Background: When Los Angeles drafted Lee with the 28th overall selection in 2010, the pick was met with plenty of skepticism. Not because of any lack of ability on Lee's part, but rather because it was suspected the budget-conscious Dodgers intended to save money by not signing him. In addition to his prowess on the mound, he also was a highly rated quarterback recruit, throwing for 2,565 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior at McKinney (Texas) High, where his top wide receiver was current Braves prospect Matt Lipka. Lee intended to play both sports for Louisiana State, and he spent the summer of 2010 taking classes at LSU and working out with the football team. Still, Los Angeles believed it could get a deal done. The Dodgers shocked the industry at the Aug. 16 deadline by signing Lee for $5.25 million, the largest draft bonus in franchise history. Because of Lee's two-sport background, they spread the bonus over five years in a heavily backloaded deal that paid him less up front than MLB's slot value for the No. 28 pick ($1.134 million). Lee missed three weeks last May with elbow tightness that proved to be nothing major, and that was his only real speed bump in an otherwise solid pro debut. He allowed two earned runs or fewer in 19 of his 24 starts at low Class A Great Lakes.
Scouting Report: Lee has a deep arsenal and the pitchability to get the most out of it. His fastball generally ranges from 89-93 mph, but he can reach back for more when he needs it, touching as high as 98. He's a strike-thrower who commands his fastball to both sides of the plate. He also has an advanced feel for manipulating the ball to make it do what he wants against certain hitters. He can make his fastball sink, or turn it into a cutter that developed into a true weapon. Lee featured a hard curveball that tended to get slurvy in high school, but he worked on developing both a curve and slider as separate offerings in 2011. He made huge strides with the slider by the end of the season, allowing him to get in on the hands of lefthanders, who he held to a .229/.291/.341 line. The curve still shows promising spin and depth at 79-83 mph when it's on, but it continues to come and go. He also features an 81-84 mph changeup that has a chance to be an average pitch down the road. Lee earns high marks for his poise and the leadership he showed on Great Lakes' staff, a trait owing to his quarterbacking days. He does a good job of controlling games and doesn't get frustrated when something doesn't go his way. His big, strong frame elicits physical comparisons to Chris Carpenter. His delivery has some crossfire to it, though it also gives him deception. Los Angeles worked on improving his direction to the plate in instructional league, but he doesn't require any major mechanical changes.
The Future: The Dodgers considered promoting Lee to high Class A Rancho Cucamonga or even Double-A Chattanooga toward the end of last season but elected to let him finish out the year in Great Lakes. He'll likely begin 2012 in high Class A, but he has the polish and the stuff to handle a more aggressive timetable than the usual high school draft pick. Los Angeles believes he'll be a frontline starter and he could arrive in the majors by the end of 2013.
| '11 |
Great Lakes (LoA) |
9 |
6 |
3.47 |
24 |
24 |
0 |
109 |
101 |
51 |
42 |
9 |
32 |
91 |
.236 |
Background: The Dodgers converted Webster from shortstop after stealing him in the 18th round of the 2008 draft for $20,000. He quickly has become one of their best pitching prospects, easily handling the challenging high Class A California League and holding his own in Double-A before tiring down the stretch in 2011.
Scouting Report: Webster shows plus pitches across the board when he has everything working. He has an easy delivery and 90-95 mph fastball that peaks at 97 with plenty of sink, helping him generate grounders. He throws both a slider and curveball that are plus pitches at times, though at others he gets caught between the two. He has some trouble staying on top of his curve but it shows sharp three-quarters bite when it's on. Webster's changeup could be his best pitch, featuring sink and fade at 79-83 mph, though some scouts think he tips it off by slowing his arm speed. Los Angeles had him work on honing his armside fastball command, but he already shows advanced pitchability for his age.
The Future: One Dodgers official compares Webster to Derek Lowe, and his stuff gives him the potential to be a No. 2 starter. He'll likely end up back in Double-A to start 2012, with an outside chance of pitching his way into the big league rotation in spring training.
| '08 |
Dodgers (R) |
1 |
1 |
3.44 |
12 |
0 |
1 |
18 |
12 |
9 |
7 |
1 |
17 |
13 |
.179 |
| '09 |
Dodgers (R) |
2 |
1 |
2.08 |
12 |
8 |
0 |
48 |
35 |
19 |
11 |
0 |
14 |
56 |
.197 |
| '09 |
Ogden (R) |
2 |
0 |
3.00 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
21 |
23 |
8 |
7 |
1 |
4 |
21 |
.267 |
| '10 |
Great Lakes (LoA) |
12 |
9 |
2.88 |
26 |
23 |
0 |
131 |
119 |
55 |
42 |
6 |
53 |
114 |
.232 |
| '11 |
R. Cucamonga (HiA) |
5 |
2 |
2.33 |
9 |
9 |
0 |
54 |
46 |
18 |
14 |
2 |
21 |
62 |
.221 |
| '11 |
Chattanooga (AA) |
6 |
3 |
5.04 |
18 |
17 |
0 |
91 |
101 |
53 |
51 |
7 |
36 |
73 |
.270 |
Background: Eovaldi fell to the 11th round of the 2008 draft because he had Tommy John surgery as a high school junior and made a strong commitment to Texas A&M. The Dodgers weren't scared off and signed him for $250,000. After a solid but unspectacular start to his pro career, he took off in 2011, dominating Double-A and making his big league debut at age 21.
Scouting Report: Eovaldi has a power arsenal, led by a heater that works at 94-98 mph with good downhill angle and occasional late life. His fastball touched triple digits when he came out of the bullpen in the majors. He has a wrist wrap in his arm action that has led to inconsistency, but he did a better job in 2011 of staying over the rubber longer and allowing his arm to clear, aiding his fastball command. Eovaldi ditched his curveball after 2010 and developed an 85-91 mph slider that's a plus pitch with tilt and late movement at its best. His changeup is fringy but good enough to keep hitters honest. His key going forward will be to throw more strikes.
The Future: Some scouts believe Eovaldi fits best as a two-pitch, late-inning reliever, but Los Angeles will keep him a starter. He'll vie for a spot in the big league rotation in spring training.
| '08 |
Dodgers (R) |
0 |
1 |
1.13 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
9 |
.200 |
| '08 |
Ogden (R) |
0 |
0 |
0.00 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
.111 |
| '09 |
Great Lakes (LoA) |
3 |
5 |
3.27 |
26 |
16 |
1 |
96 |
95 |
48 |
35 |
2 |
41 |
71 |
.247 |
| '10 |
Inland Empire (HiA) |
3 |
5 |
4.45 |
16 |
14 |
0 |
85 |
99 |
46 |
42 |
3 |
33 |
58 |
.280 |
| '10 |
Dodgers (R) |
0 |
1 |
4.32 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
8 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
10 |
.194 |
| '10 |
Ogden (R) |
1 |
0 |
1.80 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
.167 |
| '11 |
Chattanooga (AA) |
6 |
5 |
2.62 |
20 |
19 |
0 |
103 |
76 |
41 |
30 |
3 |
46 |
99 |
.197 |
| '11 |
Los Angeles (MAJ) |
1 |
2 |
3.63 |
10 |
6 |
0 |
35 |
28 |
14 |
14 |
2 |
20 |
23 |
.212 |
Background: Silverio has made incremental progress since signing for $50,000 as a 16-year-old. He didn't rise above Class A until 2011, his eighth pro season, but he proved he could handle advanced pitching. He led the Double-A Southern League in total bases (289) and the minors in triples (18) while finishing fifth in the SL batting race (.306), earning a trip to the Futures Game along the way.
Scouting Report: Silverio could end up with five average or better tools. He has a quick, powerful swing that generates line drives from gap to gap and average home run power, mostly to his pull side. The biggest difference-maker for him in 2011 was how much he tightened his strike zone, putting together quality at-bats and forcing pitchers to execute pitches to get him out. He never has walked much and still has an aggressive mentality at the plate, but he has shown he can make adjustments. Silverio played all three outfield spots in 2011, seeing the most action in center field. He's a tick above-average runner who fits best on a corner. His solid arm strength and throwing accuracy play well in right field.
The Future: In line to move up to Triple-A Albuquerque in 2012, Silverio can be a solid everyday major league outfielder. He offers an in-house option if Andre Ethier departs via free agency following 2012.
| '04 |
Dodgers2 (R) |
192 |
18 |
46 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
16 |
7 |
36 |
5 |
6 |
.240 |
.273 |
.307 |
| '05 |
Dodgers (R) |
82 |
11 |
20 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
14 |
10 |
15 |
2 |
2 |
.244 |
.316 |
.305 |
| '06 |
Dodgers (R) |
225 |
36 |
62 |
12 |
6 |
6 |
48 |
18 |
44 |
6 |
3 |
.276 |
.335 |
.462 |
| '07 |
Dodgers (R) |
193 |
38 |
72 |
9 |
3 |
6 |
46 |
11 |
32 |
5 |
3 |
.373 |
.406 |
.544 |
| '08 |
Great Lakes (LoA) |
376 |
37 |
99 |
15 |
4 |
10 |
45 |
7 |
83 |
6 |
3 |
.263 |
.279 |
.404 |
| '09 |
Great Lakes (LoA) |
490 |
75 |
139 |
34 |
6 |
13 |
61 |
26 |
104 |
2 |
5 |
.284 |
.320 |
.457 |
| '10 |
Inland Empire (HiA) |
387 |
66 |
113 |
27 |
6 |
12 |
43 |
18 |
63 |
17 |
7 |
.292 |
.324 |
.486 |
| '10 |
Chattanooga (AA) |
16 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
.063 |
.063 |
.063 |
| '11 |
Chattanooga (AA) |
533 |
90 |
163 |
42 |
18 |
16 |
85 |
30 |
91 |
11 |
12 |
.306 |
.340 |
.542 |
Background: After splurging on Zach Lee in 2010, the cash-strapped Dodgers were limited financially in the first round last year. They took Reed, who posted a 1.23 ERA as Stanford's closer in the spring, with the 16th overall pick. Reed signed three days before the deadline for $1.589 million, slightly above MLB's slot recommendation, and Los Angeles plans on developing him as a starter.
Scouting Report: Though Reed made only one start in three seasons at Stanford, he has the repertoire to work in a big league rotation. His fastball ranges from 89-96 mph, with tail and sink on his two-seamer and late boring action on his four-seamer. He throws a late-breaking slider at 85-86, and while it's often a plus pitch is also can get slurvy. He has good feel for a changeup that has action similar to his two-seamer. Reed earns high marks for his competitiveness and intelligence. Los Angeles was encouraged by how well he repeated his delivery and held his velocity for five innings during a playoff start at Rancho Cucamonga.
The Future: The Dodgers agreed to allow Reed to return to Stanford over the winter to finish his degree. When he gets back, he'll open his first full pro season back in high Class A. It remains to be seen how his arm will respond to the increased workload, but the ingredients are there for him to move quickly with the ceiling of a No. 2 starter.
| '11 |
R. Cucamonga (HiA) |
0 |
1 |
7.71 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
7 |
9 |
6 |
6 |
1 |
4 |
9 |
.300 |
Background: Like Zach Lee, Gould was also a standout high school quarterback, but he decided to focus on baseball for his senior year. Though his $900,000 bonus was the largest in the Dodgers' 2009 draft class, he spent his first two pro seasons at Rookie-level Ogden before successfully making the move to low Class A in 2011.
Scouting Report: Gould has a quality three-pitch mix. He commands both sides of the plate with a sinking fastball that ranges from 90-95 mph and sits at 92-93. His curveball is his best offering, a sharp three-quarters breaker which comes in at 79-83 mph. Gould also has a changeup that plays as a solid third pitch. His command and aggressiveness in the strike zone have improved notably. Gould used to raise some red flags with his mechanics because he landed on a stiff front leg, but Los Angeles softened his landing in 2011 and his whole delivery got cleaner. The Dodgers also stressed the need to improve his work ethic and his demeanor on the mound. He responded to the challenge, though he still can do a better job of controlling his emotions.
The Future: Gould has the weapons to be a mid-rotation starter and possibly more, depending on how well his changeup progresses. He'll join Lee again in 2012, this time in high Class A. Gould's pure stuff is a little better, while Lee has more pitchability.
| '09 |
Ogden (R) |
0 |
1 |
10.13 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
.333 |
| '10 |
Ogden (R) |
1 |
4 |
4.06 |
13 |
13 |
0 |
58 |
68 |
41 |
26 |
4 |
20 |
52 |
.282 |
| '11 |
Great Lakes (LoA) |
11 |
6 |
2.40 |
27 |
24 |
0 |
124 |
102 |
47 |
33 |
8 |
37 |
104 |
.216 |
Background: Withrow had enough hitting ability to play both ways at Baylor had the Dodgers not signed him for $1.35 million as the 20th overall pick in 2007. He first reached Double-A as a 20-year-old in 2009 but has been stuck there ever since, going 12-17, 4.98 in 58 starts. He led the Southern League with 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings in 2011 but recorded consecutive quality starts only once all year.
Scouting Report: Withrow has a riding fastball that sits at 94-95 mph and can reach 98. When he's on, he's able to spin a sharp, downer curveball that rates as a plus pitch, but he has trouble maintaining its consistency and short-arms it. His changeup has nice fading action at 83-86 mph, and while he shows some aptitude for maintaining his arm speed, it's not always a reliable offering. He also throws an 85-88 mph slider early in counts. Scouts don't question Withrow's stuff, but they wonder how well he'll be able to use it. His control and command still need a lot of work, and at times he looks like he's more concerned with lighting up radar guns.
The Future: If he ever figures out command, Withrow can be a quality big league starter. But he's been surpassed by other pitchers in the system and is likely headed back to Chattanooga for a fourth stint.
| '07 |
Dodgers (R) |
0 |
0 |
5.00 |
6 |
4 |
0 |
9 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
4 |
13 |
.156 |
| '08 |
Inland Empire (HiA) |
0 |
0 |
4.50 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
1 |
.143 |
| '09 |
Inland Empire (HiA) |
6 |
6 |
4.69 |
19 |
16 |
0 |
86 |
80 |
50 |
45 |
3 |
45 |
105 |
.236 |
| '09 |
Chattanooga (AA) |
2 |
2 |
3.95 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
27 |
24 |
14 |
12 |
2 |
12 |
26 |
.226 |
| '10 |
Chattanooga (AA) |
4 |
9 |
5.97 |
27 |
27 |
0 |
130 |
146 |
92 |
86 |
13 |
69 |
120 |
.273 |
| '11 |
Chattanooga (AA) |
6 |
6 |
4.20 |
25 |
25 |
0 |
129 |
111 |
68 |
60 |
8 |
75 |
130 |
.223 |
Background: Lindblom turned down a $300,000 offer as the Astros' third-round pick out of high school in 2005 before landing $663,000 from the Dodgers three years later. He struggled as a starter before settling in as a closer in college, and his pro career has followed a similar pattern. Los Angeles returned him to the bullpen in mid-2010 after his velocity dropped off, and he reached the big leagues a year later.
Scouting Report: While he has a starter's repertoire, Lindblom is more comfortable in the bullpen. Now that he's working in relief again, his fastball operates at 91-95 mph with average sink. His breaking pitches are more crisp, with his mid-80s slider showing tilt and generating some swings and misses. He also has a 73-74 mph curveball with average bite and a usable changeup with some downward movement and deception. As a reliever, Lindblom focuses mainly on his fastball and slider. His body is strong and durable, and he has a solid delivery. He shows more confidence than he did in the rotation.
The Future: Some scouts still think Lindblom could develop into a useful starter, but Los Angeles plans to keep him as a reliever after he pitched well in the majors in the final two months. He could work in a number of roles, most likely settling in as a setup man.
| '08 |
Great Lakes (LoA) |
0 |
0 |
1.86 |
8 |
8 |
0 |
29 |
14 |
6 |
6 |
2 |
4 |
33 |
.139 |
| '08 |
Jacksonville (AA) |
0 |
0 |
3.60 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
.250 |
| '09 |
Chattanooga (AA) |
3 |
5 |
4.71 |
14 |
11 |
0 |
57 |
55 |
35 |
30 |
4 |
14 |
46 |
.242 |
| '09 |
Albuquerque (AAA) |
3 |
0 |
2.54 |
20 |
3 |
1 |
39 |
34 |
11 |
11 |
3 |
12 |
36 |
.225 |
| '10 |
Albuquerque (AAA) |
3 |
2 |
6.54 |
40 |
10 |
0 |
95 |
143 |
79 |
69 |
12 |
32 |
84 |
.334 |
| '11 |
Chattanooga (AA) |
1 |
3 |
2.13 |
34 |
0 |
17 |
42 |
30 |
10 |
10 |
3 |
14 |
54 |
.191 |
| '11 |
Los Angeles (MAJ) |
1 |
0 |
2.73 |
27 |
0 |
0 |
30 |
21 |
9 |
9 |
0 |
10 |
28 |
.191 |
Background: A two-sport standout as an outfielder and wide receiver in high school, Pederson signed for $600,000 as an 11th-rounder. In his first full year as a pro, he looked overmatched in a brief stint in low Class A before leading the Rookie-level Pioneer League in RBIs (64) and finishing second in on-base percentage (.429) and fourth in batting (.353). His father Stu played eight games for the Dodgers in September 1985.
Scouting Report: Pederson shows lots of polish for a teenager and plays with a blue-collar mentality. He has a short, sound swing and the chance to be an above-average hitter. He's willing to use all fields, and he got better at pulling inside pitches with more authority in 2011, which should help him get to his average power potential. Pederson saw action at all three outfield positions with Ogden, though he played primarily in left and will end up on a corner in the long term. He has a solid arm with slightly above-average speed. He's an efficient basestealer with good instincts on the basepaths.
The Future: Pederson will get another crack at the Midwest League in 2012. He'll need time to develop but his talent stands out among the position prospects at the lower levels of the system.
| '10 |
Dodgers (R) |
7 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
.000 |
.417 |
.000 |
| '11 |
Great Lakes (LoA) |
50 |
4 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
9 |
2 |
0 |
.160 |
.288 |
.160 |
| '11 |
Ogden (R) |
266 |
54 |
94 |
20 |
2 |
11 |
64 |
36 |
54 |
24 |
5 |
.353 |
.429 |
.568 |
Background: The Dodgers entered 2011 sorely lacking in catching prospects. They addressed that need through the draft and by getting Federowicz, who arrived in the three-team deal that sent Erik Bedard from the Mariners to the Red Sox in July. Los Angeles sent Trayvon Robinson to Seattle.
Scouting Report: Federowicz always has been known for his defense more than his bat. His hands work well behind the plate and his ability to block balls stands out. He has outstanding receiving skills and a solid, accurate arm. Federowicz put up the best numbers of his pro career in his month at hitter-friendly Albuquerque, showing good feel at the plate and loft power. Most scouts project that he'll hit for a decent average with gap power but nothing more. He gets himself out when he starts pulling off breaking pitches. He has a stocky frame and is a below-average runner, like most catchers.
The Future: Rod Barajas' departure via free agency enhances Federowicz's chances of opening 2012 in the majors, though it's unlikely the Dodgers would just hand him their starting job. His defensive ability may allow him to claim that role down the road.
| '08 |
Lowell (SS) |
127 |
14 |
31 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
15 |
19 |
24 |
10 |
3 |
.244 |
.338 |
.315 |
| '09 |
Greenville (LoA) |
226 |
34 |
78 |
19 |
0 |
10 |
34 |
15 |
42 |
1 |
0 |
.345 |
.393 |
.562 |
| '09 |
Salem (HiA) |
187 |
18 |
48 |
13 |
0 |
4 |
24 |
5 |
22 |
1 |
0 |
.257 |
.276 |
.390 |
| '10 |
Salem (HiA) |
407 |
47 |
103 |
34 |
1 |
4 |
61 |
43 |
86 |
1 |
1 |
.253 |
.324 |
.371 |
| '11 |
Portland (AA) |
339 |
46 |
94 |
20 |
0 |
8 |
52 |
32 |
63 |
1 |
0 |
.277 |
.338 |
.407 |
| '11 |
Albuquerque (AAA) |
83 |
17 |
27 |
7 |
0 |
6 |
17 |
15 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
.325 |
.431 |
.627 |
| '11 |
Los Angeles (MAJ) |
13 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
.154 |
.313 |
.154 |
