster in 2011, but he could never get on track with the big club. However, a hot second half in the PCL made him the clear choice for this team. He should get a September call-up any day now, seeing as the Isotopes are no playoff-bound.
Second team: Justin Sellers, 25, Triple-A/Majors

Third Base: Tony Delmonico, 24, High-A
.268/.387/.424, 12 HR, 63 RBI, 14.4% BB rate
- Delmonico has always been a favorite of mine, but I liked him a lot more when he was a catching prospect. At 24 and in High-A, his prospect status is dwindling. His walk rate is impressive, which leads to an impressive on-base percentage (compared to his batting average). He could be a late bloomer, ala Van Slyke, but I wouldn't expect him to be much more than a 24th/25th man on a Major League roster. The fact that he's the Dodgers' best third base prospect says something about the lack of talent at the position in the minors.
Second team: Russ Mitchell, 26, Triple-A/Majors

Shortstop: Dee Gordon, 22, Triple-A/Majors
Minors: .333/.373/.410, 6 3B, 24 RBI, 30 SB
Majors: .277/.288/.336, 6 2B, 7 RBI, 16 SB
- Gordon might be one of the most-liked players in the organization. His happy-go-lucky attitude plays well, and he can play a little himself. Despite striking out more than half the times he did in Triple-A, he's still the Dodgers' future shortstop. He's 16-for-19 in stolen bases in the Majors, so Davey Lopes' impact is apparent.
Second team: Jake Lemmerman, 22, High-A/Double-A

Left Field: Angelo Songco, 22, High-A
.313/.367/.581, 29 HR, 114 RBI, 48 2B
- Songco could very well be my Dodger Minor League Hitter of the Year. After a late-season slump in 2010, Songco did the exact opposite this season. He hit a respectable .301/.360/.504, with 10 HR, 49 RBI and 21 2B in the first half, but took his game to another level in the second: .324/.375/.660, with 19 HR, 65 RBI and 27 2B. He led the California League in doubles and total bases. He should be the starting first baseman or left fielder for Chattanooga in 2012.
Second team: Joc Pederson, 19, Low-A/Rookie-Ogden

Center Field: Alfredo Silverio, 24, Double-A
.306/.340/.542, 16 HR, 85 RBI, 18 3B
- Silverio made my 2010 second team as a left fielder, but he three-quarters of his games in center field this season -- and he had a career-year. His 18 triples and 289 total bases led the Southern League. He's a free-swinger, so his prospect star isn't as bright as it could be, but he could be a serviceable fourth outfielder in the Majors. He'll probably start 2012 in Albuquerque.
Second team: Trayvon Robinson, 23, Triple-A

Right Field: Jerry Sands 24, Triple-A/Majors
Minors: .278/.344/.586, 29 HR, 88 RBI, 10.3% BB rate
Majors: .200/.294/.328, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 13.6% BB rate
- Sands started off the Triple-A season on fire, earning a call-up to the Dodgers. He started slow for Los Angeles but seemed to be heading in the right direction, even hitting a monsterous grand slam in Houston. At that time, he was hitting .239/.343/.413 and looked like he was ready to take the league by the horns. However, he struggled and was sent back to Triple-A. The team tinkered with his swing, leading to a poor performance for most of the second half (.246/.306/.536). A late-season surge boosted his overall numbers. If the Dodgers move Andre Ethier this off-season, Sands would be the odds-on favorite to start in right field in 2012.
Second team: Blake Smith, 23, High-A

Starting Pitcher 1: Rubby De La Rosa, 22, Double-A/Majors
Minors: 2-2, 2.92 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 11.7 K/9
Majors: 4-5, 3.74 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 8.9 K/9
- De La Rosa was electric in the minors and the majors. Tommy John Surgery ended his 2011 and likely most of his 2012 season. Still, he showed he has the stuff to be a quality Major League starting pitcher. His fastball is the highest in terms of average velocity of any starting pitcher in the Majors -- including Justin Verlander. He'll be a fixture in the Dodgers' 2013 rotation.

Starting Pitcher 2: Nathan Eovaldi, 21, Double-A/Majors
Minors: 6-5, 2.62 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 8.7 K/9
Majors: 1-2, 3.09 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 6.5 K/9
- Eovaldi has been the biggest surprise prospect this season. He was ranked No. 28 in my preseason rankings and did nothing but show he's a legitimate arm. Now, his future might lie in the bullpen, but for 2012, he should be a starter on this team. Like most young pitchers, he needs to improve his control and miss a few more bats.

Starting Pitcher 3: Garrett Gould, 19, Low-A
11-6, 2.40 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 7.6 K/9
- Gould has long since been a favorite of mine and he came into his own this season. He led the Loons' starters with 2.40 ERA and 123 2/3 innings pitched. There was some concern with his velocity coming into the season, as he worked in the mid-to-upper-80s last season. He got back to the low-90s this season, and the numbers speak for themselves. He should start at Rancho next season with a potential mid-season promotion to Chattanooga (ala Allen Webster).

Starting Pitcher 4: Angel Sanchez, 21, Low-A
8-4, 2.82 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 7.6 K/9
- Sanchez seemingly came from out of nowhere to put up some impressive numbers in his first year of professional ball. His ERA and WHIP are identical to Gould's and he put himself on the prospect radar. It'll be interesting to see how he does in the hitter-friendly California League in 2012.

Starting Pitcher 5: Zach Lee, 19, Low-A
9-6, 3.47 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 7.5 K/9
- This one was between Lee and Webster, but I gave the nod to Lee because of Webster's poor second half with the Lookouts. Lee was the Dodgers' prized possession from the 2010 draft and had a solid debut season. Lee is quite polished for his age and should get a taste of the Cal League in 2012. The Dodgers have been known to push their young, first-round high schoolers, so it wouldn't be shocking for Lee and his four-pitch repertoire to make it to Tennessee.

Second five: Webster, Chris Withrow, Aaron Miller, Red Patterson, Jon Michael Redding

Relief Pitcher 1: Kenley Jansen, 23, Majors/Double-A/High-A
Majors: 2-1, 3.30 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 15.0 K/9
Minors: 0-1, 3.38 ERA, 0.62 WHIP, 14.6 K/9
- Jansen burst onto the scene in 2010, posting a 0.67 ERA and 13.7 K/9 rate. He was set to be the closer if Jonathan Broxton and/or Hong-Chih Kuo failed -- which they ultimately did. Jansen got off to a bit of a tough start, but has been lights-out since giving up five runs to the Braves on April 19. In 35 innings (32 games), he has a 1.28 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 15.4 K/9 and a .104 BAA. He could be in line to close games in 2012 for the Dodgers.

Relief Pitcher 2: Javy Guerra, 25, Double-A/Majors
Minors: 1-0, 1.06 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, 3 SV
Majors: 2-0, 2.19 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, 15 SV
- Guerra was not considered a prospect by most, yet somehow found himself in the Dodgers' bullpen in May. He's been one of the most consistent performers of the Dodgers' relief corp. Guerra has magically found control after not being able to do so in eight minor-league seasons (2.7 BB/9 in MLB, 5.2 BB/9 in MiLB). He probably won't be this good, but he could be serviceable bullpen arm for years to come.

Relief Pitcher 3: Shawn Tolleson, 23, Low-A/High-A/Double-A
7-2, 1.17 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 13.7 K/9, 25 SV
- Tolleson was a 30th-round steal for the Dodgers in 2010, and his 2011 performance is something to be quite excited about. Tolleson started with the Loons where he had a 19.8 K/9 ratio. That's unheard of. He moved up to the Quakes for 9 2/3 innings, striking out 15.8 batters per nine before spending the bulk of his season with the Lookouts. For Chattanooga, he pitched 44 1/3 innings and struck out 55 batters -- good for only a 11.2 K/9 rate. He could challenge for a bullpen spot with the Dodgers in Spring Training.

Relief Pitcher 4: Logan Bawcom, 22, Low-A/High-A
5-3, 3.09 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 11.3 K/9, 27 SV
- Bawcom enjoyed most of his success in the Midwest League, but made it to the Cal League for 21 2/3 innings. His overall 11.3 K/9 rate and 3.00 K/BB ratio are nice. He needs to have a little better control, though (3.8 BB/9, which isn't terrible). He should start 2012 in Tennessee.

Relief Pitcher 5: Steven Ames, 23, High-A/Double-A
2-2, 2.06 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 12.9 K/9, 14 SV
- Ames is a lot like Bawcom and enjoyed a nice season between Rancho and Chattanooga. For the Quakes, he had a better-than-Cliff-Lee-like 14.00 K/BB ratio and a 16.4 K/9 rate. Ames, like Tolleson, could challenge for a bullpen spot with the Dodgers. If he doesn't make it, he could start in Double- or Triple-A in 2012 and be one of the first relievers in line for a call-up.

Second five: Josh Lindblom, Cole St. Clair, Javier Solano, Scott McGough, Josh Wall

Gorman 'Griff' Erickson, the Dodgers' best catching prospect

When Ned Colletti foolishly and inexplicably traded Trayvon Robinson on Sunday, one of the statements he made was the Dodgers needed catching prospects.

"We needed catching. You can move somebody to the outfield. You can move somebody to the infield. You can move guys around the outfield, you can move guys around the infield. But you can't move somebody behind the plate who has not been behind the plate or is not going to take a long time behind the plate. And we were in a tough spot and needed catching and feel we got a good one with (Tim) Federowicz."

Aside from the first part being so incredibly inaccurate and wrong (Russell Martin, Carlos Santana, Luke May -- just to name some recent examples), Colletti apparently hasn't been watching Gorman Erickson.

The 23-year-old began the season at Rancho Cucamonga with another catching prospect (if you can call a 25-year-old in High-A a prospect) -- J.T. Wise. He shared time with Wise in the beginning before taking the majority of the PT, pushing Wise to play a lot of first base.

Erickson was a 15th-round draft pick in 2006 by the Dodgers. He started in the Gulf Coast League in 2007, not doing much in 50 at-bats. He even got a one-game, one-at-bat promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas. He repeated the GCL in 2008, putting up a .247/.333/.361 line in 30 games. He again got a one-game promotion to Vegas, going 0-for-5.

In 2009, he played in Pioneer League with Ogden and put up a solid line: .305/.378/.482 with five home runs. Still, not many saw him as a viable, legitimate prospect. In 2010, he played in Low-A with Great Lakes -- and he regressed: .215/.309/.310. The good thing is, he always showed a willingness to work the count and take a walk, which shows in his higher-than-expected on-base percentage (compared to his batting average).

Coming into the 2011 season, Erickson did not make my Top 30 prospect list. He didn't make Baseball America's Top 30. I'd be surprised if he made anyone's Top 30.

However, I'm coming around on Griff.

With Rancho, he put up a good line: .305/.408/.491, with six home runs and a 41/42 BB/K ratio. However, at 23, he was a little old for the competition. He earned a midseason promotion to Double-A Chattanooga. He isn't making as much contact in his first 20-plus games in the Southern League, but he's hitting for more power. He hit his sixth home run of the season for the Lookouts, matching his High-A total (a notorious hitter's league).

The best part is, he did it a third of the at-bats.

With Rancho: 6 HR in 226 ABs (37.7 HR/AB)
With Chattanooga: 6 HR in 81 ABs (13.5 HR/AB)

That's reason to be excited. Now, the Dodgers still don't have a legitimate, long-term catching prospect. Tim Federowicz is a glove-first guy who is likely not going to hit enough to be a regular. Erickson, however, has the chance to hit enough to stick.

He's only played 22 games for Chattanooga, so I wouldn't get too terribly excited... yet. Let's see how he finishes the season.

I'd like to see him start at Double- or Triple-A next season with a midseason call-up a possibility. On the minor-league depth chart, he's behind Federowicz and A.J. Ellis. But Dioner Navarro and Rod Barajas are free agents after the season and depending what the Dodgers do, Erickson could be forced into action sooner than expected.

The Dodgers have a history of developing long-term catching solutions: Roy Campanella, Johnny Roseboro, Steve Yeager, Mike Scioscia, Mike Piazza, Paul Lo Duca, Martin, etc. It'd only be appropriate if Erickson is the next in line.

Plus, he has a great nickname: Griff. That's a lot better than FexEx (Federowicz).