MINOR LEAGUE/PROSPECTS Thread

Bellinger might push for Sept call up. If not next season after that if current trend continues.

 

Let's say he truly is tired.

Why say it publicly? Kind of like he's looking for excuses.

 

Seager has said the same thing 3 times now(even said it both during and after the Cubs series) and Verdugo is far from the first prospect to mention it. Hell, Bellinger even said it last year. It's not an excuse, these guys are playing more games than they ever have in their life. They're learning to adjust to the mental and physical grind of it. Verdugo didn't say, "I'm tired and I want to go home." He said he was tired and he could see it in his play, but he is enjoying his time in the AFL facing the elite competition and still going out trying to get better.

 

I would say that all 3 at this pace would warrant call ups next September, but I could easily see Verdugo staying in AAA for the full year based on his age and with his power tool a step behind where many think it could reach. Bellinger is the most ready of the 3 from the sounds of it and he can play elite D at 1B, good D in the corners and passable D in CF. So if the team is needing a power bat off the bench down the stretch, he seems like a decent choice. Another thing to keep in mind will be the 40 man situation. Currently that 40 man is pretty stacked already going into next season and they're going to need to move some pieces around. It could once again come down to 60-Day's to squeeze these guys on the roster, or potentially just sending them to the AFL again if the FO is not 100% sold.

 

Willie Calhoun wins the Fall-Stars AFL All-Star MVP!! 3 for 3 with 3 RBI and a 2 run HR. Bellinger also hit a massive shot to right as well his only hit of the game.

 

Him holding his own in the AFL could go a long way in his stock as a tradeable asset. I'd still love for him to be the 2B of the future with that bat, but if the team thinks he will never cut it at the position, this may be the best opportunity to move him for a valuable piece. Also becomes much more movable if they can nab the younger Gurriel.

 

Also. one note on Bellinger, before his HR late, he also flew out to the wall at deepest part of the ballpark. It appears we may have a legit slugging 1B on the way.

 

Bellinger with another HR today, this one a 3 run shot off of a LH. Him putting up these big numbers in the AFL could go a very long way to the team looking more short term to the LF/RF scenario instead of long term. He is getting regular PT in the OF where he is still rated above average. He comes out on fire in AAA and he could get the quick call in 2017.

 

Fangraphs came out with their Dodgers 21 prospects and they have a VERY surprising number 1 in our system and the report should make everyone a little excited. They feel Yadier Alvarez is a legit star in the making and is a potential Ace with 4 +/++. He received a 60 future rating on the 20/80 scale which is an elite player. His ease of throwing upper 90's-low 100's is what has projections loving him. Hr is also not the only elite future rated player as the much ballyhooed Cody Bellinger is number 2 and he too has a 60 future grade. His game power is currently rated at 40(average) for 1B which would result in 25ish HR's at the big league level now(seems high for a 40), but they feel he has 60 potential as he fills out (which is 30+). He feels that Cody could contribute this year in the OF if needed, but longterm he is a 1B with a 70 glove.

Verdugo got a solid 55 future, but his biggest issue? Apparently his makeup. So this keeps rearing its ugly head. He will need to get that in check and I really hope he does as his grades across the board are fantastic. He still has not seen in game power growth, but apparently the kid has some serious strength. He figures things out and he is not just another piece in the lineup, he is a table setter for Seager and Bellinger. De Leon is falling, but is still given a 55 grade as his velocity has kind of tapered off from the once front of the rotation touching range. Still rated as a good #3, which if he has Kershaw, Urias and Alvarez ahead of him, that's damn fine. He needs to stop working up in the zone as that is what is also holding him back.

The first of the 50's is Walker Buehler. He is here due to a short showing of elite stuff. They think he could settle in somewhere between what he was last year (a #1) and what he was in college, (a #3 or 4). They think he stays close to what he was last year and is #2 and is ready very soon if that holds out. I doubt we see him next year though due to the TJ. Calhoun is also a 50 and that is because his D blows, he's slow and has no arm. He is all bat still in their eyes. The Dodgers still see him as passable at 2B, but he says other team scouts are saying he's a DH now and forever. Guessing he is gone this season to a young team that can put him at DH.

Some other notes, Stewart is a solid 4-5, he also needs to concentrate on keeping the ball down in the zone. Toles is probably nothing more than a platoon player as he has not shown the ability to hit LHP. Diaz needs to show improvement in 2017 where the belief is he could be an above average CFer, but does need to improve and power will not be a big thing for him. Sheffield is a potential dynamite reliever with 3 plus pitches, but wary of him being in a rotation due to injury concerns. He thinks Barnes will be a valuable UTL player due to his skills behind the plate and around the field, bat is probably average at best and little to no power.

Former first round pick Gavin Lux did not grade out particularly great and will have to show much more in the future as his bat is worrisome to many. He is very high on Keibert Ruiz who he projects to be a very valuable catcher, but will need to show more with the bat this year. Heredia has huge upside, but his pitch recognition sucks. Peters could be something very special, it will be up to him and the organization to lock into those abilities, otherwise he sounds like a Kyle Russell to me. Dusitn May's hair was once again mentioned first and is considered a long term project.

Overall he has this as a very good system.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/top-21-prospects-los-angeles-dodgers/

 

And lets not forget how Bellinger also kicked ass with the big boys in Spring Training this past year, so other than like a 3 week cold spot - he's basically been kicking ass all year.
Looks like he's ready physically, could still get stronger, but ready enough...Verdugo, not so much.
Bellinger's numbers in the Fall League - .352/.435/.593, 8 walks, 54 ABs

 

At least he'll be faster then.

 

If you read the write up, FG already says he likely has 25 HR big league power. He's a skinny guy currently, but used last off season to put bulk onto his slender frame that resulted in mammoth HR's in a pitcher friendly environment. He likely does something similar this off season as his work ethic is noted and a big positive about him. He may not be a prime AGon(which, no we never had that either), but he is at least projected as better than what AGon is currently. Obviously you never know what will happen, but 60 power at 1B is in the 30-40 a year range, which is not what AGon is. Also in terms of Bellinger, he's known to make a lot of both loud outs and deep drives that are caught. As said, if he fills out more, those loud outs will find bigger holes, plus those deep drives will find the seats.

 

I was speaking for rushing Bellinger into the fold at the start of the season, I was just stating that his present power grades out to better than AGon. He shouldn't be starting the year with the big club, but like it is mentioned, he may not have to wait long.