Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
We’re pumping out a few more draft profiles this week ahead of draft day (Monday). This one is on prep shortstop Brice Turang, who has been on many scouts’ radar for a few years.
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Previous profiles:
- Parker Meadows
- Connor Scott
- Steele Walker
- Trevor Larnach
- Nico Hoerner
- Tristian Pompey
- Ethan Hankins
- Ryan Rolison
- Kris Bubic
- Jeremy Eierman
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Vitals
6’1, 165 pounds
Position: Shortstop
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
DOB: Nov. 21, 1999
Location
Corona, Calif.
Commitment: LSU
Rankings
2080 Baseball: 16
Baseball America: 14
ESPN: 24
FanGraphs: 17
MLB.com: 26
Perfect Game: N/A
Scouting Baseball: 10
Slot recommended bonus (No. 30): $2,275,800
Note: All information of draft prospects compiled from Internet sources, scouting reports and video.
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Turang was once considered a Top 10 selection, and was even in contention for 1-1 following last year’s draft. He’s a near-lock to stick at shortstop, which helps his overall value, but his bat has been a bit suspect this spring.
He profiles quite similarly to Dodgers’ 2016 1st-round pick Gavin Lux, but Turang has more upside. He has shown the ability to hit and make plenty of contact with a level swing path and a little bit of natural loft. There’s a slight hitch in his swing that could cause trouble against advanced velocity, but he’ll have plenty of time to work that out (if necessary). He has a standard load and a leg kick that helps him generate a little bat speed and pop. He’ll never be a big-time power hitter, and his swing is conducive to line drives and he should hit his fair share of doubles. The Dodgers do a good job of developing hitters, so Turang could thrive if he were brought into the organization.
Turang’s best tool is his plus-speed. He could use it to steal bases at the next level, but there’s more to stealing bases than speed. He’s able to use his speed and quickness at shortstop, where he has natural actions, agility and a solid-average arm. He should make it to the majors just for his glove and speed.
Video
Videos courtesy of rkyosh007, Vincent Cervino and Perfect Game.
Turang could be a bit of a tough sign if he falls to the Dodgers at No. 30, especially with his commitment to LSU. Still, if the Dodgers go a little over slot, they might be able to land him.
He could be a first-division starter who fits the mold of an old school No. 2 hitter. His high contact approach, coupled with ability to draw a walk could help make up for the lack of future power. He has some projection in him, but he probably won’t add to much weight once he turns pro. The fact that he plays up the middle doesn’t hurt his value, either. The biggest question is: Will he hit enough to justify the first-round billing?
