Editorials

Dodgers 2015 Top Prospects: Beginning The Countdown From No. 50

Gabe Kapler

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45. Romer Cuadrado, OF

The Dodgers’ biggest signing of 2014, Cuadrado is a large kid with a lot of projection. Signed on July 2 as a 16 year old, he’s already listed at 6’4 and 185 pounds, so there’s room for him to fill out.

Cuadrado has yet to make his professional debut and figures to spend at least one or two years in the Dominican Summer League to polish his rough edges, but he has considerable upside as a right-handed power-hitter.

44. Jeremy Rathjen, OF

An 11th round pick in the 2012 draft, Rathjen came out of the gates hitting well, producing a .324/.443/.500 line in his debut with Ogden. The following season, he struggled to hit in Great Lakes, as most prospects do.

Rathjen bounced back with High-A Rancho Cucamonga in 2014, setting a career high with 16 home runs. The odds are stacked against him, given the fact that he’s already 25 years old and hasn’t played above A ball, but he offers some power, speed and defense, and could make a solid fourth outfielder if he continues to hit.

43. Lindsey Caughel, RHP

Another 2012 draft pick, Caughel was taken in the 23rd round out of Stetson University. He made two stops in each of his first two seasons, then returned to High-A Rancho to begin 2014. Caughel pitched well, posting a 3.53 ERA in 15 games, but ultimately injuries prevented him from moving up the ladder.

He’s a control and movement pitcher who projects as a depth arm, a la Stephen Fife. Hopefully he returns to action in 2015 healthy and stays on the field.

42. Devan Ahart, OF

Ahart was a 16th-rounder in 2014 who hit well in his debut. The Akron alum batted .344 between Rookie Level Ogden and Low-A Great Lakes with 19 stolen bases; he profiles as your quintessential leadoff/center fielder.

With just 16 games in Low-A Great Lakes under his belt, he could return to the Loons to begin 2015, but will continue to advance as quickly as his bat dictates.

41. Miguel Urena, RHP

The Dodgers signed Urena out of the Dominican in January of 2013. The towering 6’8 righty struggled in his debut, which is unsurprising for such a tall pitcher. In his second go-round in the Dominican Summer League, he fared much better.

In 2014, Urena made 13 starts and posted a 1.60 ERA without surrendering a home run. He was invited to Minor League camp in Glendale this year and figures to begin the season in extended Spring Training with a debut in rookie ball most likely. The upside is tremendous, both figuratively and literally.

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Dodgers Utility Man Justin Turner


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