Editorials

Dodgers 2015 Top Prospects: Beginning The Countdown From No. 50

Gabe Kapler

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It’s that time of year again. The Minor League season starts soon, so what better way to prepare than to take a look at the top players in the farm system? As always, we begin the countdown in reverse order, saving the best for last.

50. Johan Mieses, OF

The apocryphal Dominican Summer League standout, Mieses was signed on May 31, 2013 out of the Dominican Republic. The 17 year old struggled in his debut but came strong in 2014.

In 59 games, Misese batted .299/.371/.505 with 29 stolen bases. Now stateside, the modestly-built outfielder will need to improve his pitch selection to continue producing on offense against more advanced competition.

49. Lucas Tirado, 2B

Once the Dodgers were sold to Guggenheim, they began adding plenty of front office talent. One of their most prominent moves was bringing in veteran scout Bob Engle from Seattle to head up their international scouting department.

Engle didn’t wait long to make a splash, giving 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Tirado a cool $1 million in July of 2013. Unfortunately, the shortstop’s professional debut has been rough. He didn’t play in 2013 as a 16 year old, then came to the states at 17 to take part in the Arizona League.

Through 39 games, Tirado hit just .177/.266/.230 with 50 strikeouts. He played 38 games at short but committed 23 errors and lacks the athleticism to stick there, with a move to second or third likely. Tirado still needs to further develop, but he has plenty of time to realize his potential.

48. Felix Osorio, OF

Signed on July 2 of 2014, Osorio was immediately sent to the Dominican Summer League, where he debuted shortly afterward. The 17-year-old outfielder has right-handed power potential but doesn’t provide a wide range of tools. He hit .143/.225/.209 in 27 games. He’ll likely remain in the Dominican until he proves he can handle professional pitching.

47. Brandon Trinkwon, SS

A seventh round pick in 2013, Trinkwon hit well out of the gate, batting .362/.411/.587 with Ogden in 33 games before going to Great Lakes and struggling. He returned to the Loons last season and improved, drawing 54 walks compared to 39 strikeouts and stole 11 bases.

In addition to playing shortstop, Trinkwon also spent some time at second and third base. He profiles more as an organizational player but provides good defensive versatility and plate discipline. If his offense develops, he could become a solid bench player.

46. Victor Gonzalez, LHP

A sturdily built Mexican lefty signed by Mike Brito in 2012, Gonzalez was given the aggressive assignment of pitching in the Arizona League at age 17 and fared well, posting a 3.79 ERA with 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings.

Unfortunately, he went to Ogden in 2014 and struggled, seeing his ERA rise to 6.09. His stuff is average across the board and there’s no room for projection, so it’s less likely that he takes a step forward over the next few years than most teenagers.

CONTINUE READING: Outfield Prospects Crack Top-50

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Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

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