Editorials

Dodgers 2014 Minor League Positional Review: On The Mound

Julio Urias

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5. Jharel Cotton, RHP

Since being drafted by the Dodgers in 2012, Cotton has had an interesting start to his career. After reaching Double-A in his first full season, he went back to High-A in 2014 and started for most of the year.

Like Anderson, Cotton got off to a very slow start, but came on late and finished the season with a flourish. In July, he posted an ERA of 3.00 and nearly halved it in August. Cotton may be destined for the bullpen, as he’s a short right-hander whose best secondary offering is his changeup, but the Dodgers should give him the chance to remain a starter in 2015.

4. Chris Anderson, RHP

The Dodgers’ first rounder from 2013, Anderson came out of the gates fine, but struggled in May to the tune of an 8.37 ERA. His command escaped him, leading to high walk totals, but he finally got it under control late in the year, issuing just seven free passes in 37.2 August innings.

Anderson led the organization in strikeouts and has a workhorse build, though he may end up in the bullpen. He earned an invite to Spring Training, so hopefully Dodger fans will become more acquainted with him in March.

3. Jose De Leon, RHP

De Leon really came out of nowhere in 2014. Drafted the previous year, in the 24th round, he struggled in Ogden before being demoted to the Arizona League to finish his debut. He returned to Ogden last season and was a completely different pitcher, dominating the league.

De Leon then went to Great Lakes and struck out 44 batters in 22.2 innings, issuing just two walks. His stuff improved across the board and he displayed great control late in the season. If the pitching and command holds up over a full season in 2015, De Leon could jump multiple levels.

2. Grant Holmes, RHP

Some draft publications predicted that Holmes would be a Top 10 pick in 2014. So, when he dropped all the way to No. 22 and the Dodgers nabbed him, you could call it a steal.

The stocky right-hander elicits obvious Chad Billingsley comparisons, not only for his stature, but for his electric stuff. Both his fastball and breaking ball could develop into plus-plus pitches and he throws them with ease. Holmes will need to stay healthy and probably develop a third pitch, and he could be in line for a big season in 2015.

1. Julio Urias, LHP

The Mexican phenom was up to the task of handling full season ball as a 16 year old, so why not High-A at 17? Urias began the season with a few bumpy outings, but allowed two earned runs or less in each of his final 21 appearances. And he did this in the California League. And he didn’t turn 18 until August. Stud.

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Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

One Comment

  1. I see we have few pitchers in the minor league, but they all have lots to grow on. Maybe one or two can make the deffrence this year good luck men and always be a Dodger Fan for Life. God Bless you all and Good Luck over 55 years as a Dodger fan. Best of Luck Mr. McLeod.

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