Dodgers News: Seth Rosin, Pedro Baez Impress At “Young Guns” Minicamp

While pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in just nine days, the Los Angeles Dodgers wrapped up their “Young Guns” pitching minicamp at Camelback Ranch last week.

Rehabbing pitchers Chad Billingsley and Scott Elbert participated while other pitchers including Stephen Fife, Matt Magill, Zach Lee, Pedro Baez and Seth Rosin were watched by assistant pitching coach Ken Howell among others. Of the group, Rosin and Baez impressed, with Howell saying Rosin could be a Spring Training surprise via Ken Gurnick of Dodgers.com:

Rosin looks like he’s got a real good idea, he knows how to make adjustments and he could be a surprise in Spring Training, Howell said of the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Rosin. Kenley Jansen was there and Seth was able to see a big-body guy and see his philosophy and watch him throw.

Rosin, 26, is from the LA area and was traded to the Dodgers after being selected by the New York Mets in the Rule 5 Draft. Just three weeks ago, Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said there’s a legitimate shot for Rosin to make the team out of Spring Training and reiterated how much the club likes him. While also being a reliever, the West Hills native  also has experience in a starting role.

If Rosin isn’t added to the 25-man roster, he has to be offered back to the Philadelphia Phillies, the organization he was with before the Mets selected him. Meanwhile, Baez was added to the 40-man roster prior to the Rule 5 Draft and the 25-year-old converted reliever reportedly turned heads:

It wouldn’t shock me if we see him this year if somebody went down, Howell said of Baez. He’s got a good feel for pitching. He doesn’t fight his delivery. He’s about the same as Kenley at this point. Kenley might have had a better feel being a former catcher. Pedro naturally throws hard, but he’s starting to understand changing speeds and is showing a feel for a second pitch.

It’s high praise for Baez, who pitched in 48 games last season between High A Rancho Cucamonga and Double A Chattanooga. Obviously, he’s had control issues, with a 2.39 SO/BB rate and a 1.55 WHIP in 2013.

A decision about Rosin will need to be made during Spring Training, while it sounds like Baez is quickly becoming a viable bullpen option in the near future.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

ICYMI: Here’s our Dodgers Nation Week In Review Video