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PHOENIX — On the off day after the Dodgers won the NLDS, the Arizona Fall League got underway and the club lost an executive to the Twins.
Jeremy Zoll worked under Gabe Kapler in the Dodgers’ player development department for three seasons, the last two as assistant director of player development. Zoll left to join the Twins as their director of minor league operations.
Minnesota’s press release described Zoll’s role with the Dodgers as assisting with the oversight of the minor league system, and that he “worked with Dodgers player development leaders regarding on-field philosophies and special programs, and aided the Research and Development department in the implementation of various initiatives.”
Zoll is just 27.
Arizona Fall League opening day
The Glendale Desert Dogs opened AFL play on Tuesday afternoon at Peoria, with four Dodgers minor leaguers in action.
Yusniel Diaz was 2-for-3 with a walk, starting in right field. He stole one base, and was picked off first another time, though in the ensuing pickle he made it back to first base safely after pitcher Max Fried dropped a throw.
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Catcher Will Smith was 2-for-4 with a double, and also threw out top Braves outfield prospect Ronald Acuna trying to steal second.
Matt Beaty started at third base and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Fried struck out seven in three scoreless innings. Glendale was shut out, 3-0, and Peoria struck out 16 batters.
Dodgers right-hander Isaac Anderson pitched a scoreless eighth inning, allowing two singles with one strikeout.
Salary arbitration projections
It is far too early for offseason roster talk, especially with the Dodgers still alive in the postseason. But this week the folks at MLB Trade Rumors released their 2018 salary arbitration projections from Matt Swartz. The Dodgers have nine players eligible this winter for arbitration, including Yimi Garcia, who was on the disabled list all season.
Arbitration-eligible (9)
| Player | Service Time | 2017 salary | MLBTR projections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Service Time | 2017 salary | MLBTR projections |
| Yasmani Grandal | 5.115 | $5,500,000 | $7,700,000 |
| Alex Wood | 4.123 | $2,800,000 | $6,400,000 |
| Luis Avilan | 4.146 | $1,500,000 | $2,300,000 |
| Tony Cingrani | 4.088 | $1,825,000 | $2,200,000 |
| Josh Fields | 4.083 | $1,050,000 | $2,200,000 |
| Joc Pederson | 3.023 | $555,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Pedro Baez | 3.059 | $550,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Kiké Hernandez | 3.054 | $550,000 | $1,300,000 |
| Yimi Garcia | 3.004 | $550,000 | $700,000 |
We will delve into these once the season is over, including in more depth as we near the arbitration filing date of Jan. 12, 2018.