Dodgers Spring Training: Pederson And Seager, Others Report Early

UPDATE (Feb. 19, 8:55 a.m. PT): According to J.P. Hoornstra of the LA Daily News Group, infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena was among those who reported early for Spring Training:

Erisbel Arruebarrena also here early.

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) February 19, 2015

Arruebarrena appeared in 22 games with the Dodgers last season, and also saw time with the Arizona Rookie League team, High-A Rancho Cucamonga, Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Albuquerque.

Arruebarrena’s season was marred a bit by his sparking a benches-clearing brawl during his time with the Isotopes. The Dodgers designated Arruebarrena for assignment when they made the Brett Anderson signing official, but they were unable to deal the 24 year old. Arruebarrena is owed $16 million over the next four years.

Additionally, Yasiel Puig also reported on Thursday.

The offseason officially came to an end Thursday with Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers and catchers reporting to the Camelback Ranch complex for Spring Training. While their report date is six days prior to that of position players, Yasiel Puig was at Camelback on Wednesday, however for what appeared to be promotional work.

According to Eric Stephen of True Blue LA, joining Puig in being present at Camelback Ranch ahead of schedule are Joc Pederson and Corey Seager, among others:

Joc Pederson, Corey Seager, Scott Schebler, O'Koyea Dickson among Dodgers position players to report early

— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) February 19, 2015

Pederson previously stated he would report to Spring Training ahead of schedule with an eye on getting a leg up on his competition for the starting job in center field. The 22 year old played sparingly with the Dodgers after getting called up in September and despite the attention and hope that’s attached to him, Pederson is aware nothing will be handed to him.

As for Seager, this year marks his first time attending big league camp. He began the 2014 season in High-A Rancho Cucamonga and earned a promotion to Double-A following the All-Star break. In a similar fashion to Pederson, Seager has drawn rave reviews during his time in the Minors and is projected to be one of the franchise’s cornerstones moving forward.

Scott Schebler has been a teammate of Seagers for parts of the last two seasons. Last year marked Schebler’s fifth with the franchise and he spent the entirety of the 2014 season with the Lookouts, where he batted .280/.365/.556 with 28 home runs and 71 RBIs.

O’Koyea Dickson is another prospect that arrives at Camelback Ranch coming off a season with the Lookouts. The first baseman hit .269/.340/.471 with 17 home runs and 73 RBIs in his first experience at the Double-A level.

While Pederson and Seager are considered ahead Dickson and Schebler in terms of becoming regulars in the Majors, all four young players will certainly benefit from any extra work and guidance they’ll receive by reporting to Spring Training ahead of schedule.

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