Dodgers 2014 Minor League Positional Review: On The Mound
After reviewing the up-the-middle prospects in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system, and the corner infield and outfield positions, it’s time to turn out attention to the pitchers.
State of the System – Above Average
The Dodgers are strongest up the middle, but could also have some quality depth in the pitching ranks moving forward. Julio Urias has established himself as an elite pitching prospect, while Grant Holmes has shown the potential for two well above average offerings.
Former first-rounders and surprising late-rounders give the Dodgers some depth in the system, and the group had breakout performances in 2014 leading to improved overall value at the position.
10. Ross Stripling, RHP
Remember him? The 2012 fifth-rounder skyrocketed through the system in 2013 and looked like he was on the cusp of reaching the Majors last spring. Unfortunately, all of that had to be put on hold when it was announced that he’d suffered a UCL tear and underwent Tommy John surgery.
Stripling is working his way back to game action and should return to Double-A at some point in 2015. If Stripling manages to fully recover, he would give the Dodgers yet another quality arm in their system.
9. Scott Barlow, RHP
Another young pitcher, Barlow missed the entire 2012 season due to injury but was back on the bump in 2013 for Ogden. He needed a healthy campaign in 2014 to re-establish himself and succeeded in staying on the mound.
Barlow pitched 106 innings, striking out 100 batters and walking just 35 while posting a 4.50 ERA. Like Zachary Bird, Barlow has a good fastball but must continue working on his secondaries and command.
8. Zachary Bird, RHP
Drafted in 2012, Bird is an athletic righty with a lot of projection, and some of that started to show in 2014. The previous season, he couldn’t handle Low-A and had to finish the year in Ogden. However in 2014, the 19 year old proved he could stand up to a full season league.
Bird finished the season with a 4.25 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 118.2 innings. His fastball can reach the mid-90s and he shows both a curve and change, but still needs to hone his command, like most young pitchers.
7. Zach Lee, RHP
Lee finally made his way to Triple-A in 2014 and, unfortunately, struggled. After posting a 3.42 ERA in his first five starts, the altitude caught up with the 22 year old and he finished the season with a mark of nearly five and a half. Like Chris Reed, Lee should enjoy the change in environments in 2015, as he looks to rebound and re-establish himself as a top prospect.
6. Chris Reed, LHP
Reed had his third go-round in Double-A last season and pitched well for the Lookouts in 23 starts. However, a late-season promotion to Albuquerque derailed his campaign, as he posted a 10.97 ERA in five games for the Isotopes.
Reed should start 2015 back in Triple-A, though his new home in Oklahoma City should treat him much better than Albuquerque. He’s on the 40-man roster and could come up to fill a hole in the rotation or the bullpen if injuries hit.
CONTINUE READING: Top Five Starters
I see we have few pitchers in the minor league, but they all have lots to grow on. Maybe one or two can make the deffrence this year good luck men and always be a Dodger Fan for Life. God Bless you all and Good Luck over 55 years as a Dodger fan. Best of Luck Mr. McLeod.