Dodgers News: Cody Bellinger Is A Top 1B Prospect, per MLB Pipeline
On Tuesday, MLB Pipeline released their list of the Top 10 right-handed pitchers in the minors. Jose De Leon came in at number five.
On Wednesday, it was learned that Julio Urias was named the top left-handed pitcher in the minors according to the same publication.
Today, even more good news came down the pipeline – that is most definitely a pun – for the Los Angeles Dodgers, as a first base prospect of theirs slotted into the top ten.
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From Jim Callis over at MLB.com:
6. Cody Bellinger, Dodgers
The son of former big leaguer Clay Bellinger switched from a line-drive approach and emphasized power last year, resulting in 30 homers and California League-leading totals of 97 runs and 103 RBIs. Bellinger’s lanky frame still has room to add a lot of strength, and he’s the best athlete and defender on this list.
If you’re wondering at all about Bellinger, he’s a 6’4″ and 180 pound first baseman that bats lefty and throws lefty. He spent all of 2015 at Class-A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga where he hit .264, finished with an .873 OPS, and did so while only being 19 years old.
The Dodgers selected Bellinger in the fourth round of the 2013 Draft, and all he’s done since then is give them reason for hope. He hit well in Rookie ball in both the Pioneer League and Arizona Fall League during 2014, which came after a tough first season for him, and he’s only added to his skill level.
As noted by Callis, he hit 30 home runs last season while still being, as Callis calls him, “lanky.” There’s room to grow there. His offensive-defensive makeup makes him one of the game’s most prized first base prospects, and that’s enough reason to give the Dodgers optimism at that position in the future.
It seems likely that Bellinger could begin the season at Double A, which would put him on a path to the bigs by 2018 or 2019, depending on how his skills progress and how he performs. The talent is surely there. And, when it is unlocked, the Dodgers should reap the rewards.
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19 years old and 30 HR in High A. I know many are down on him because of the 150 Ks. But I think many just look for the negative about anything good. I assume he is headed to Tulsa this year. If he continues to improve, he could be ready to hit ML by mid year 2017 or beginning 2018 (his current ETA). Regardless, Dodger fans may secretly be hoping for DH in 2017 or 2018. By that time it may be time for Bellinger to move to 1B and AGon can be DH.
Urias #1 LHSP, De Leon #5 RHSP, Bellinger #6 1B, I assume Seager #1 SS. Let’s see if Verdugo cracks #10 for OF. If so, thats 5 top ten by positions. The future is good. Now all we can do is hope that Andrew and Farhan can convince Kershaw to not opt out after 2018.