Dodgers News: Keep An Eye On Jarret Martin, Pedro Baez & Carlos Frias
The Los Angeles Dodgers are just eight days away from playing their first Spring Training game as full squad workouts are well underway at Camelback Ranch. While the roster looks to be completed, position battles along the infield, in the bullpen and possibly for the backup catcher position have taken center stage.
In the bullpen, the Dodgers signed veterans Chris Perez and Jamey Wright while also retaining key 2013 contributors Brian Wilson and J.P. Howell. However, according to Ned Colletti via the Dodgers official Twitter account, keep an eye on these three relievers:
Overheard from GM Ned Colletti, “Jarret Martin, Pedro Baez and Carlos Frias are an interesting trio, worth keeping an eye on.”
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 18, 2014
Of the three, Frias is a non-roster invitee to Spring Training and was ranked as our number 46 prospect in the Dodgers system. Just 24-years-old, he made huge advances last season as he went from Low A Great Lakes to Double A Chattanooga and quickly transitioned from a starting pitcher into a reliever. Meanwhile, Martin spent last season between High A Rancho Cucamonga and Double A Chattanooga, making a combined 40 appearances.
The 6’4″ left-hander was added to the clubs 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft and earned a spot on the roster after an impressive end to his 2013 season. However, the 25-year-old Baez continues to garner a lot of attention early in the spring as he continues his transition from infielder into reliever.
Baez pitched in 48 games between High A Rancho and Double A Chattanooga and has drawn rave reviews from pitching coach Rick Honeycutt and Dodgers legend Sandy Koufax. Like Kenley Jansen who transitioned from catcher to a reliever, Baez looks to be the next converted prospect to turn heads.
While it’ll be tough for any of these three to crack a deep Dodgers bullpen, it’s clear the organization is thinking highly of these three young prospects.
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