With the 16th overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, the Dodgers selected LHP Chris Reed out of Stanford.
This was about the worst-case scenario. Reed, while having a chance to start, is projected by some to be a reliever. I just don't understand the logic behind this pick (other than financial issues).
He has a fastball (92-95 MPH), slider and changeup. The Dodgers have to try him as a starter right now, as he was the No. 16 overall pick. I wouldn't hold my breath on him working out in that role.
Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com said he was overdrafted. He also said signability and the ability to get a deal done quickly was key in this pick.
I am admittedly biased against college pitchers with limited ceilings, but I don't much care for this pick. And it's probably not entirely fair to analyze this pick as much until Reed has a chance to show his stuff, but color me unimpressed.
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The Angels, one pick after the Dodgers, took C.J. Cron -- the guy I wanted after Javier Baez. Sadface.
Monday, June 6, 2011
My Dodgers' draft board and roster moves
It's draft day and while I'm not expert when it comes to the draft, I've been reading up on some players who piqued by interest. The Dodgers are probably going to take a prep pitcher, but it'd be nice to see them venture outside their comfort zone for once -- especially for a system in need of corner infielders and a catcher. Here's how my draft board shakes out:
1. SS/3B Javier Baez, Arlington County Day School
- Baez is a shortstop now, but he's destined for the hot corner. He has the ability to make the transition and has plus raw power. He'd take some time to get to the bigs, but it could be worth it.
2. 1B C.J. Cron, Utah
- I'm not usually high on college players (hitters or pitchers), but Cron's bat is awfully intriguing. Baseball America says his raw power rates as an 80 on the 20-80 scale. Scouts don't throw that number around liberally, so it's a legit rating.
3. RHP Robert Stephenson, Alhambra HS
- Stephenson has been linked to the Dodgers an awful lot this week. He could very well be the pick. His low-to-mid-90s fastball and curveball that Logan White is famous for drafting. He might not be worth the No. 16 pick, but rumors are is he'd sign for the slot amount.
4. RHP Taylor Guerrieri, Spring Valley HS
- Similar to Stephenson -- probably better -- and has a mid-90s fastball that has touched 98 MPH. He could be out of the Dodgers' price range, though.
5. RHP Jose Fernandez, Alonso HS
- Shocking, another prep righty with power stuff. His arsenal includes a 98 MPH fastball and a power curveball. His weight is a concern for many, as he's pretty much filled out, leaving little projection.
The next five (in alphabetical order): RHP Matt Barnes (Connecticut), C Nicky Delmonico (Farragut HS), LHP Daniel Norris (Science Hill HS), LHP Henry Owens (Edison HS), C Blake Swihart (Cleveland HS)
I am not a fan of college pitchers -- especially relievers. Mike Petriello of Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness passes along word from Keith Law that the Dodgers might be looking at Stanford LHP Chris Reed.
Here are a couple of draft previews from Jared Massey at L.A. Dodger Talk and Brandon Lennox at True Blue LA. Both are nicely done.
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Updated 1 p.m.: The Dodgers made a bunch of roster moves today, the most surprising of which is calling up top prospect Dee Gordon. I didn't see this one coming, but the Dodgers can't exactly rely on Rafael Furcal to be healthy and If Aaron Miles starts every day, bad things will happen. I'm really excited for Gordon. I hope the Dodgers give him a chance to play.
The Dodgers also made the following moves:
Activated from DL: Blake Hawksworth, Marcus Thames, Juan Uribe
Optioned to minors: Ivan DeJesus, John Ely
Designated for assignment: Juan Castro, Jay Gibbons
Gibbons stands a good chance of being claimed, but I'm sure Castro will be back at Albuquerque before too long.
Speculation was Jerry Sands was going to head back to Triple-A, but he is starting in right field tonight. He needs to be playing every day.
1. SS/3B Javier Baez, Arlington County Day School
- Baez is a shortstop now, but he's destined for the hot corner. He has the ability to make the transition and has plus raw power. He'd take some time to get to the bigs, but it could be worth it.
2. 1B C.J. Cron, Utah
- I'm not usually high on college players (hitters or pitchers), but Cron's bat is awfully intriguing. Baseball America says his raw power rates as an 80 on the 20-80 scale. Scouts don't throw that number around liberally, so it's a legit rating.
3. RHP Robert Stephenson, Alhambra HS
- Stephenson has been linked to the Dodgers an awful lot this week. He could very well be the pick. His low-to-mid-90s fastball and curveball that Logan White is famous for drafting. He might not be worth the No. 16 pick, but rumors are is he'd sign for the slot amount.
4. RHP Taylor Guerrieri, Spring Valley HS
- Similar to Stephenson -- probably better -- and has a mid-90s fastball that has touched 98 MPH. He could be out of the Dodgers' price range, though.
5. RHP Jose Fernandez, Alonso HS
- Shocking, another prep righty with power stuff. His arsenal includes a 98 MPH fastball and a power curveball. His weight is a concern for many, as he's pretty much filled out, leaving little projection.
The next five (in alphabetical order): RHP Matt Barnes (Connecticut), C Nicky Delmonico (Farragut HS), LHP Daniel Norris (Science Hill HS), LHP Henry Owens (Edison HS), C Blake Swihart (Cleveland HS)
I am not a fan of college pitchers -- especially relievers. Mike Petriello of Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness passes along word from Keith Law that the Dodgers might be looking at Stanford LHP Chris Reed.
"Keith Law now hearing Dodgers strongly in on Chris Reed. Tall college lefty reliever, could possibly start. Like Chris Sale?"A guy like this can be had later on in the draft. And it isn't exactly a big need for the Dodgers. I hope it's just a bad rumor.
Here are a couple of draft previews from Jared Massey at L.A. Dodger Talk and Brandon Lennox at True Blue LA. Both are nicely done.
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Updated 1 p.m.: The Dodgers made a bunch of roster moves today, the most surprising of which is calling up top prospect Dee Gordon. I didn't see this one coming, but the Dodgers can't exactly rely on Rafael Furcal to be healthy and If Aaron Miles starts every day, bad things will happen. I'm really excited for Gordon. I hope the Dodgers give him a chance to play.
The Dodgers also made the following moves:
Activated from DL: Blake Hawksworth, Marcus Thames, Juan Uribe
Optioned to minors: Ivan DeJesus, John Ely
Designated for assignment: Juan Castro, Jay Gibbons
Gibbons stands a good chance of being claimed, but I'm sure Castro will be back at Albuquerque before too long.
Speculation was Jerry Sands was going to head back to Triple-A, but he is starting in right field tonight. He needs to be playing every day.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
History of the No. 16 pick in the MLB Draft
The Dodgers have the 16th pick in the MLB Draft, which begins Monday. Some of the players of note who could be available with the pick include Daniel Norris (LHP, Science Hill HS), Taylor Guerrieri (RHP, Spring Valley HS), Javier Baez (SS, Arlington County Day HS), C.J. Cron (C/1B, Utah), Henry Owens (LHP, Edison HS) Blake Swihart (C, Cleveland HS), Francisco Lindor (SS, Montverde Academy), Robert Stephenson (RHP, Alhambra HS), Josh Bell (OF, Dallas Jesuit HS) and Jose Fernandez (RHP, Alonso HS).
There is a shortage of impact infield and catching prospects in this draft, so expect some guys to go higher than normal. As is standard with a Logan White-run draft room, prep pitchers will be high on the board. Here is White's first-round draft history since joining the organization in 2002:
^- Supplemental first-round pick
+- Did not sign
Of the 15 picks White has made, he chose 10 first-round high school players (nine pitchers) and only three position players. While it'd be nice to grab a guy who can get to the majors sooner rather than later (someone like Cron), it doesn't appear too likely from White's draft history.
Here's a look at the last 20 players who have been selected No. 16 overall.
2010: RHP Hayden Simpson (Cubs)
2009: 3B Bobby Borchering (Diamondbacks)*
2008: 3B/2B Brett Lawrie (Brewers)*
2007: 3B Kevin Ahrens (Blue Jays)*
2006: RHP Jeremy Jeffress (Royals)*
2005: RHP Chris Volstad (Marlins)*
2004: LHP David Purcey (Blue Jays)
2003: RHP Jeff Allison (Marlins)*
2002: OF Nick Swisher (Athletics)
2001: RHP Kris Honel (White Sox)*
2000: LHP Billy Traber (Mets)
1999: RHP Jason Jennings (Rockies)
1998: RHP Kip Wells (White Sox)
1997: OF Lance Berkman (Astros)
1996: SS Joe Lawrence (Blue Jays)*
1995: RHP Joe Fontenot (Giants)*
1994: LHP Matt Smith (Royals)*
1993: RHP Alan Benes (Cardinals)
1992: RHP Rick Greene (Padres)
1991: OF Shawn Green (Blue Jays)*
*- High school pick
Other notable selections: LHP Mike Remlinger (1987, Giants), RHP Roberto Hernandez (1986, Angels), LHP Steve Howe (1979, Dodgers), C Lance Parrish (1974, Tigers)*
The Dodgers also hold the 73rd overall selection.
Notable picks at No. 73: RHP Kevin Slowey (2005, Twins), INF Jake Fox (2003, Cubs), RHP Ken Howell (1982, Dodgers), LHP Sid Fernandez (1981, Dodgers)*
As you can see, there have been some quality major-league players selected at No. 16 (Berkman, Green, Swisher) and some guys who turned out to be top-five prospects in their respective organizations (Lawrie, Jeffress, Volstad).
As usual, the Dodgers will likely be looking at a prep pitcher with a power arm. However, there are gaping holes at third base, catcher and first base (after Jerry Sands, of course) in the Dodgers' system. I'm not saying they need to draft one of those positions at No. 16, but they need to address it early on because of the uncertainty surrounding the Dodgers' finances now and in the immediate future.
There is a shortage of impact infield and catching prospects in this draft, so expect some guys to go higher than normal. As is standard with a Logan White-run draft room, prep pitchers will be high on the board. Here is White's first-round draft history since joining the organization in 2002:
- 2002: James Loney*, Greg Miller*^
- 2003: Chad Billingsley*
- 2004: Scott Elbert*, Blake DeWitt*, Justin Orenduff^
- 2005: Luke Hochevar+^
- 2006: Clayton Kershaw*, Bryan Morris, Preston Mattingly*
- 2007: Chris Withrow*, James Adkins^
- 2008: Ethan Martin*
- 2009: Aaron Miller^
- 2010: Zach Lee*
^- Supplemental first-round pick
+- Did not sign
Of the 15 picks White has made, he chose 10 first-round high school players (nine pitchers) and only three position players. While it'd be nice to grab a guy who can get to the majors sooner rather than later (someone like Cron), it doesn't appear too likely from White's draft history.
Here's a look at the last 20 players who have been selected No. 16 overall.
2010: RHP Hayden Simpson (Cubs)
2009: 3B Bobby Borchering (Diamondbacks)*
2008: 3B/2B Brett Lawrie (Brewers)*
2007: 3B Kevin Ahrens (Blue Jays)*
2006: RHP Jeremy Jeffress (Royals)*
2005: RHP Chris Volstad (Marlins)*
2004: LHP David Purcey (Blue Jays)
2003: RHP Jeff Allison (Marlins)*
2002: OF Nick Swisher (Athletics)
2001: RHP Kris Honel (White Sox)*
2000: LHP Billy Traber (Mets)
1999: RHP Jason Jennings (Rockies)
1998: RHP Kip Wells (White Sox)
1997: OF Lance Berkman (Astros)
1996: SS Joe Lawrence (Blue Jays)*
1995: RHP Joe Fontenot (Giants)*
1994: LHP Matt Smith (Royals)*
1993: RHP Alan Benes (Cardinals)
1992: RHP Rick Greene (Padres)
1991: OF Shawn Green (Blue Jays)*
*- High school pick
Other notable selections: LHP Mike Remlinger (1987, Giants), RHP Roberto Hernandez (1986, Angels), LHP Steve Howe (1979, Dodgers), C Lance Parrish (1974, Tigers)*
The Dodgers also hold the 73rd overall selection.
Notable picks at No. 73: RHP Kevin Slowey (2005, Twins), INF Jake Fox (2003, Cubs), RHP Ken Howell (1982, Dodgers), LHP Sid Fernandez (1981, Dodgers)*
As you can see, there have been some quality major-league players selected at No. 16 (Berkman, Green, Swisher) and some guys who turned out to be top-five prospects in their respective organizations (Lawrie, Jeffress, Volstad).
As usual, the Dodgers will likely be looking at a prep pitcher with a power arm. However, there are gaping holes at third base, catcher and first base (after Jerry Sands, of course) in the Dodgers' system. I'm not saying they need to draft one of those positions at No. 16, but they need to address it early on because of the uncertainty surrounding the Dodgers' finances now and in the immediate future.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Garrett Gould is back with a vengeance
When the Dodgers snagged Garrett Gould in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft, I was ecstatic. I wanted the Dodgers to grab him with their first-round pick that year. To get him in the second was quite the steal.
His debut was short and not-so-sweet. He pitched 2 2/3 innings, giving up four hits, five runs (three earned), two walks while striking out four. It was a small sample size, so there wasn't much to worry about.
Last season, he played with Ogden and was not himself. He was battling some minor injuries which led to a drop in velocity. He was in the mid-to-upper-80s for most of 2010. His numbers were pedestrian, but he was still 18 years old.
This season, however, his velocity is back and he is dominating the Midwest League. He has a 5-2 record with a 1.83 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 6.0 H/9, 2.3 BB/9, 8.0 K/9 and a 3.43 K/BB ratio. He's doing all this as a 19-year-old (20 in July). His fastball sits at 90-94 and he has one of the best curveballs in the system. He also has a changeup that could be a decent third pitch. Down the road, I wouldn't be surprised to see him add a consistent slider or cutter.
His control has been excellent this season and is a big factor in his success thus far.
I ranked Gould as the team's 12th-best prospect heading into the season (13th in 2010), but he has the ability and talent to be a top-five prospect in the Dodgers' system, a position for which he's challenging in my midseason rankings, which will come out in a month or so.
A promotion to High-A Rancho Cucamonga is not out of the question, despite his age. The Dodgers historically challenge their young pitches (especially prep pitches with good stuff) and could sniff the California League for a few innings.
With guys like Chris Withrow and Ethan Martin continuing to struggle, Gould is cementing himself as one of the best pitching prospects in the system.
#####
What's gotten into James Loney? He hit his second home run in four games last night while raising his average to .249. Considering he was hitting .202 on May 2, it's quite the improvement. His OBP and OPS are still dismal (.293/.326), but he's had a solid month of May (.295/.354/.420). We all know he's never going to be a 20-home run guy, but at least he was hitting doubles last season (41). He has nine extra base hits in 2011. That isn't nearly enough from a traditional "power" position.
One thing he doesn't get enough credit for is digging throws out of the dirt. He is the best in baseball at that. I bet Rafael Furcal and Casey Blake would agree with me.
His debut was short and not-so-sweet. He pitched 2 2/3 innings, giving up four hits, five runs (three earned), two walks while striking out four. It was a small sample size, so there wasn't much to worry about.
Last season, he played with Ogden and was not himself. He was battling some minor injuries which led to a drop in velocity. He was in the mid-to-upper-80s for most of 2010. His numbers were pedestrian, but he was still 18 years old.
This season, however, his velocity is back and he is dominating the Midwest League. He has a 5-2 record with a 1.83 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 6.0 H/9, 2.3 BB/9, 8.0 K/9 and a 3.43 K/BB ratio. He's doing all this as a 19-year-old (20 in July). His fastball sits at 90-94 and he has one of the best curveballs in the system. He also has a changeup that could be a decent third pitch. Down the road, I wouldn't be surprised to see him add a consistent slider or cutter.
His control has been excellent this season and is a big factor in his success thus far.
I ranked Gould as the team's 12th-best prospect heading into the season (13th in 2010), but he has the ability and talent to be a top-five prospect in the Dodgers' system, a position for which he's challenging in my midseason rankings, which will come out in a month or so.
A promotion to High-A Rancho Cucamonga is not out of the question, despite his age. The Dodgers historically challenge their young pitches (especially prep pitches with good stuff) and could sniff the California League for a few innings.
With guys like Chris Withrow and Ethan Martin continuing to struggle, Gould is cementing himself as one of the best pitching prospects in the system.
#####
What's gotten into James Loney? He hit his second home run in four games last night while raising his average to .249. Considering he was hitting .202 on May 2, it's quite the improvement. His OBP and OPS are still dismal (.293/.326), but he's had a solid month of May (.295/.354/.420). We all know he's never going to be a 20-home run guy, but at least he was hitting doubles last season (41). He has nine extra base hits in 2011. That isn't nearly enough from a traditional "power" position.
One thing he doesn't get enough credit for is digging throws out of the dirt. He is the best in baseball at that. I bet Rafael Furcal and Casey Blake would agree with me.
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