2014 Los Angeles Dodgers Prospects All Name Team

Over the years, looking through box scores, I’ve noticed many unique names among Dodgers’ minor league players. From Yhency Brazoban to Sambu Ndungidi, some names just stuck out. So now, in conjunction with Dustin Nosler from DodgersDigest.com, I present my All Name Team.

Catcher

Pratt Maynard [image src=”http://www.milb.com/assets/images/0/3/0/52552030/cuts/Pratt_Maynard_2_1h5bdp4t_d9bb36zm.jpg” width=”240″ height=”135″ title=”Pratt Maynard” lightbox=”yes” align=”center”]

Could have been given a run for his money by 2013 UDFA Dmitri Papantonopoulos, but the Dodgers released him earlier this year. Maynard, the club’s 3^rd rounder in 2011, struggled with Rancho in 2013, batting .246/.360/.381. Already 24, Pratt needs to develop in a hurry.

Honorable mention: Dashenko Ricardo, John Cannon

First Base

O’Koyea Dickson

His name’s so cool, there’s even a song about him on Youtube: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1WBlN-6ja0). The 2011 12^th rounder can hit but doesn’t have a classic first baseman’s profile. His walk rate dropped significantly last year, which isn’t a great sign. Now, he faces the ultimate test of his prospecthood in Double A.

HM: Angelo Songco, Justin Chigbogu

Second Base

Jesmuel Valentin

Son of former Dodger Jose Valentin, Jesmuel was drafted in the supplemental first round in 2012. He’s struggled to make contact early in his career but has shown a propensity to draw walks and a slick glove. Reminiscent of former prospect Ivan De Jesus Jr.

HM: Tyger Pederson, Scott Wingo

Third Base

Elevys Gonzalez

Selected from the Pirates in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft in 2012, Gonzalez spent parts of the 2013 season with all four full season affiliates. He played every infield position except catcher and even pitched in a pair of games for Rancho and Albuquerque.

HM: Paul Hoenecke, Osvaldo Martinez

Shortstop

Erisbel Arruebarrena

The 23 year old Cuban defector recently signed a five year deal with the Dodgers, reportedly worth $25 million. Arruebarrena is an elite defender up the middle who needs a lot of work on his swing. He was a teammate of Yasiel Puig in Cuba in 2010-2011.

HM: Brandon Trinkwon, Bernys Almarente

Outfield

Faustino Oguisten, Johan Mieses, Casio Grider [image src=”http://www.milb.com/assets/images/6/3/4/56157634/cuts/Casio_Grider_izov0aaj_dk4kkblw.jpg” width=”240″ height=”135″ title=”Casio Grider” lightbox=”yes” align=”center”]

Oguisten is an interesting guy. He’s played every position except first base and catcher in his five season with the organization. Mieses, an 18 year old Dominican, played all three outfield positions with the DSL club last year. Grider is also a utility type, spending time mainly at second base, shortstop and center field in 2013.

HM: Ibandel Isabel, Noel Cuevas

Starting Pitchers

Duke Von Schamann, Jairo Pacheco, Wellington Serrano

It should be noted that von Schamann’s first name isn’t actually Duke, it’s Dalton. However, Duke is his middle name so it’s close enough. Pacheco was my 51^st prospect in the system heading into the year and could see his draft stock climb in 2014. Serrano, a 19 year old lefty out of the Dominican, pitched well enough in the DSL last year to earn a trip stateside, making appearances for both the Arizona League Dodgers and the Ogden Raptors.

HM: Jharel Cotton, Abdiel Velasquez

Relievers

Geison Aguasviva, Arismendy Ozoria, Crayton Bare, Wascar Teodo, Jhosue Bermudez, Edinson Bock

I was only planning on naming a few relievers, but the crop was too heavy and the DSL squad was an especially target rich environment. Aguasviva is a lefty with a fastball but not much else. Ozoria is another somewhat hard thrower who needs better control. Bare was the club’s 28^th round pick in 2013 and really need an L or two on the last name. Wascar is probably my favorite name. Jhosue is a close second. A cousin of mine changed his last name from Bonk to Bock.

HM: James Baune, Elou Jean, Diomailin Rosario, Geuris Alcantara, Roniel Longa

And that does it for the Prospect All Name team. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed compiling it!

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ICYMI: Dodgers legend Sandy Koufax was struck in the head by a line drive at Spring Training