A brief look at the Dodgers’ minor-league opening day rosters

D.J. Peters. Photo: Stacie Wheeler

The Minor League Baseball season begins today. While all the affiliates have yet to officially announce the rosters, this is the best guess of who goes where to begin the season. J.P. Hoornstra posted on Sunday where he was told players would go. Things have changed, but only slightly.

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You already know the MLB roster, but let’s look at Oklahoma City’s roster. It’s loaded with prospects, minor-league veterans and younger vets who should see time in Los Angeles this season.

Players to watch: Cody Bellinger (1), Willie Calhoun (6), Brandon Morrow, Trevor Oaks (15), Trayce Thompson, Alex Verdugo (3)

No. of players in my Top 100: 6 (should be seven with Rob Segedin, but I foolishly omitted him)

A note: While I have Julio Urias listed in extended spring training, he’s technically on Rancho Cucamonga’s roster. However, he’s slated to start this weekend for Oklahoma City. Until he gets to OKC, I’ll keep him in extended. Conversely, Walker Buehler (5) is listed as being in the Quakes’ rotation, but he’s technically in extended spring training until he makes his season debut for the RC on Monday in San Bernardino.

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Tulsa’s roster is lacking a bit overall, with some guys repeating the level. It’s probably going to be a decent minor-league team, but the impact prospects just aren’t there yet.

Players to watch: Ian Anderson (50), Jose Miguel Fernandez (30), Johan Mieses (16), Edwin Rios (26), Yaisel Sierra (25)

No. of players in my Top 100: 14

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Rancho is where the star power is, especially in the rotation. I’m going to get to see four of the five starters this week, weather permitting. There are some solid offensive prospects, too.

Players to watch: Yusniel Diaz (7), Omar Estevez (11), Caleb Ferguson (41), D.J. Peters (19), Dennis Santana (33), Will Smith (13), Mitchell White (14)

No. of players in my Top 100: 17 (counting Drew Jackson, who came over in the Chase De Jong deal)

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In Great Lakes, the Loons are not only getting an infusion of talent from the Rookie-level of the Dodgers’ farm system, but they’re also getting some good, young repeat players.

Players to watch: A.J. Alexy (36), Leonardo Crawford (35), Oneil Cruz (46), Brendon Davis (22), Dustin May (21), Keibert Ruiz (27), Jordan Sheffield (8), Cody Thomas (38)

No. of players in my Top 100: 13

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Overall, the Drillers’ roster is a bit light, but there are still some good prospects. But every level of full-season ball has guys who are worth watching. And make no mistake, a lot of these guys will be shuttling around the minors. The minor-league system is quite strong, and the team should all be relatively competitive.

About Dustin Nosler

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Dustin Nosler began writing about the Dodgers in July 2009 at his blog, Feelin' Kinda Blue. He co-hosted a weekly podcast with Jared Massey called Dugout Blues. He was a contributor/editor at The Hardball Times and True Blue LA. He graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with his bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in digital media. While at CSUS, he worked for the student-run newspaper The State Hornet for three years, culminating with a 1-year term as editor-in-chief. He resides in Stockton, Calif.