Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers never seem to have a shortage of blue-chip rookie prospects and the 2018 season is no different.
Walker Buehler, RHP, Grade A-*: Age 23, first round pick in 2015 from Vanderbilt, recovered from Tommy John surgery without glitches posting 3.35 ERA with 125/31 K/BB in 89 innings between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, had some command issues during major league trial (7.71, 12/8 K/BB in 9 innings) but I doubt that will be a long-term problem; has retained pre-injury plus curveball while boosting fastball velocity, up to 99-100 MPH; still need to see what happens when he gets past 100 innings but his stuff looks special and he knows how to use it; possible number two starter. ETA 2018.
Alex Verdugo, OF, Grade B+/B*: Age 21, second round pick in 2014; hit .314/.389/.436 against older competition in Triple-A with 52 walks, 50 strikeouts in 433 at-bats; six homers, 27 doubles; hit .172/.240/.304 in 23 major league at-bats; strengths are obvious: feel for hitting, eye at the plate, laser throwing arm; main question continues to revolve around home run/power projection; certainly strong enough to hit more homers but people who understand hitting mechanics better than I do seem skeptical that he’ll ever show more than average pop; given his age I would not give up on the “will show more power” idea just yet; ETA 2018.
Shared via https://www.minorleagueball.com/2017/11/27/16707660/houston-astros-top-20-prospects-for-2018
*QUICK PRIMER ON GRADE MEANINGS
Grade A prospects are the elite. In theory, they have a good chance of becoming stars or superstars. Theoretically, most Grade A prospects develop into stars or at least major league regulars, if injuries or other problems don’t intervene. Note that is a major “if” in some cases.
Grade B prospects have a good chance to enjoy successful careers. Some will develop into stars, some will not. Most end up spending several years in the majors, at the very least in a marginal role.
Grade C prospects are the most common type. These are guys who have something positive going for them, but who may have a question mark or three, or who are just too far away from the majors to get an accurate feel for. A few Grade C guys, especially at the lower levels, do develop into stars. Many end up as role players or bench guys. Some don’t make it at all.
Finally, keep in mind that all grades are shorthand. A Grade C prospect in rookie ball could end up being very impressive, while a Grade C prospect in Triple-A is likely just a future role player.
