State of the Minor League System - Starting Pitchers
by Brandon Lennox on Jul 21, 2010 10:27 PM PDT
in Los Angeles Dodgers Minor League Report
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I saved the best for last in my minor league series, starting pitching. I think this is the strongest minor league postion for the Dodgers, and I have more analysis after the jump. Also, here is a recap of the links for all of the other positions I posted in the series.
| Preseason | Current | Name | How Acquired | Age | Height | Weight | Throws | Current Level |
| 1 | 1 | Chris Withrow | 2007, 1st | 21.31 | 6' 3" | 195 | R | AA |
| 3 | 2 | Garrett Gould | 2009, 2nd | 19.01 | 6' 4" | 190 | R | Pioneer Rookie |
| 6 | 3 | Aaron Miller | 2009, 1st | 22.84 | 6' 3" | 200 | L | AA |
| 2 | 4 | Ethan Martin | 2008, 1st | 21.13 | 6' 2" | 195 | R | Hi-A |
| 7 | 5 | Carl Webster | 2008, 18th | 20.44 | 6' 2" | 185 | R | Lo-A |
| 13 | 6 | Rubby De La Rosa | Signed 7/2/07 | 21.38 | 6' 1" | 170 | R | Lo-A |
| 5 | 7 | Nathan Eovaldi | 2008, 11th | 20.44 | 6' 3" | 195 | R | Hi-A |
| N/A | 8 | Ralston Cash | 2010, 2nd | 18.92 | 6' 1" | 197 | R | Arizona Rookie |
| 4 | 9 | Scott Elbert | 2004, 1st | 24.94 | 6' 1" | 215 | L | AAA |
| 21 | 10 | Elisaul Pimentel | Signed 12/12/06 | 22.03 | 6' 2" | 170 | R | Lo-A |
| 8 | 11 | Brett Wallach | 2009, 3rd | 21.63 | 6' 2" | 180 | R | Lo-A |
| 15 | 12 | Matthew Magill | 2008, 31st | 20.70 | 6' 3" | 175 | R | Lo-A |
| 10 | 13 | Brandon Martinez | 2009, 7th | 19.66 | 6' 4" | 150 | R | Arizona Rookie |
| N/A | 14 | Ryan Christenson | 2010, 7th | 21.52 | 6' 1" | 185 | L | Arizona Rookie |
| 12 | 15 | Carlos Frias | Signed 1/3/07 | 20.69 | 6' 4" | 170 | R | Pioneer Rookie |
| 17 | 16 | Yimi Garcia | Signed 2009 | 19.93 | 6' 1" | 175 | R | Arizona Rookie |
| 14 | 17 | Timothy Sexton | 2007, 25th | 23.12 | 6' 6" | 185 | R | AA |
| 11 | 18 | Brent Leach | 2005, 6th | 27.67 | 6' 4" | 220 | L | AA |
| 29 | 19 | Alberto Bastardo | Signed 1/13/06 | 26.29 | 6' 0" | 160 | L | AAA |
| 19 | 20 | Beyker Fructuoso | Signed 7/9/07 | 20.29 | 6' 3" | 195 | R | Arizona Rookie |
| 18 | 21 | Josh Wall | 2005, 2nd | 23.50 | 6' 6" | 190 | R | Lo-A |
| 33 | 22 | Greg Wilborn | 2009, 18th | 23.13 | 6' 2" | 175 | L | Pioneer Rookie |
| 16 | 23 | Jon Michael Redding | 2008, 5th | 22.68 | 6' 1" | 195 | R | Hi-A |
| 20 | 24 | Gustavo Gomez | Signed 2008 | 19.16 | 6' 1" | 150 | R | Arizona Rookie |
| 24 | 25 | Moises Tamarez | Signed 2009 | 18.38 | 6' 3" | 195 | R | DSL |
| 25 | 26 | Antonio Castillo | Signed 3/30/07 | 22.38 | 5' 11" | 180 | L | Pioneer Rookie |
| 30 | 27 | Arismendy Ozoria | Signed 2009 | 19.96 | 6' 0" | 195 | R | Arizona Rookie |
| 26 | 28 | Jesus Castillo | 2003, 27th | 26.14 | 6' 0" | 195 | R | AAA |
| 32 | 29 | Daniel Tamares | Signed 9/26/06 | 20.59 | 6' 3" | 170 | R | DSL |
| 31 | 30 | Bobby Blevins | 2007, 13th | 25.51 | 6' 0" | 200 | R | AA |
| 23 | 31 | Edwin Contreras | Signed 11/28/06 | 21.84 | 6' 2" | 165 | R | Lo-A |
| 27 | 32 | Mario Alvarez | Signed 1/16/03 | 26.32 | 6' 0" | 205 | R | AA |
| N/A | 33 | Chad Arnold | 2010, 18th | 22.87 | 6' 4" | 170 | R | Pioneer Rookie |
| N/A | 34 | Red Patterson | 2010, 29th | 23.20 | 6' 3" | 210 | R | Pioneer Rookie |
| 22 | 35 | Bolivar Medina | Signed 2007 | 22.03 | 6' 2" | 175 | L | Arizona Rookie |
| N/A | 36 | William Savage | Signed 2/2/10 | 25.91 | 6' 4" | 210 | R | Hi-A |
| 36 | 37 | Luis Rosano | Signed 2009 | 19.24 | 6' 2" | 190 | R | DSL |
| 35 | 38 | Luis Mesa | Signed 2009 | 20.02 | 6' 4" | 170 | R | DSL |
| 34 | 39 | Jose Dominguez | Signed 7/2/07 | 19.96 | 6' 0" | 180 | R | DSL |
| 9 | N/A | Danny, Danielson | 2007, 7th | 21.61 | 6' 4" | 220 | R | Retired |
| 28 | N/A | Travis Chick | Signed 12/3/08 | 26.11 | 6' 2" | 220 | R | Left as FA |
| 37 | N/A | Marlon Arias | Signed 3/11/03 | 25.89 | 6' 3" | 150 | L | Left as FA |
Starting pitching is probably the strongest and deepest position in the Dodgers minor league system. By my count, there are currently at least 10 pitchers who have the potential to be at least a #4 starter in the major leagues, so the Dodgers could continue to have strong home grown pitching for years to come. Of course not everyone will pan out, but even if just one or two turn out to be good major league pitchers then I'm sure the Dodgers will be happy.
Similar to the relief pitchers recap, there are lots of starting pitchers in the Dodgers minor league system, so I will only highlight a few key names. Despite his 2010 struggles, the #1 starting pitching prospect still has to be Chris Withrow who has at least 2 plus pitches and is still just 21 years old. I'm convinced he'll eventually turn things around and eventually pitching like a top prospect, although that might not happen until 2011. Garrett Gould hasn't pitched much at all yet in professional games, but I'm pretty high on him and I'm hoping he turns out to be something special. He's been just mediocre thus far in 2010, but he's still young and gaining experience. Rubby De La Rosa has an electric arm and has thrived in 2010 as a starter, so I have high hopes for him. Carl Webster continues to surprise people and has really been amazing since being drafted in 2008. His career ERA is now 2.54 in 149 innings.
A couple of risers this year include Matt Magill and Elisaul Pimentel. While neither of these guys will ever be the ace of a major league staff, they both are having breakout seasons and could potentially help out the Dodgers at some point in the future. Other guys are trying to regain their form in 2010 like Josh Wall and Alberto Bastardo.
2010 draftee Ralston Cash has only one professional inning under his belt, but he is young and has a solid pitching frame, so I think he has a bright future. 2010 7th round pick Ryan Christenson has also been a pleasant surprise as he has dominated thus far with the Arizona Dodgers.
There are also several players that are unknowns at this point, but could be very good. Included in this group are Brandon Martinez, Carlos Frias, Yimi Garcia, and Beyker Fructuoso. Finally, in case you didn't already know, it was discovered that Danny Danielson has quit baseball, so that is why I have him classified as retired.
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I think Cash has pitched twice now for 3IP total
Just a reminder, fans, comin' up is our "Die-hard Night" here at the stadium. Free admission to anyone who was actually alive the last time the Dodgers won a pennant.
Awesome job
The top twelve are pretty sweet. I’ll be upset if Ned trades Miller, Webster, or Eovaldi.
You really thought I forgot someone?
That would never happen…my lists include everyone (everyone under 28 years old that is)…I even got the DSL guys on there!
by Brandon Lennox on Jul 22, 2010 8:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Withrow
33 walks against LHB in 39 innings. F-ing YIKES, that is NOT No.1 stuff…RHB on the other hand, he has excellent control.
Always had a problem with lefties, if he wants to improve, I think he should develop a cutter or slider..
he is 21
he has split struggles… relax. He isnt a #1 right now, but he can has the potential to become one
by lakersdodgersyankees4life on Jul 23, 2010 6:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Also
dude on Dodger’s Scout.com says that Gould’s fastball has touched 90 only a couple of times in his last start. NOT GOOD.
Should we be worried about that from an 18 year old?
by Michael White on Jul 22, 2010 7:56 AM PDT up reply actions
He pitched low to mid 90s when we drafted him.
I’m sure he’ll raise it in time. But that was disappointing to read.
by Julio Nievas on Jul 22, 2010 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
you got your wish about the promotion
Has there ever been a player better than Detlef Schrempf?
by bucknellbruin on Jul 26, 2010 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't have all my data on my work computer...
but I’m pretty sure most scouts consider his curveball another plus pitch, or at least a plus pitch potential.
In terms of guys on this list without major league experience who are closest to the majors, I’d say Miller is a good bet, although it is possible a guy like Alberto Bastardo, who is doing OK in AAA, could beat Miller by getting a shot if the Dodgers have a few most starting pitching injuries and still have room on their 40 man roster
by Brandon Lennox on Jul 22, 2010 8:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Thanks Eric for adding that picture
I searched for Withrow but I couldn’t find him in the image database…plus I’m still just getting used to putting posts on the main page
No problem
I took that one in spring training (with my shitty camera)
by Eric Stephen on Jul 22, 2010 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions
It has the added bonus of Doug Mientkewicz in a Dodger uni!
Just a reminder, fans, comin' up is our "Die-hard Night" here at the stadium. Free admission to anyone who was actually alive the last time the Dodgers won a pennant.
I’d forgotten he was a socks guy!
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jul 22, 2010 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I’ve really enjoyed this series, thanks.
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jul 22, 2010 8:33 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I'd like Beyker Fructuoso in the discussion
- any discussion – because I love the name. What a name! Even better than Rubby de la Rosa.
just turned 19...
the ages in the data above are as of yesterday.
Also I’ll have to see if I can listen to his next game to see what his current velocity is
by Brandon Lennox on Jul 22, 2010 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Excellent series
You gotta love a list where a guy that has actually had a stretch of major-league non-Sept call up time is sitting 18th. Do you really think Leach’s best shot is as a starter, or does he come back around as a reliever eventually? Clearly the Dodgers are interested in him starting, thus the conversion this season, but in your opinion, does that stick?
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I went back and forth several times
on whether I should include Leach as a starter or reliever. The reason I ended up putting him as a starter is because he has actually been pretty successful thus far in AA as a starter, because his fastball just doesn’t seem good enough for a reliever, and because he is already 27 years old. If he were 23 or something I could see him going back to relief, but at 27 this seems to be his last shot. If he doesn’t succeed here, he might get taken off the 40 man roster
by Brandon Lennox on Jul 22, 2010 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Wall seems underated
It seems odd for him to fall in ratings given he has led the organization in K’s nearly all year. I realize that he is old for the league, but his velo has been up consistantly since spring training. His fastball sits in the mid 90s and routinely hits 97. The announcer in his complete game said that he was still hiting 95 in the 9th inning. It would seem at the very least he could be a solid reliever and exceed 97-98 for an inning or two. In a preseason article DeJon said that he was a definite starter. I guess because he has Fb, CB, Slider, change and split.
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