20. Zach Lee, RHP
It seems as though Lee has been in the system for a decade, but it’s only been half that amount of time. The 2010 first-round pick who signed for $5.25 million was once thought of as the best pitcher in the organization and a future third starter, but now he’s struggling to earn the Dodgers’ fifth starter job after the rotation was hit by injuries.
Since his high school days, Lee’s stuff has taken a step backward. His fastball, which used to flirt with the mid 90s, now tops out around 91 and he works in the high 80s most of the time, focusing more on cut and sink than velocity.
His curve, slider and changeup are no better than average, with no out pitch. Lee needs pinpoint command to succeed. If he doesn’t win the fifth spot out of Spring Training, he’ll be relegated to Triple-A Oklahoma City once again, waiting in the wings for another chance in the big league rotation.
19. Jacob Scavuzzo, OF
The Dodgers gambled on a young two-sport star from southern California in the 21st round of the 2012 draft and, after much anticipation, it seems to be paying off. Scavuzzo, who also played wide receiver for his high school football team, turned pro four years ago instead of going to college to play both sports.
Now, at 22 years old, it appears he made the right choice. When he was drafted, Scavuzzo was a skinny 6’4 and 190 punds. He’s since added muscle to his frame and is now closer to 220 pounds, which has correlated to increased power.
Scavuzzo hit a career high 18 home runs in 119 games last season. His speed has dropped off a bit, as he stole seven bases last year as opposed to the 17 he swiped in 2014. After a successful half-season with the Quakes, he may be ready to take on Double-A.
18. Ross Stripling, RHP
Stripling was a unique case. A fifth-rounder in 2012, some viewed him as a senior sign who would save money. But Stripling was much more than that. He developed into a quality prospect with Texas A&M and quickly validated his high selection while in the Minors.
He went to Major League camp in 2014, hoping to impress team brass enough to earn the chance to make his debut that year, but he suffered a torn UCL and underwent Tommy John surgery instead.
Now, two years removed from the procedure, Stripling is once again pushing for a slot in the big league rotation. His fastball is consistently in the low-to-mid 90s and he compliments it with a big curve, a sharp cutter and a deceptive changeup.
While Stripling remains a candidate for the fifth starter job, he will likely have a cap on his innings this year, so an early debut would make sense. If he doesn’t get the job, he could return to Double-A Tulsa to begin the season.
17. Kyle Farmer, C
Farmer was selected in the eighth round of the 2013 draft out of the University of Georgia. A college shortstop, Farmer was immediately converted to catcher and had a successful debut.
He displays good athleticism behind the plate but must refine his receiving and blocking balls in the dirt.
Farmer allowed 12 passed balls in 84 games last season. He has a strong arm and threw out 32 percent of attempted base stealers in his first two years as a pro. Farmer has also spent some time at third base, where he’s passable.
At the plate, he uses a line-drive stroke to drive balls to the gaps, though he doesn’t show much present power. He should begin 2016 as the Drillers starting catcher.
16. Trayce Thompson, OF
Acquired in the December three-team trade with Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox, Thompson made his debut with Chicago last season and hit better than he ever had.
Now, with Andre Ethier out for at least half of the year, Thompson figures to make the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. Versatility has been a major emphasis for the front office, which Thompson is a poster child of as he can play all three outfield positions.
Thompson isn’t a burner, but he’s fast enough to cover ground in center and his arm is strong enough for right field. At the plate, he mainly pulls balls on the ground and on line drives but will go opposite field in the air.
Between Triple-A and the Majors last season, he hit 18 home runs and stole 12 bases. If Carl Crawford stumbles in left field, look for Thompson to receive regular playing time during the first few months of the season.
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