Here is the next part of my Dodger minor league ranking for 2013, and if you've missed any of my previous posts you can find them all here. As I've mentioned before, while these players are all a ways away from being considered prospects there should be at least a few recognizable names in this group. In addition, hopefully a few guys will spark your interest so you'll follow them more closely in the upcoming season to see how they perform because you never know who is going to have a breakout season.
180. Luis Silverio, LHP (44.2 IP in DSL in 2012)
Signed by Dodgers 6/9/10
6’3", 190 lbs, 21.75 years old
3-2, 3.22 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 3.67 FIP, 5.24 K/9
Pre 2012 Rank: 171; Pre 2011 Rank: N/A
After striking out more than a batter per inning in his 2011 professional debut despite an ugly ERA, Luis Silverio flip-flopped those stats in 2012 as he improved his earned run average yet struggled to get swings and misses. Even without the strikeout numbers Silverio had a strong season while being used as a starter and out of the bullpen. He continued to keep the ball in the park and limited the number of free passes he issued. With a projectable 6’3" frame the 21 year old might be ready to make the jump to the US in 2013.
179. Gregg Downing, LHP (54.0 IP in Pioneer Rookie League in 2012)
Drafted by Dodgers 2011, 47th round
5’10", 175 lbs, 22.25 years old
3-0, 5.33 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 4.79 FIP, 6.50 K/9
Pre 2012 Rank: 162; Pre 2011 Rank: N/A
Greg Downing was a stud in high school, setting a New York City record with 108 strikeouts in 53 innings as a senior. Despite his strong stats he didn’t get much love from scouts due to his small size and violent pitching motion, so he decided to attend Monroe Community College. After two years at the community college, Downing transferred to Division III Franklin Pierce University where he ranked 13th nationally with his K/9 of 11.27 in 2011. He also smoothed out his pitching motion and had a solid 2.30 ERA though 74.1 innings. Since getting drafted by the Dodgers, however, Downing has been average at best. He put up some solid strikeout numbers in the Arizona League in 2011 despite an ugly ERA, but in 2012 all his stats were subpar while playing with Ogden. Used mostly in relief, Gregg simply allowed too many base runners and also permitted 8 balls to leave the park. In addition, the lefty saw his strikeout numbers drop against the more advanced competition. Still the 22 the Dodgers will probably keep the former 47th round pick around for at least one more year, and his likely destination is a return to the Pioneer League.
178. Faustino Oguisten, SS/2B/3B 5 games in Arz Rookie Lg in 2012)
Signed by Dodgers 1/19/09
6’2", 165 lbs, 22 years old, bats right handed
.214 average, .481 OPS, 0 HR’s, 0 RBI’s, 2 SB’s
Pre 2012 Rank: 153; Pre 2011 Rank, 175, Pre 2010 Rank: 163; Pre 2009 Rank: N/A
After struggling through his first two DSL seasons, Faustino Oguisten turned the corner in 2011 and received a rare mid-season promotion from the Dominican to Arizona. He returned to the Arizona Dodgers in 2012, but for whatever reason (probably due to an injury) he didn’t get into a game until mid-August and finished the year with just 14 at bats. Given his lack of playing time there isn’t much to go off of here, although it should be noted he hit .326 in 2011 (albeit over just 86 at bats) but has never shown any power. He’s still just 22 and has the defensive versatility to play all over the infield so he’ll most likely return to Arizona for a 3rd stint in 2013.
177. Joe Robinson, RHP (4.1 IP in Arz Rookie Lg in 2012)
Signed as non drafted FA in 2012
6’2", 190 lbs, 22.5 years old
1-1, 2.08 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 5.51 FIP, 6.23 K/9
Pre 2012 Rank: N/A
Joe Robinson was originally selected by the Dodgers in the 29th round of the 2011 draft, but he decided to stay at UNLV for his senior season. After posting a 5.37 ERA for the Rebels over 53.2 innings he went undrafted in 2012, but the Dodgers picked him up anyways as a non-drafted free agent in August. He only threw 4.1 innings for the Arizona Dodgers meaning his sample size was really too analyze, so we’ll really have to wait to see what he does in 2013. One encouraging note (even though it was a while ago) is that he did have some dominating stats while leading Southern Nevada Community college to a Junior College World Series appearance in 2010. Also, it’s been reported that his fastball has been clocked as high as 95 mph in the past. I expect to see him in Ogden in 2013.
176. Leo Rodriguez, SS/2B (35 games in Arz Rookie Lg in 2012)
Signed by Dodgers 6/1/09
5’11", 160 lbs, 21.25 years old, bats right handed
.217 average, .603 OPS, 1 HR, 15 RBI’s, 3 SB’s
Pre 2012 Rank: 161; Pre 2011 Rank: 154; Pre 2010 Rank: N/A
After a pair of so-so offensive seasons in the DSL, Leo Rodriguez got the call to the US in 2012 as he spent the year with the Arizona Dodgers. The move was probably mostly due to a need for middle infielders, but whatever the case it was a big step in Leo’s career. Unfortunately Rodriguez wasn’t really able to take advantage of the opportunity as he hit just .217 for the year. He did have a few good games here and there and actually played very well at home, but overall it was a disappointment. Still just 21 years old I’m sure Rodriguez will get another opportunity in Arizona in 2013 given that he is a versatile fielder, and hopefully he’ll do a little more with the stick.
175. John Cannon, C (24 games in Arz Rookie Lg in 2012)
Drafted by Dodgers 2012, 29th round
6’0", 180 lbs, 22.75 years old, bats right handed
.225 average, .679 OPS, 1 HR, 11 RBI’s, 1 SB
Pre 2012 Rank: N/A
John Cannon was selected by the Dodgers out of the University of Houston in 2012 where he was known for his defense. While he did hit .302 in his senior year, his career average in college was only .268 and he only connected on 4 homers over his 4 years. Upon signing with the organization Cannon became the main backstop for the Arizona Dodgers, and while he hit just .225 the 22 year old did walk almost as much as he struck out. He defensive behind the plate was good as he only made 2 errors, but I was a little surprised that he only threw out 18% of would be base stealers, especially when his college coach was quoted as saying "You can't run on John Cannon". Hopefully those stolen base numbers were just a fluke, and if he really is a great defensive catcher he’ll probably get a chance to rise through the system as long as he shows at least some value with his bat. He’ll probably move to the Pioneer League in 2013 where he’ll split time with a few other catchers.
174. Aris Angeles, RHP (26 IP in Arz Rookie League in 2012)
Signed by Dodgers 11/5/09
6’0", 179 lbs, 23.5 years old
2-0, 4.50 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 3.89 FIP, 7.62 K/9
Pre 2012 Rank: 188; Pre 2011 Rank: 196; Pre 2010 Rank: N/A
After a solid, yet unspectacular season in the DSL in 2011, the Dodgers decided to bring Aris Angeles to the US in 2012 and he spent the year in Arizona. He was a bit of a late bloomer because he didn’t even sign with the organization until he was 20 years old, but he was one of the rare older signees to succeed. With the Arizona Dodgers Aris was used almost exclusively in relief (he got lit up in his one start) and was quite successful out of the bullpen as he posted a 3.13 ERA and struck out almost a batter per inning. Even still I’m not entirely sold on the Dominican native although I’ll admit I don’t know anything about his stuff. Angeles will probably play in Ogden or return to Arizona in 2013, but at 23 years old he’s going to have to impress quickly if he wants to get out of the rookie leagues.
173. Travis Jones, RHP (3.1 IP in Pioneer Rookie Lg, 21.2 IP in Arz Rookie Lg in 2012)
Signed June 2012 as minor league free agent
6’2", 200 lbs, 23.75 years old
1-3, 3.96 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 1.84 FIP, 10.44 K/9
Pre 2012 Rank: N/A
Travis Jones was originally selected by the Royals in the 50th round of the 2008 draft out of high school, and surprisingly signed. He started his career as a catcher, but after accumulating a .212 career average over 4+ seasons he was finally released in May of 2012. The Dodgers came in and signed Jones about a month later and quickly converted him to a pitcher, sending him to the Arizona Rookie League. He put up solid stats there, including great strikeout numbers, and ended the year with a pair of appearances in Ogden. Still just 23 since he was drafted out of high school, Jones is apparently in the Dodgers 2013 plans because he was re-signed after the season. I can see him spending next season with the Loons where hopefully he’ll turn into a better pitcher than he was a catcher.
172. Melvin Santana, 2B (56 games in DSL in 2011)
Signed by Dodgers 5/7/10
5’10", 160 lbs, 21.5 years old, bats right handed
.315 average, .850 OPS, 3 HR’s, 26 RBI’s, 13 SB’s
Pre 2012 Rank: 177; Pre 2011 Rank: N/A
Everybody's favorite Melvin rebounded nicely from a lackluster professional debut in 2011 with an overall solid season, hitting .315 and ranking 2nd on the Dominican Dodgers with his 3 homers and .850 OPS. Santana also showed off a good eye at the plate as he walked almost as much as he struck out. The Dominican native was the Dodgers’ main 2nd baseman, and displayed adequate defense at the position. Despite solid improvement, a decent bat, and good speed to boot, the 21 year probably isn’t really much of a prospect given that he seems to be limited to 2nd base. That being said a promotion to Arizona in 2013 isn't out of the question.
171. Joseph Becker, 2B/SS/3B (51 games in AAA, 19 game in AA, 4 games in HiA in 2012)
Signed by Dodgers 1/11/07
5’10", 184 lbs, 27.25 years old, bats right handed
.234 average, .610 OPS, 1 HR, 18 RBI’s, 2 SB’s
Pre 2012 Rank: 150; Pre 2011 Rank: 173; Pre 2010 Rank: 169; Pre 2009 Rank: 190
Becker was originally signed by the Dodgers as a non drafted free agent in 2007 out of Antelope Valley College, where he hit .350 for his career. Since signing Becker has been a traveling man, and 2012 was no different. While he spent most of his time in AAA for the second straight year, he again traveled between A ball and AA as well. In terms of his offensive performance, 2012 was an awful year compared to 2011. After surprising everyone by batting .310 for the Isotopes in 2011, his average fell to .202 while playing for Albuquerque in 2012. His limited power also came way down from the prior year. While he’s still a versatile fielder which gives him some value, his down year at the plate might cost him his utility job in 2013. My gut tells me that he’ll be back with the organization, but his chances of ever making it to the show remain razor thin.
170. Victor Araujo, RHP (53.3 IP Arz Rookie Lg, 5 IP in LoA in 2012)
Signed by Dodgers 11/26/09
5’11", 171 lbs, 23.25 years old
4-2, 6.75 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 5.38 FIP, 7.82 K/9
Pre 2012 Rank: 172; Pre 2011 Rank: 188, Pre 2010 Rank: N/A
After dominating the DSL for two seasons as one of the older players in the league, Victor Araujo finally got to face equal competition in 2012 as he was brought over to play in the Arizona Rookie League. He found himself in the back end of the rotation to start the season, but unlike his rotation mates Araujo struggled quite a bit in his US debut. His 6.88 ERA was one of the worst on the team, and his 5.00 FIP was fueled by the fact that he gave up a league high 9 homers. He did get promoted to LoA to throw in one game at the end of the season, but that was more due to necessity than him earning it. Overall Araujo’s small stature and his susceptibility to the long ball make me wonder about his future, but at the very least he should get another go around in the rookie leagues in 2013; this time probably with Ogden.
169. Elevys Gonzalez, 2B/3B (50 games in AA, 45 games in HiA in 2012 – all Pirates)
Minor League Rule 5 pick in 2012
5’11", 175 lbs, 23.25 years old, switch hitter
.206 average, .637 OPS, 6 HR’s, 35 RBI’s, 4 SB’s
Pre 2012 Rank: N/A
Signed by Pittsburgh out of Venezuela as an international free agent back in 2008, Elevys Gonzalez spent 5 seasons in the Pirates organization before the Dodgers selected him in the AAA round of the 2012 Rule 5 draft. 2012 was a down year for Gonzalez as he started the season in AA but was sent back down the Florida State League after hitting just .196, but the Dodgers must have looked beyond that; namely to 2011 when Elevys batted .322 in HiA over 126 games as a 21 year old with a solid OPS of .841. While he’s never shown a lot of power, minor league Rule 5 picks are so cheap that if the Dodgers see potential, they might as well take a chance on the guy. He can play both 2nd and 3rd base, so at the very least the organization will get a versatile defender. Even though he was selected in the AAA phase of the Rule 5 I’m pretty sure that the Dodgers can send him anywhere in 2013, so he’ll probably get another chance in AA in 2013.
168. Daniel Carela, RHP (7 IP in LoA in 2012)
Signed by Dodgers in 2011 as a minor league free agent, released, then re-signed in 2012
6’3", 225 lbs, 25.5 years old
2-1, 2.57 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.20 FIP, 11.57 K/9
Pre 2012 Rank: 164; Pre 2011 Rank: N/A
Daniel Carela, a native of New York, was originally signed by the Mets as a non drafted free agent in October of 2008. After a rocky professional debut in 2009, Carela put together a great season in 2010, posting a 1.82 ERA in the New York-Penn League over 24.2 innings and allowing a .188 batting average against. Despite his strong stats and a fastball that apparently reaches into the mid 90’s, Daniel was released by the Mets during their 2011 spring training. He was signed by the Dodgers in May of 2011 but was using relatively sparingly throughout the season and was released at the end of the year. He signed on to play independent ball with the Joliet Slammers in 2012 and was having a solid season which got the Dodgers attention again as they re-signed him in August. Carela joined Great Lakes and finished the year in the Loons’ bullpen, allowing just 4 hits in 7 innings of work, but also walking 5. As mentioned he has a good fastball which is obviously worth something for the Dodgers to sign him again. Depending on how he does in Spring Training he will probably spend 2013 in HiA or AA.
167. Pat Stover, OF (45 games in Pioneer Rookie Lg in 2012)
Drafted by Dodgers 2012, 40th round
6’4", 210 lbs, 22.5 years old, bats right handed
.270 average, .683 OPS, 2 HR’s, 19 RBI’s, 1 SB
Pre 2012 Rank: N/A
I’m not really sure what happened to Pat Stover’s draft stock in 2012, but for whatever reason he was selected in the very last round despite being ranked #380 in the entire draft class by Baseball America. In fact, in Baseball America said in their pre-draft scouting report "Stover was a 17th-round pick out of high school by the Athletics and, even with an inconsistent season, he should go higher this time around". The report went on to say that Stove has above average raw power to all fields and above average bat speed. Defensively he will most likely be limited to left field in the long run, although most of his time in Ogden was spent in right. At the plate for the Raptors Pat started the year on fire as he hit .358 in July, but things completely turned around in August when he batted just .164. Overall he showed a little power, but not much speed. At the end of the day I’m hoping the Dodgers got a steal with Stover, although he’ll probably return to the Pioneer League in 2013 because I don’t see a spot for him in a full season league.
166. Jesse Bosnik, 3B (106 games in LoA in 2011)
Drafted by Dodgers 2010, 13th round
6’2", 205 lbs, 24.75 years old, bats left handed
.239 average, .651 OPS, 8 HR’s, 44 RBI’s, 21 SB’s
Pre 2012 rank: 143; Pre 2011 Rank: 87; Pre 2010 Rank: N/A
The Dodgers selected Jesse Bosnik in the 13th round of the 2010 draft out of St. Bonaventure University, where he hit .387 with 11 homers and collected 62 RBI’s as a junior in 2010. Since joining the Dodgers, however, Bosnik has really struggled. After a mediocre debut with Ogden, Jesse has now had back to back seasons with the Loons where he’s hit in the .230’s. He’s shown a little power in that time with 16 homers over the two years, but his career OPS is just .668. He’s also struggled with the defense at the hot corner with a .915 career fielding % at 3rd base. Now 24 years old I’m not sure what the future holds for Bosnik, but despite his struggles I wouldn’t put it past the Dodgers to send him to HiA because maybe a move to the California League will jump-start his bat.
165. Luis De Paula, LHP (36.1 IP in DSL in 2012)
Signed by Dodgers in 2012
6’1", 170 lbs, 20.75 years old
1-1, 2.72 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 2.84 FIP, 8.67 K/9
Pre 2012 Rank: N/A
Luis De Paula made his professional debut as a 20 year old in the DSL this past season, and the results were quite impressive. The left hander started the year in the bullpen, and after some initial struggles he found a groove in mid-July. That prompted the club to move Luis to the rotation where he thrived to finish out the season, including 4 starts in August where he had a combined 1.71 ERA and 24 K’s over 21 innings. Outside of stats I don’t know much about De Paula, which is why I’ll mention that he didn’t give up a homer all year and allowed opposing hitters to bat just .230 against him. I’m not sure what 2013 will bring for Luis, but given that he’s almost 21 years old I could see him making the jump to the US. Otherwise he’ll have a chance to dominate batters back in the DSL.
164. Francisco Villa, RHP (13 IP in Arz Rookie Lg in 2012)
Signed by Dodgers before the 2011 season
6’0", 194 lbs, 21 years old
1-1, 4.15 ERA, 2.08 WHIP, 5.89 FIP, 4.15 K/9
Pre 2012 Rank: 127; Pre 2011 Rank: N/A
The Dodgers signed Francisco Villa out of Mexico as an 18 year old in 2011, giving him a bonus of $80K. Since then he’s spent two seasons in the Arizona Rookie League and has been used sparingly, pitching just 28 total frames and accumulating a WHIP of exactly 2.00 during that time. This past year opposing hitters batted .357 against him, and he only struck out 6 batters all season long. While I’ve never seen a detailed scouting report on Villa, I initially thought he could turn into something given that the Dodgers’ old ownership group actually spent some money on him as an international free agent. After these two rough seasons I’ve lowered my expectations significantly, although he’s still young and could turn it around. I’m guessing the Dodgers will send Villa to Ogden in 2013 where he’ll face another challenge in the hitter friendly environment of the Pioneer League.
163. Edinson Bock, RHP (37.1 IP in DSL in 2012)
Signed by Dodgers before 2011 season
6’2", 190 lbs, 18.75 years old
1-4, 5.06 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 4.16 FIP, 7.47 K/9
Pre 2012 Rank: 155; Pre 2011 Rank: N/A
Edinson Bock was signed by the Dodgers out of Venezuela prior to the 2011 season, and despite playing two seasons in the DSL he is still one of the youngest players in the Dodgers minor league system. After a limited debut in 2011, Bock played a much bigger role with the Dominican Dodgers in 2012 as he ranked 4th on the team with 7 starts and also made 8 relief appearances. While his stats weren’t all that impressive, given his age I think he did a decent job. At 6’2" he has a decent pitching frame and hopefully he’ll continue to improve as he matures. Another year in the DSL makes sense for Edinson and then I would expect him to make the move to the US in 2014.
162. Samuel Taveras, RHP (22.2 IP in Arz Lg in 2012)
Signed by Dodgers 2/17/11
6’5", 175 lbs, 23.5 years old
2-1, 3.57 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 4.88 FIP, 5.56 K/9
Pre 2012 Rank: 180; Pre 2011 Rank: N/A
After posting dominant stats for the Dominican Dodgers in his professional debut as a 22 year old, Samuel Taveras was promoted to Arizona in 2012 where he found the competition to be a bit tougher. While he continued to have a decent amount of success, Samuel was a bit wild and allowed 3 homers which resulted in a FIP of almost 5. He also continued to perplex me with his low strikeout rate as his K/9 was under 6 for the second year in a row. You would think with his 6’5" frame that he’d be more of a strikeout pitcher, but I guess not. My speculation is that his secondary stuff needs work, and at 175 lbs he also needs to put on weight to fill out that frame. Now 23, Taveras will almost certainly return to a rookie league in 2013 although I’m not sure if it will be Arizona or Ogden.
161. Kevin Taylor, 2B (51 games in LoA in 2012)
Drafted by Dodgers 2011, 36th round
6’0", 200 lbs, 21.5 years old, bats left handed
.240 average, .600 OPS, 2 HR’s, 19 RBI’s, 4 SB’s
Pre 2012 Rank: 137; Pre 2011 Rank: N/A
Kevin Taylor played his college ball at Western Nevada Community College, and was in the same league as Bryce Harper in 2010 when both freshmen were named to the Scenic West Athletic Conference All-Region 18 First Team. While Harper went on to become the #1 pick of the 2010 draft, Taylor decided to stay one more season at Western Nevada and the Dodgers picked Taylor in the 36th round of the 2011 draft. After signing late Taylor got just 5 plate appearances with the Arizona Dodgers that first season, which made his move to the Midwest League in 2012 all the more aggressive. With the Loons Kevin was mostly over-matched at the plate, recording just a handful of extra base hits over 51 games. The good news, however, is that he struck out just 12.7% of the time. His season only lasted through June due to an injury that I can’t find anything about, which is too bad because he could have used the experience of playing a full season. At the end of the day Taylor is mostly a line drive hitter with occasional power who plays a solid 2nd base. I like his potential as a sleeper prospect but he’s going to have to turn it up a notch in 2013 which will most likely see him return to the Loons.