2015 MLB Draft: Dodgers Get Value Early, Take Risks Late On First Day

PAGES: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 The Los Angeles Dodgers stockpiled early round picks in the 2015 MLB Draft, acquiring one for losing Hanley Ramirez to the Boston Red Sox in free agency, and another in the Ryan Webb trade with the Baltimore Orioles. New scouting director Billy Gasparino had his work cut out for him, replacing Logan White, who helmed the draft for the Dodgers for more than a decade. So, how did he do on the first day? Let’s take a look. Walker Buehler, RHP Buehler, who saw his teammates Dansby Swanson and Carson Fulmer drafted in the Top-10, heard his name called at No. 24 by the Dodgers. The Vanderbilt right-hander had his most recent start rained out, but figures to make at least one appearance in the Commodores’ run in the College World Series. Listed at 6’2 and 170 lbs, Walker has an extremely thin frame and may not add much weight as a pro, leading to questions about his long-term durability. However, his stuff is premium when it’s on, with the potential for three plus pitches. His fastball sits in the low to mid 90s and he adds a hard curveball as well as a promising changeup. Expected to go in the middle of the first round, the Dodgers were pleasantly surprised when Buehler was available at their pick. The selection even received an endorsement from Dodgers’ right-hander and prospect connoisseur Zack Greinke. Walker won’t sign right away, as his college season hasn’t ended yet, but expect him to move relatively quickly after he goes pro. CONTINUE READING: Evaluating The Kyle Funkhouser Selection PAGES: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 Kyle Funkhouser, RHP Another college right-hander, Funkhouser pitched well in Louisville’s super regional opener but ended up with a no-decision as the Cardinals fell in 10 innings. On draft day, he was in the dugout, watching his team compete for a spot in the College World Series. Unfortunately, they suffered an 11-inning defeat to Cal State Fullerton. Unlike Buehler, Funkhouser has a workhorse frame and has been healthy during his college career. The Illinois native has topped out at 97 in the past and sits comfortably in the low 90s. His slider is his go-to breaking ball and he adds a changeup that could be average in time. With his college season ending on draft day, expect Funkhouser to sign relatively soon. However, after pitching 112.1 innings already, don’t expect him to pitch much after signing. CONTINUE READING: Dodgers Take Risk On Outfielder Mitchell Hansen PAGES: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 Mitchell Hansen, OF Prior to the draft, Gasparino talked to Dodger Insider about his approach to the draft and mentioned gambling on upside. I took that to mean they were targeting one of the injured pitchers. As it turns out, he was referring to Hansen. The Plano, Texas resident was a two-sport star in high school, also playing quarterback for the football team. Along with being a good athlete, he committed to Stanford on an athletic scholarship. However, it now appears that he will forego his collegiate career and sign with the Dodgers. Hansen is a big guy, standing 6’4 and weighing 197 lbs, with room to fill out. Last summer, he put up a plus time in the 60 yard dash, though he figures to lose a step as he matures. He also showed off a plus arm in the outfield. At the plate, he shows the potential for plus power down the road and uses the entire field. Overall, Hansen is somewhat similar to Joc Pederson when he signed, as a high school outfielder with five tool potential and projection in left. He wasn’t expected to be as difficult a sign as your typical Stanford commit and already seems intent on joining the organization. After selecting two pitchers to first round, the Dodgers found a potential stud hitter in the second. CONTINUE READING: Dodgers Draft Josh Sborz PAGES: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 Josh Sborz, Virginia Sborz has had an interesting path during his college career. He came out of the bullpen as a freshman, then moved to the rotation as a sophomore, only to return to the pen as a junior. The change in roles continued this year, as he briefly joined the rotation late in the spring before returning to closer as Virginia headed to the postseason. He’s been dominant throughout his career, posting an ERA of 2.36 overall, with a 1.95 mark this spring. Sborz starts off with a fastball that sits 93-95 out of the bullpen and touches the high 90s. He compliments it with a slider that’s a swing-and-miss pitch when it’s on. He also has a changeup, though he rarely needs to use it in relief. There’s some concern about Sborz’ arm action that leads some scouts to assume he’ll be a reliever in pro ball, though Gasparino says he’ll have a chance to start with the Dodgers. If all else fails, Sborz could be used as a fast-moving bullpen arm that could arrive in Los Angeles before long. Summary It appears the Dodgers went safe in the first round, then took some risks in the second. Buehler and Funkhouser were both excellent value picks, as each pitcher was expected to be off the board when the club picked. Hansen’s risk surrounds his college commitment, though it appears the Dodgers did their homework and found he was signable in the second round. And Sborz could be a steal in the second if his arm and stuff hold up in the rotation. Overall, this was a strong first effort from the new front office, giving the organization four promising players to inject into a resurgent farm system. [divide] Don Mattingly Not Scared Of The Cardinals OO.ready(function() { OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer2', '93bmxqdTrCKQ0BiDPgRERnl9ysUnsMkC'); });

2015 MLB Draft: Dodgers Get Value Early, Take Risks Late On First Day

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