Dodgers: LA Beat Writer Identifies Top LA Prospects Who Can Help in 2022
With the MLB lockout leaving everything in limbo, the Dodgers front office can’t shore up the roster through acquisitions. During a lockout, no transactions can be made. When the lockout ends, nobody knows how much time the Dodgers will have to shore up their roster holes. Still, there may already be some options within the organization.
Juan Toribio for MLB.com identified a few prospects that can help the Dodgers in 2022.
Bobby Miller – Right-Handed Pitcher
The number 4 prospect in the Dodgers’ system, Miller was drafted in 2020. Miller was named ‘Fall Star’ in the Arizona Fall League. He posted 70 K’s over 56 1/3 innings in his first season in the minors. The kid throws around 99 mph, and he has pitched well at every level he’s been at. There is a high likelihood he will see time in the majors in 2022.
On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about Bobby Miller's future for the Dodgers? ?
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) November 15, 2021
The only mystery is whether his maturation has developed enough to keep him in the majors this season. There is no question he is the future of the Dodgers rotation.
Ryan Pepiot – Right-Handed Pitcher
Speaking of players who are MLB ready, Ryan Pepiot has been scratching at the show. Pepiot’s changeup is said to be the best pitch Dodger scouts have seen in their system in years. Pepiot’s fastball is a high spinner, and the Dodgers front office certainly loves pitchers who spin the ball. While he struggled a little at Triple-A, nobody is concerned about the sample size. Look for Pepiot to see the show in 2022.
Related: Ryan Pepiot, More Than a Power Arm – Dodgers 2080
Miguel Vargas – Infielder
Miguel Vargas was named the Dodgers Minor League Player of the Year. Vargas has always had high bat-to-ball skills. He hit .321 at Double-A, but what really raised eyebrows was his newly found ability to hit for power. He slugged 23 home runs in 123 games between A and Double-A. The Dodgers are eyeing Vargas as a third baseman, but he can also play first. The Dodgers as an organization love versatility, and Vargas looks to fit that mold. There’s also the observation that position player depth was a liability for the Dodgers in 2021. This is the first year in a long time where that was true. Vargas can bolster their bench in the late summer when the veterans are going to need to rest any inning they can. If not in 2022, look for Vargas to be the future at one of the corner spots in the Dodger infield.
Alternates- Landon Knack and Michael Busch
Knack’s natural stuff isn’t as highly touted as Miller or Pepiot, but he has great command. Knack also will need additional seasoning, as he doesn’t have quite the minor league experience and development yet to see the show. Busch has the power to make it to the show, and his bat-to-ball skills are only slightly lower than Vargas. What Busch has, is the ability to play many positions. If not in 2022, these two talented prospects will certainly have a show to play in LA by 2023.
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I’m surprised there’s no mention of Jacob Amaya given that Trae will be a free agent after this year…
Let them all play all year at OKC until September. Sign Kershaw, Kenley, Rodon short term. Bullpen games as the 5th starter until September. Buehler, Urias, Kershaw, Rodon, bullpen game, repeat. White, Jackson, Gonsolin, Ferguson, Price in reserve for more than one inning in bullpen games or spot starts. In 2021 they should have finished several games ahead of the giants by Pythagoras. Poor strategy by Roberts cost them too many games.
Your strategy doesn’t deserve comment, but how many remember that this team goes into a slump every year? Sure many teams gonthru slumps, but every year? The key is what does the manager do to spin them out of it. Closed door team talks/ tirades? Extra practice? Skip practice?
I’ve seen none of these, no attempts at changing the momentum, except to say ” they’ll be fine”.
That’s Roberts for ya.
Your strategy doesn’t deserve comment, yet.
I am not penciling Kershaw in until he proves he is healthy. I’m not sure he is. Based on recent years, would expect no more than 15 starts. So, for me, Buehler, Urias and XXX.
Miller and Knack should be on fast track to try for big team. They could contend for 5th starter and even fill if Clayton struggles.
PS: Anything on D May ? And, is Bauer finished as a Dodger ?