Dodgers Received:
The Dodgers’ big prize in the deal is Frankie Montas. That’s both in the literal and figurative sense.
Hilariously listed at 185 lbs., Montas resembles Bartolo Colon after second lunch. But hey, he can throw 100 mph.
Originally signed by the Red Sox in 2009, Montas was included in the three-team deal that landed Jose Iglesias with the Detroit Tigers and Jake Peavy in Boston in 2013.
Montas entered 2015 with only one game above A-ball under his belt, but managed to pitch his way onto the big league staff. He split time between the rotation and the bullpen, having far more success in relief.
Montas’ calling card is his elite arm strength and he also mixes in a good slider. However, he doesn’t have a third pitch and his command and control are erratic. As a result, many evaluators believe he’s destined for the bullpen.
However, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman wants to first give Montas an opportunity to establish himself as a starting pitcher. Either way, the hard-throwing right-hander has a huge ceiling and his floor is likely a setup man.
Former Los Angeles Lakers center Mychal Thompson has two sons who play professional sports and now both of them will play for California teams. Trayce Thompson made his major league debut last season with the Sox, batting .295/.363/.533 in 44 games.
Some may look at the slash line and wonder why Chicago would give him up. A closer examination reveals the possible answer. The White Sox called up Thompson at the beginning of August.
Through his first 14 Major League games, he hit .469 with a 1.358 OPS. In September, he followed with a far more realistic line of .234/.306/.429. His career Minor League line is .241/.319/.429.
So, before you talk yourself into believing he’s the next Yasiel Puig, remember to look for context. Thompson has five-tool potential, but needs to make more contact to unlock it.
He’s hit 101 home runs and stolen 94 bases in his first seven Minor League seasons. He’s capable of playing all three outfield spots as well. Again, with the full outfield in Los Angeles, it’s likely he begins next season in Triple-A.
The final piece of the Dodgers’ puzzle is Micah Johnson. Just as the previously mentioned prospects, Johnson made his big league debut this year, hitting .230/.306/.270 with three steals. Like with Thompson, Johnson’s debut should be taken with a grain of salt.
During his Minor League career, he batted .301/.368/.431. He seems to take a half a season to get accustomed to new leagues, as he’s always struggled at new levels after midseason callups, followed by hitting very well there the following year.
And, while he hit just .230 in his Major League debut, his BABIP was .329, which indicates remarkably poor luck. While he’s fast and plays second base, Johnson shouldn’t be compared to Peraza.
Johnson walks more and hits for more power, but he lacks the defensive ability and versatility of Peraza, as well as his ability to make consistent contact. Expanding his versatility seems likely, though Johnson must improve his defense at second to justify a spot on the 25-man roster.
CONTINUE READING: Ceilings And Floors Of Dodgers’ Newest Prospects
