The Los Angeles Dodgers have been tied to several pitchers in the weeks leading up to the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft, which begins Thursday.
That’s ranged from collegiate arms to potentially selecting players out of high school who may fall in the draft due to signability concerns.
Let’s take a look at another batch of college pitchers who might interest the Dodgers.
Eric Lauer, Kent State
Position: LHP
Ht/Wt: 6’3/190
B/T: Right/Left
DOB: 6/3/1995
The Dodgers have taken three college lefties in the first round in the last 10 years: Chris Reed (2011), Aaron Miller (2009), and James Adkins (2007). Only Reed pitched in the Majors, for all of two games.
However, that demographic shouldn’t dissuade the Dodgers from using one of their top picks on Kent State southpaw Eric Lauer. While he hasn’t faced the stiffest of competition during his career, Lauer has been one of the most dominant pitchers in college baseball over the past year.
He began by dominating the Cape Cod League, striking out 60 batters in 45.1 innings while posting a 1.97 ERA and making the postseason All-Star team. Lauer then went on the post a single-season record 0.69 ERA with Kent State this spring.
Lauer has a solid four-pitch mix, with each offering flashing average or better, but none standing out. His fastball can reach the mid-90s but generally sits at 90-92 mph. The pitch does feature good life and he can locate it well.
The rest of Lauer’s offerings range from average to above-average, though none are true swing-and-miss pitches. His arm action is a little long and he wraps his wrist, which can hamper his command. He does, however, throw strikes — walking just 25 batters in nearly 100 innings this year.
There are players in the class with more upside, but Lauer is one of the safer bets to reach the Majors and start. He could fit into any one of the Dodgers’ three top picks.
CONTINUE READING: Collegiate pitcher who’s likely fallen out of top 10
