For the title, I had to steal a line from Rob Schelling who has reported on the draft for the last couple of years. I do not believe that there was a better Dodger Blog that covered the draft with Rob, Harold, and myself. I will try to soldier for 2023. I am hindered in that not only two I not have two excellent writers, but I am out of town, and my coverage will be sketchy. If anyone wants to volunteer to help with the MLB Draft coverage, let me know. (jeffdominique@hotmail.com).
Beginning in 2021, the MLB draft has been moved from early June to the MLB All Star festivities at the All Star site. The first two rounds will be held on Sunday July 9 beginning at 7:00 PM ET. Rounds 3-10 will be July 10 at 2:00 PM ET, and rounds 11-20 will be July 11at 2:00 PM ET.
ESPN will broadcast the first round, and MLB Network will broadcast for the entire day. Coverage for days 2 and 3 can be found and MLB.com / MLB App.
Just like last year, the Dodgers will lose 10 spots in the 1st round order because they exceeded the CBT Threshold by $40MM. Because of losing in the NLDS to San Diego, the Dodgers were to pick #26. However due to the penalty, they are selecting #36.
Last year, the Dodgers not only lost 10 picks (from 30-40), but they also had a paltry $4,223,800 in bonus dollars (30th). There were twelve picks that signed for more than the entire LAD bonus pool. For 2023, the Dodgers have a bonus pool of $7,274,600 (24th). 15 teams have in excess of $10MM, with Pittsburgh at #1 with $16,185,700. Detroit follows with $15,747,200.
Teams that exceed their bonus pool face a penalty. Clubs that outspend their allotment by 0-5 percent pay a 75 percent tax on the overage. At higher thresholds, teams lose future picks: a first-rounder and a 75 percent tax for surpassing their pool by more than 5 and up to 10 percent; a first- and a second-rounder and a 100 percent tax for more than 10 and up to 15 percent; and two first-rounders and a 100 percent tax for more than 15 percent.
In 11 Drafts with bonus pool rules, clubs have outspent their allotments a total of 195 times but never by more than 5 percent. The Dodgers, Cardinals, Cubs, and Giants have exceeded the pool each year, while Colorado and Minnesota have never exceeded the pool.
The bonus pools can be found here:
The Dodgers have 22 picks in the 2023 MLB Draft:
- #36 – 1st round
- #60 – 2nd round
- #95 – 3rd round
- #127 – 4th round
- #136 – Compensation pick for loss of FA Tyler Anderson who received a QO
- #137 – Compensation pick for loss of FA Trea Turner who received a QO
- #163 – 5th round
For 6th through 20th rounds, the Dodgers pick 26th in each round.
Here is the order for each round:
There is a consensus for the top 3 picks in the draft.
Pittsburgh will choose between the RHP Paul Skenes (LSU), and his LSU teammate CF Dylan Crews. Washington will take his whichever one Pittsburgh does not. The third pick (Detroit) should be Florida CF Wyatt Langford.
Most mock drafts include a pair of HS OF as the next two: Walter Jenkins (South Brunswick, NC), and Max Clark (Franklin, IN).
Others are seeing college bats possibly moving up into the top 5:
- Virginia catcher, Kyle Teel
- Grand Canyon SS, Jacob Wilson
- Ole Miss SS, Jacob Gonzalez
Two more pitchers to keep an eye on for the top ten:
- Wake Forest RHP, Rhett Louder
- Tennessee RHP, Chase Dollander
Oakland picks 6th, and they do not follow any script. Of course there will be multiple picks not in the top ten that will become All Stars, but the top 10 are the jewels. The Dodgers have not been in the top 10 since 2006 when they selected (7th overall), some LHP by the name of Clayton Kershaw.
Skenes led Louisiana State to a national championship and won Most Outstanding Player honors at the College World Series after earning Southeastern Conference pitcher of the year accolades. He topped NCAA Division I in strikeouts (209, eclipsing Ben McDonald’s SEC and school records), strikeouts per nine innings (15.3) and WHIP (0.75) while ranking second in victories (12), ERA (1.69) and opponent average (.165).
“The only reason to not take Skenes No. 1 is philosophical, because you won’t take a pitcher,” a national crosschecker said. “I’m taking Skenes. The size, the command, the velocity, the slider, the way he pitches with the good killer instinct … It’s hard to pass on that.”
The discussion is now centering on not whether Skenes is the top pitcher in this draft, but is he the best pitcher from any MLB draft. Until 2023, the consensus was that San Diego State’s RHP, Steven Strasburg was the best pitcher in any draft. He was drafted 1/1 in 2009. The following year, Washington had 1/1 again, and drafted Bryce Harper. Pretty solid draft picks.
In the AF era:
2015
- Walker Buehler (24th overall) – RHP
- Kyle Funkhouser (35th overall) – RHP – Did Not Sign (Scott Boras client)
2016
- Gavin Lux (20th) – SS
- Will Smith (32nd) – C
- Jordan Sheffield (36th) – RHP
2017
- Jeren Kendall (23rd) – OF
2018
- T. Ginn (30th) – RHP
2019
- Kody Hoese (26th) – 3B
- Michael Busch (31st) – 2B
2020
- Bobby Miller (29th) – RHP
2021
- Maddux Bruns (29th) – LHP
2022
- Dalton Rushing (40th) – C – Technically this is considered a 2nd round pick, but it was the Dodgers’ 1st pick in the draft.
LAD Names To Watch:
So who will be this year’s LAD 1st round pick. It will certainly not be any of the players identified above. Scouting reports courtesy of MLB Pipeline.
Many (most?) have mocked for LAD in the 1st round:
Jonny Farmelo – OF – Westfield HS, Chantilly, Va.
- AGE 18
- BATS – L THROWS – R
- DOB – 09/09/2004
- HT – 6′ 2″
- WT – 205
- COMMITTED – Virginia
MLB Draft Rank #39
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Westfield High School in Virginia has had just one player get drafted and sign out of the school — 2005 first-round pick Brandon Snyder, though big leaguer Justin Bour did go there before heading to George Mason University. Farmelo, who showed off his tools at events like the PDP League and East Coast Professional Showcase over the summer, has the chance to be the next.
Farmelo is a physical athlete with a lot of tools to like. He’s a plus runner, which helps him on both sides of the ball, and has shown the ability to find the barrel consistently and drive the ball to all fields. There’s plenty of bat speed, and he’s quick to the ball, with more power to come as the 6-foot-2 left-handed hitter matures.
A right-handed thrower, Farmelo has played shortstop for his high school in the past, but he spent all summer in the outfield and that could be a very good fit for him long-term. He has the speed and range to play center field, with the upside of being a dynamic up-the-middle presence. The biggest question facing teams might his commitment to the University of Virginia.
The second favorite for multiple publications in at least one version:
Cameron Johnson, LHP, IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.
- Age 18 – DOB 01/11/2005
- 6’5” 240 lbs
- Committed to LSU
Baseball America Writer Rationale: I went very hitter-heavy in this draft, but am very happy to select Johnson with pick 36. He throws a heavy fastball that has topped out at 99 in the past and his slider has shown flashes of being a true “out pitch” down the road. There is little projection left here, but the present arm talent is special. The continued development of a third pitch will be key for Johnson, but I have faith that he will be able to do so.
MLB Draft Rank #42
Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 50
Johnson spent his first three years of high school playing for Bishop McNamara in Maryland, but has moved to Florida to attend IMG Academy for his senior season, looking for a bigger challenge and more exposure. He got more of both over the summer, looking very good early on, but tiring a bit at the end. Then he made steady improvement at IMG all spring until elbow tendinitis caused him to miss some time at the end of the season, partially clouding his status.
There are three things Johnson has going for him right out of the gate: his size (he’s 6-foot-5), his pure stuff and his left-handedness. Especially at early events, like the PDP League, the MLB Develops and Breakthrough Series alum looked like one of the best prep southpaws in the class, featuring a high-spin fastball that was consistently up to 95-96 mph that missed a good number of bats. His upper-70s slider was also nasty at the start of the summer, an upper-70s breaking ball that was a true out pitch. He mixed in the occasional changeup, but that’s clearly his third offering.
Coming from a three-quarter slot, Johnson provides an uncomfortable at-bat. As the summer wore on and he showed fatigue, he maintained his stuff and his overall pitchability improved in Florida. It did not sound like there was anything structural wrong with Johnson, and assuming health, the LSU recruit definitely has some exciting ingredients that will have teams considering him in the early rounds.
One other name that popped on at least two mock drafts:
Travis Sykora, RHP, Round Rock High (Texas)
- Age 19 – DOB 04-28-2004
- 6’6” 232 lbs
- Committed to Texas
Per Sporting News:
The Dodgers have typically targeted high upside college arms early in drafts, but this year’s class has a bit of a drop-off after Waldrep. Los Angeles could go the college hitter route, but given its success in developing arms, it might opt to look at the high school ranks. Travis Sykora fits the bill with a triple-digit fastball with a lethal splitter and a solid slider. He lacks polish, but the Dodgers always seem to find a way to get the most out of pitchers with raw talent.
MLB Draft #40
Scouting grades: Fastball: 70 | Slider: 55 | Splitter: 60 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
Texas hasn’t placed a prep pitcher in the first round since 2018, but Sykora could put an end to that dry spell. He has the biggest fastball in the high school class, reaching triple digits on the showcase circuit while showing he was more than just a flamethrower. He was arguably the most dominant pitcher at both the PDP League and the Area Code Games.
Sykora’s fastball not only parks at 95-98 mph and can reach 101, but it also comes with a flat approach angle and late arm-side run. He shows the aptitude to locate and miss bats with both of his secondary pitches, which could become plus offerings when fully developed. His short slider and his splitter both sit in the mid-80s, and the latter dives when it approaches the plate.
Both physical and athletic, Sykora repeats his sound delivery well and pounded the strike zone last summer against top competition. Scouts praise his intelligence and work ethic, and there’s still projection remaining in his 6-foot-6 frame. A Texas recruit, he’ll be Draft-eligible as a 21-year-old sophomore in 2025 if he attends college.
Others That Have Been Included in Mock Drafts for LAD:
While Jonny Farmelo has been the overwhelming favorite of many sites, he is now being linked to Seattle at #29 or #30. Here are some names mentioned as possible 1st round (#36 overall) for LAD.
Thomas White, LHP, Phillips Academy (MA)
- Age 18 – DOB 09-29-2004
- 6’5” 210 lbs
- Committed to Vanderbilt
MLB Draft Rank #24
Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
There has never been a high school left-hander from Massachusetts taken in the first round of the Draft and the last time a prep pitcher of any kind from the Bay State went in the opening round was back in 2011, when the Blue Jays took Tyler Beede, who instead headed to Vanderbilt. White has at times been tough to scout as he’s been picky about which events to attend, but he did show what the fuss has been about both in PDP League and East Coast Pro Showcase action this past summer before taking a nice step forward this spring.
White checks off a lot of boxes in terms of his size, he’s 6-foot-5, his pure stuff and his left-handedness. He was up to 96-97 mph with his fastball over the summer, missing bats with it up in the zone. He couples it with what could be a plus curveball, thrown with high spin rates in the upper-70s. He doesn’t throw it as much yet, but he showed off enough low-80s changeups to give a sense that he’s going to have a very good three-pitch mix in the future.
Everything works well in terms of White’s delivery, and though he did struggle with his command at times over the summer because all of his moving parts can get out of sync, he was repeating well this spring and improved strike-throwing has led to some helium. There’s little question he’s the best prep lefty in the country, one who’ll likely have to go early to not follow in Beede’s footsteps and fulfill his commitment to Vanderbilt.
Adrian Santana, SS, Doral Academy (FL)
- Age 17 – DOB – 07-18-2005
- Bats – S
- Throws – R
- 5’11” 155 lbs
- Committed to Miami
MLB Draft Rank #38
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 40 | Run: 70 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60 | Overall: 50
Adrian Santana is a premium athlete with quick-twitch actions. A switch-hitter, he comes with some questions about how impactful his bat will be. He does have a solid setup and not a lot of moving parts when he’s in the box, leading some to feel like he’s going to be able to hit for average. He needs to add strength to his 5-foot-11 frame, but he should be able to grow into more extra-base authority in the future.
Easily a plus runner who recorded some of the fastest 60-yard times on the summer showcase circuit, Santana leaves no questions regarding his ability to play shortstop for a very long time. He has a good release and carry on his throws to go along with excellent range, hands and footwork. How high the Miami recruit climbs on Draft boards will depend on how scouts see his bat, and the team thinking he can be an everyday shortstop will take him pretty early.
Blake Wolters, RHP, Mahomet-Seymour (IL)
- Age 18 – DOB 10-25-2004
- Bats and Throws – R
- 6’4” 210 lbs
- Committed to Arizona
MLB Draft Rank #389
Scouting grades: Fastball: 65 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
Though Wolters was an all-area basketball player, he gave up hoops as a senior to focus on getting stronger and training for baseball. That move paid off as he caught the attention of scouts by setting a Super 60 showcase fastball record at 98 mph with consecutive pitches in February, and he has been clocked as high as 99 this spring. His power and physicality have prompted comparisons to fellow Illinois prep product Bobby Miller, now a Top 100 prospect with the Dodgers, though Miller didn’t throw nearly this hard in high school.
After working in the low 90s on the showcase circuit, Wolters now operates at 94-96 mph early in games with good carry up at the letters but less life when he works lower in the strike zone. His slider can run the gamut from a plus breaker in the mid-80s with spin and shape to a less powerful slurve, but it could be at least a solid offering with more consistency. He rarely uses a mid-80s changeup that doesn’t feature much movement.
Gatorade’s state player of the year, Wolters has done a good job of harnessing his stuff as it has taken off this year. An athletic 6-foot-4, 215-pounder, he throws strikes and should be able to hold his velocity deeper into contests as he continues to develop. Originally committed to Purdue, he switched to Arizona but is unlikely to get to campus.
Brock Wilken, 3B, Wake Forest
- Age 21 – DOB 06-17-2002
- Bats and Throws – R
- 6’4” 225 lbs
MLB Draft #24
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Run: 30 | Arm: 65 | Field: 45 | Overall: 50
Wilken burst onto the college baseball scene in 2021, setting a Wake Forest freshman record with 17 homers during the spring and winning Cape Cod League MVP honors during the summer. He encored by slamming 23 homers as a sophomore and breaking the school mark with 27 entering the NCAA playoffs this spring, burnishing his reputation for having as much raw power as anyone in his class. He fits the classic third-base profile with his pop and arm strength, giving him the chance to become the Demon Deacons’ first first-round position player since Will Craig in 2016.
Wilken is geared to crush balls to left field with the strength and leverage in his 6-foot-4 frame and the bat speed and loft in his right-handed stroke. His strikeout rate jumped in 2022, when he struggled with breaking balls in the zone, but he has made more contact this spring. He draws a decent amount of walks but will need to make adjustments in order to make the most of his prodigious power.
Although Wilken is a well-below-average runner, he moves well enough to provide adequate defense at third base. His hands work fine at the hot corner, and his strong arm draws plus-plus grades from some evaluators. He caught in high school but is too big for the position in pro ball, leaving first base as his only realistic alternative to third.
Alex Clemmey, LHP, Bishop Hendricken (RI)
- Age 17 – DOB 07/18/2005
- 6’6”, 205 lbs
- Committed to Vanderbilt
MLB Draft rank #50
Scouting grades: Fastball: 65 | Curveball: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 40 | Overall: 50
The last time a Rhode Island high-schooler was taken in the top five rounds of the Draft was back in 2008, when the Red Sox gave outfielder Ryan Westmoreland $2 million to sign. It’s been since 2004 that a prep pitcher from the state went that early (Jay Rainville was a supplemental first-rounder), though the Reds did go over slot to take Ben Brutti in Round 11 last year. As things warmed up in Little Rhody, scouts streamed in to see Clemmey, a big lefty with plenty of arm strength that gives him the chance to go early in this year’s Draft.
There is no doubt about Clemmey’s electric stuff, all coming from a 6-foot-6 frame. The southpaw has been up to 98-99 mph with a fastball that features elite-level spin rates and ride up in the zone. He has a swing-and-miss slurvy breaking ball with sweepy late tilt that has curve tendencies in the 79-82 mph zone and feels more like a slider when it’s a bit harder. That leaves some scouts thinking he could have two distinct breaking pitches in the future. His upper-80s changeup serves almost like a baby sinker with enough differential from his heater to be effective.
While his stuff is comparable to almost any high-schooler in the class, inconsistencies in his delivery have led to command and control issues that have dampened excitement a little bit. It will be interesting to see whether his size, upside and first-round-caliber pure stuff will entice a team to take him early enough to sign him away from his commitment to Vanderbilt.
Editorial Comment: Have to give credibility to Clemmey being a LAD target, as this has Maddux Bruns Part two written all over.
George Lombard Jr., SS/3B, Gulliver Prep (FL)
- Age 18 – DOB 06-02-2005
- Bats and Throws – R
- 6’3” 190 lbs
- Committed to Vanderbilt
MLB Draft Rank #31
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
George Lombard was an exciting high school product in the Atlanta area who was taken by his hometown team, the Braves, in the second round of the 1994 Draft and went on to play parts of six big league seasons in a 16-year professional career. Now the bench coach for the Detroit Tigers, he’ll get to see if his son can beat his Draft spot as Lombard Junior showed off some intriguing tools on the summer showcase circuit and took a solid step forward in South Florida this spring.
The younger Lombard already looks the part at 6-foot-3 with a pro body that stands out among high school players. The right-handed hitter has a ton of raw pop to tap into and he showed it off at times last summer, though it came with some swing-and-miss concerns and some inconsistent at-bats along the way. Lombard has a long stride and is better runner underway, but he’s worked to improve his overall speed.
There’s some debate over where he lands defensively. While some would send him out as a shortstop, where he does show off a strong arm, good instincts and hands, most see an eventual move to third as he fills out that frame. That might put more pressure on the bat, but the power profile might fit there just fine. Teams will have to decide if they want to take Lombard early enough to keep him from heading to Vanderbilt, where he could develop into a first-rounder in a few years.
Editorial Comment: In all candor, I never actually saw Lombard, Jr. in any mock drafts going to the Dodgers. My son and George Lombard Sr., are friend and former roommates with Pawtucket. I have to go with George on a personal choice. He is not a stretch at #36, but it is doubtful he will last that long.
Possible 2nd round picks:
- Brice Matthews – SS – Nebraska
- Will Gasparino – OF – Harvard Westlake – If the name sounds familiar it is because it is LAD Director of Amateur Scouting, Billy Gasparino’s son. He would be a legit 2nd round selection
- Luke Keaschall – 2B – Arizona
- Steven Echavarria – HS RHP
- Josh Knoth – HS RHP
- Tanner Witt – RHP – Texas – One of my top picks for the LAD. He has had TJ surgery, and has dropped in the ranks, but he is a former top/top pitching prospect. While they probably will not go there, I would not shed a tear if Gasparino and crew selected Witt as their #1. If he last to 2nd round, I would hope that the Dodgers would not pass on him. Very high ceiling (and yes a very low floor).
With the presumption that this is needed:
In OKC, the Dodgers lost 9-7.
In TULSA the Drillers lost to the wonderfully named Wind Surge, 8-2.
Great Lakes LoonsNear the Great Lakes The Loons won 2-1.
in Rancho The Quakes fell into the cracks 5-4.
Sorry for the delay. This is going to be a little hit and miss for me this week, But we will muddle through. I know many of you do not care for the draft, but it is a big favorite time for me.
Thanks for the writeup, Jeff. I’m one of those who really follows the draft and between you and Future Dodgers I at least have some names to follow this weekend.
With all the good young pitchers we have in the pipeline, I’d like to see us take an outfielder with our first one or two choices.
I’m still ready to move Mookie to short beginning next year. Peralta and JHey are not all that likely to be back and even if they are, it won’t be long term. We really need some top-of-the-line outfielders with Pages being the only one even close and he’s got that shoulder injury.
Give me a college outfielder who could be in L.A. by 2025 or a spectacular high school kid who could rise very rapidly.
Where’s your love for DeLuca?
Long term infield might be Freeman Lux, Vargas/Busch, Betts.
So, I agree with outfielders.
The powers that be seem to think they can only let JDL bat against lefties. I think they’re wrong, but if they insist on that we still need more outfielders.
Your infield lineup looks pretty good to me, although if Vargas and Busch actually hit the way we think they can, we’d want them both to play every day.
1) Thanks so much for the write up, Jeff!
2) Of all names that you mentioned, who are you actually excited about?
3) I, unfortunately, am reminded of what you wrote in 2019 every time I see Kody Hoese’s .225 batting avg in AA while he bats 8th for Tulsa, while the guys you talked about, Volpe and Gunnar Henderson, are top 5 prospects who are already up and play positions we are deficient at.
I too want to see AC’s choices.
Adrian Santana, SS, Doral Academy (FL)
He caught my eye. With him at short and Kendall in CF there might not be much offense but there would be defense.
I think the pipeline could use a SS.
We seem to have a few promising shortstops but they’re all in the very low minors. It would be nice to get a college ss who would be ready in a couple of years.
On the other hand, both the Reds and O’s have extra middle infielders they don’t have room for and both need pitching. Maybe we could use one or two of our Tulsa guys to swing a deal.
Saw your comment about Snell. First of all, there’s no denying that when he’s on he’s great, but to me (only my opinion) he blows very hot and cold. This year he’s been very good but in 2021 he was so mediocre that there were people saying they thought the Pads might try to trade him. He was great (Cy Young) in 2018 but in the 4 years since then (not counting this year) he hasn’t even pitched 130 innings in any year. If you figure a standout pitcher should make about 30 starts a year and average 6 innings per start, that figures to 180 innings. That’s what he did in his Cy Young year but hasn’t even gotten close since then. That either means he’s been hurt or ineffective.
In any case, we could certainly do worse than to add him but SD would never trade with us this year unless we dramatically overpaid. I’m just not a huge fan of his but he certainly has his moments.
Any other guys you would have gone after last off season? Since you really don’t seem to like any of our current starters, you need to give me more than one option. We need to replace an entire starting staff here.
Pitching first. Then more pitching. Followed by best available.
Spoked like a true Dodger.
In regards to Snell, he’s pretty good and already has tossed 92 innings this year. Even if he only threw 130 innings, that’s still way more than the Dodgers will get from any of their starters this year outside of Kershaw. I would love a standout pitcher, but a good but not great would be fine too. Point is he’s healthy and reliable. Something none of the Dodger’s non-Kershaw starters are. (Normally Urias is reliable, but this year he seems to have put on a few pounds IMO, and has not pitched well)
I never said I don’t like the Dodger’s rotation. I mean Syndergaard is beyond horrible, but the rest of the guys are good. Kershaw is a hall of famer, normally Urias is one of the better pitchers in MLB. May and Gonsolin are good pitchers too. The problem is health and innings, two things Friedman cares little for. For example May and Gonsolin have good stuff, but can’t stay healthy. They are not long for the majors. May has never pitched more than 60 innings, and Gonsolin has had one season where he’s pitched over 100 innings, and you are putting Snell’s 130 frames down. I would take Snell and 130 innings any day over the innings the Dodgers get from May/Gonsolin and the rest of the Non-Kershaw arms.
I can name two guys off the top of my head on the market last winter that would have been good cheap pick-ups. Michael Lorenzen, and Michael Wacha.
Lorenzen is having an ok year with the Tigers, but would take him 100 times over Syndergaard. Wacha is having a fine season with SD. Both would have come cheap, and could have slotted in at 4-5 in rotation, or 1 of them could have been a bullpen piece. Either way, both would have been good options.
I thought Julio looked very good last night. Keep in mind he didn’t have much in the way of rehab games before he came back. I think he’ll definitely contribute between now and year end.
I said that Snell didn’t even get to 130 innings in the 4 years I mentioned. He averaged 103 for those 4 years. But let’s not argue about that. SD isn’t sending him to us, at least not if he continues to have the good year he’s having.
Wacha was a very good signing for the Pads and, yes, it would have been a good one for us too.
Depending on how much AF likes Lorenzen, he could easily be in a Dodger uni on August 1st. Detroit has absolutely no reason to keep him. They might as well send him to someone for a prospect or two, although they won’t be top of the line prospects.
Even though Syndergaard will never be the old Thor, I don’t think anyone expected him to get worse this year instead of better, one more year removed from surgery. If he had a year like he had in 2022 it would have been a decent signing and he would have eaten some valuable innings.
Actually Lorenzen is someone I do think the Dodgers will target. He is not my first (or 2nd or 3rd…) choice. But he seems to fit into the mold for LAD targets. I know the Dodgers were interested in him before he signed with LAA. They had already signed Andrew Heaney, so Lorenzen fell back.
Who are your first, second and third choices?
I’ve had this premonition for the past week that Lance Lynn will be in our rotation after the deadline. It would be somewhat of a risk but I’d be willing to take it.
I like Giolito but I think he’ll take a major overpay. Every team who needs pitching will be on him.
Have always been a big Flaherty fan. He won’t cost as much in prospects but also much more of a risk.
Lucas Giolito is my first choice. Marcus Stroman is my second choice. Shane Bieber would be my third choice. I will throw in Jordan Montgomery as my 4th choice. The ship has sailed on Lance Lynn. I wanted him at the 2020 deadline. I like Jack Flaherty and have for awhile. But he is not a top of the rotation the others are. Maybe it is one of the 4 and Jack Flaherty. Why not reunite the Harvard-Westlake pair this year, and work on Max Fried for next year?
Yeah, let’s bring all those H-W guys back home!
I’m in on Giolito and/or Stroman. Bieber not so much, especially since he’ll still come at a high price.
Two days ago Lynn pitched 7 innings of shutout ball against the Jays, allowing 1 hit, 0 runs and struck out 11. If that ship has sailed……………………………………
He hasn’t been consistent but 3 games before the one on Thursday, he struck out 16. He still has something left in the tank and he’s eating innings. Last 4 games he’s gone 7 twice, 6 once and 5.2.
I think AF needs to watch him closely over the next couple of starts and if he looks OK, I’d go for it.
From John Toribo
2022: C Dalton Rushing
Since being the 40th pick in last year’s Draft, all Rushing has done is crush the baseball. In 287 at-bats in the Minors, Rushing has 16 homers, 65 RBIs and a 1.042 OPS. He is quickly becoming one of the best hitting prospects in the Minors. With Will Smith in the Majors and Diego Cartaya in Double-A, the Dodgers will have to make a decision on a long-term position for Rushing. But they still have time, and we’re not exactly sure Cartaya will be a long-term catcher, given some of his back problems already.
I wasn’t aware of Cartaya’s back issues.
I assumed those issues were behind him
If that was a joke, I applaud it.
If not, it was still funny.
Ha
Latest ESPN Mock has them Brice Matthews in the first. Saying he appeals from a trait standpoint (power upside) and potential versatility in position.
IMO, Brice Matthews might be considered as a 2nd round pick (#60), but there will be better choices at #36. I saw the report, but I am not buying it. One of the problems with mocking the Dodgers draft is that there is no internal sources leaking. That is why I was surprised to see so many for Jonny Farmelo. I do like Farmelo, but I do believe there will be better choices available. IMO, Farmelo is better than Jake Vogel, but not hugely so.
The problem with selecting a SS or power hitting OF, is that at #36, you are going on “maybe” potential. Last year, the Dodgers did very well with Dalton Rushing at #40. Like last year, it is difficult to gauge which players might be available. At #36 you always run the risk of drafting a Kody Hoese or Jeren Kendall.
I too would love to see the Dodgers draft a college SS or college OF as #1 and #2 choices. Obviously the top ten choices mentioned above will be gone. The next two college choices will also be gone: Matt Shaw – Maryland and Tommy Troy – Stanford.
There are high school SS who could be available, but a team might have to overpay to entice them out of their college commitments. Most SS going in the late 1st round have a lot of 2B, 3B, CF risk.
· Colt Emerson – SS/3B – Auburn Commit
· Walker Martin – SS/3B – Arkansas Commit
· George Lombard Jr. – SS/3B – Vanderbilt Commit
· Kevin McGonigle – SS/2B – Auburn Commit
All are worthy of being drafted at #36 (and most if not all will be gone), but none figure to make MLB as a SS.
There could be a college OF who could be available at #36, but again, a lot of risk. Two that would be longshots to be available at #36, but possible.
· Enrique Bradfield Jr. – CF – Vanderbilt – A little leery about Vanderbilt CF busts, Jeren Kendall and JJ Bleday. Fastest player in the draft.
· Chase Davis – OF – Arizona – More power than hit tool with a very good arm. Dodgers prefer power over hit tool, so if Davis is available at #36, there is a good possibility that LAD will draft him.
· Jack Hurley – OF – He played CF last year, but can play all 3 OF positions. He is nowhere close to the level of Dylan Crews or Wyatt Langford. IMO Jack Hurley is a more complete OF option than Bradfield or Davis.
We cannot forget that the pundits are picking Jonny Farmelo. There has to be interest there. I can also see the Dodgers having interest in HS CF Dillon Head. What stops me here is that he is more hit than power, and LAD loves power. He is another speedster (80 run grade) who may develop power. Not a Corbin Carroll comp, but maybe Jake McCarthy. Where the Dodgers are drafting, that would be a good pick.
My biggest risk and biggest reward target would be Texas RHP, Tanner Witt. I think his potential just might entice the Dodgers to take a chance. Could be huge bust. Maybe LAD holds off for #36, but if he is still available at #60, I hope they would take a chance.
If Matt Shaw or Tommy Troy are available (they won’t be), BUT if they are, they would be my choice. Very similar to my Bo Bichette pick in 2016. The Dodgers actually passed on Bichette twice: once in the 1st round and once in the 2nd round. They selected Mitch White over Bichette.
One intriguing pick could be CF/SS/C Cole Carrigg at San Diego State. Switch hitter, just turned 21. Scouts see him eventually moving to catcher with his 100 MPH throws from SS and CF at the draft combine. This is another Will Smith type pick (but not as good). A lot of position diversity who can play three positions. Because he showcased his talents more as a CF/SS at the combine, this is probably where he will get a chance at the next level. The Dodgers give their draft picks a lot of personal choice as to where they may want to play. He could be available for the third pick. Maybe you package Dalton Rushing this year in a trade, and have Carrigg ready to step into his slot.
I like Travis Sykora, but if Thomas White is somehow someway available, I like him more. White is the best HS lefty in the draft. IMO he has far better command than Maddux Bruns at similar stages. Although White has a three pitch arsenal while Bruns has/had 4.
As to who is more likely to be available, my choices would be:
· Jack Hurley – CF – Virginia Tech
· Charlee Soto – Reborn Christian, FL RHP
· Travis Sykora – Round Rock, Texas HS RHP
· Dillon Head – Glenwood, Ill HS CF
· Adrian Santana – Hialeah, Florida HS SS
· Jonny Farmelo – Westfield, VA HS CF
After reading all of the reports and watching video, for those that might be available, those are prospects I like best. .
One more comment, Charlee Soto is a wild card. He could be available, but his “stuff” and projectability say he will not be. He is a converted SS who just finished his 1st full year as a pitcher. The Dodgers pitching gurus could mold him just how they want to, because the “stuff” is there.
in Recent past drafts have players “linked” to the Dodgers been among those actually selected?
Not really. The Dodgers are the most tight lipped. Usually you will get no more than two mock drafts that include a certain player. Gunnar Henderson was one that had at least two publications linked to LAD. Dillon Dingler was another who was tied to the Dodgers by a couple publications. I cannot remember a consensus pick tied to the Dodgers in mock drafts that LAD signed. It is just that Jonny Farmelo was mocked on maybe four publications.
My question would be where they draft, who do they realistically have a chance to land?
See my post a couple up.
Why is Muncy batting 4th. Should be batting 6th or 7th at best.
Does it matter? Mookie, Freddie, Smith, pull names out of a hat.
I don’t know any of those draft names, but Witt, 6’6”, 225 sounds like my no nothing pick.
I do know Lorenzen, Giolito, Stroman, Flaherty, Montgomery and any of them makes our staff better.
Does it matter? Hell yes it matters. And what in the hell do Mookie, Freddie, and Smith have to do with Muncy batting 4th? Move JDM into the 4 hole. Drop Muncy to 6th or 7th until he heats up. Geez…
Why does it matter? can you expand?
i can think of a ton of reasons why the team wants him there, and very few why it’s detrimental.
A ton of reasons, but none mentioned here. What a joke.
Lineups are overrated.
a joke or a failure of imagination on your part?
The team likes how he takes pitches? Let’s other batters see.
The team thinks his experience helps him first time through the order towards the top.
Line-up order is, as Badger correctly notes, pretty useless and Muncy feels comfortable hitting early.
Martinez likes hitting behind Muncy.
Muncy gets more FBs hitting early.
do a little work, Ohio.
Not a joke. And a failure of imagination? On the contrary.
On this team, Mookie, Freddie and Smith are all top of the lineup hitters. After that it’s my contention it just wouldn’t matter that much who comes next. The bottom of this team’s lineup are all grinders and runs are going to be scored no matter who bats where.
Wasn’t responding to you. Not commenting on your imaginative mind.
Sorry. I can see that now. And one of the features I like here. You can read immediately to whom the response was written. That is if you actually pay attention to it, which I didn’t.
By the way… I just did it. Pulled the last 6 names out of a hat:
Peralta
Vargas
Rojas
Muncy
JD
Outman
I like that lineup. 7 runs.
Bless your little heart. You are truly touched.
LOL. Digging deep to pull that load of bullshit out of your ass.
Well that’s not Midwest nice Ohio.
It’s southern nice..
Timmons calls a lot of posters morons when he shouldn’t. However, he got it right with you.
Bless your heart and your wonderful nature.
Bless your self absorbed, condescending ass.
Definitely a failure of imagination.
and discourse!
but Muncy in the 4th spot? Not too bad, eh?
Don’t need imagination. Just stating the truth. If that is bad discourse, so be it.
You know what?
It’s all good! Let’s just try to have fun and talk baseball.
have a great night!
Good idea. Catch you later.