Dodgers Roundtable: Lesser Known Impact Players

Next up in the roundtable series, the Dodgers’ Way staff highlights their pick for a lesser known player who will have the biggest impact for the Dodgers in 2016.

Alex- Austin Barnes and Frankie Montas

Last year, the Dodgers got unexpected performances from Enrique Hernandez and Mike Bolsinger that played a huge part in them winning the West for a third consecutive year. This year, I’d keep an eye on Austin Barnes and Frankie Montas.

Amanda wrote about Barnes here, and it’s just so weird seeing a versatile utilityman that can play catcher (and play it fairly well). He’s got a great eye at the plate and enough pop, especially if he sticks at catcher. His value with the Dodgers could be similar to Hernandez, filling in around the infield (especially at third, where Justin Turner is recovering from injury and shouldn’t be trusted to play every game). The Dodgers will need to get creative to get him on the 25-man roster, but he could serve a very similar role to Hernandez last year.

With Montas, this made a bit more sense before his rib surgery that could sideline him until June. The Dodgers seem content to keep him stretched out as a starter, but everything I’ve read about him screams reliever. Struggles to repeat his delivery, very high velocity, great slider, control issues. If he transitions to the bullpen, his stuff could play up and he could dominate with his 100+ mph heater. It’ll take a while for him to come up, but if he comes up in September, he could solidify the bullpen heading into the postseason.

Amanda- Josh Ravin and Micah Johnson

One lesser known player that I think will have a big impact for 2016 is Josh Ravin. He has played in the minors in nine years and through those nine years he has worked hard day in and day out. Any guy who sticks with a sport that long, not knowing when his chance in the majors will come earns my respect. In my mind it also proves that he is a hard working person who does not give up easily. His years of preparation and passion for the sport will help him to have a great impact out of the bullpen this season.

I also think Micah Johnson will have a big impact in 2016. That is as soon as he heals from the avocado injury that required stitches. (If you have not already seen the picture, head to his Twitter. It was probably the funniest and most awkward injury I have ever heard of). I think Micah Johnson will be a good addition to the team and at second base. He will add some speed to a team that has struggled with it the past few seasons. In 385 minor league games, Johnson has 158 stolen bases. It is known that his weakness is defense, but I think that is something he can greatly improve on. I wrote an article about Johnson being named one of the top second base prospects here for some more facts about him as well.

Daniel- Joe Blanton and Austin Barnes

One player that stands out to me is Joe Blanton. It feels funny saying that this guy could actually be a difference maker in 2016 but after a move to the bullpen to start the 2016 season, Blanton was lights out. In 76 innings, Blanton had a 7-2 record with a 2.84 ERA. After striking out an average of about 7 per 9 as a starter, Blanton’s K rate jumped to 9.36 K/9 in 2016. If Blanton can maintain his jump in strikeouts (even if to a lesser degree), the veteran righty could be a really important piece in the middle of the Dodgers bullpen.

Another player who I think could have a big impact on the squad is Austin Barnes. Like Enrique Hernandez, Barnes derives some of his value from his ability to play multiple positions (C, 2B, 3B) unfortunately, Barnes is blocked at everyone of those positions in the short term. However, injuries and ineffectiveness do inevitably occur and after posting a .315/.389/.479 slash line in AAA last year Barnes should be ready to produce when called upon in 2016.

Chris- Trayce Thompson

Trayce Thompson came over to the Dodgers in the three- team trade that sent Todd Frazier to the Chicago White Sox and Jose Peraza, Scott Schebler, and Brandon Dixon to the Cincinnati Reds. Amanda took an in-depth look at Thompson here.

More from Dodgers Way

It’s not a given that he breaks camp with the big league squad and could start the year off at Triple-A. Smart money is that we’ll see him in Chavez Ravine at some point this year. As an athletic right-handed bat, he could spend some time in either center or left field when there is a left-hander on the mound. After OPSing .896 with the White Sox in 2015, Thompson can give the Dodgers a huge boost as a bat off the bench or in the occasional spot start.

Aamer- Trayce Thompson

Trayce Thompson, brother of Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors. It seems like every year there are at least a couple of major injuries in the Dodgers’ outfield. If and when that happens this year, Trayce Thompson should get his share of those innings. Last year, in 44 games for the White Sox, Thompson slashed .295/.363/.533. Granted it’s a small sample size, but those numbers are exciting. 24 years might seem a bit old for a prospect, but Thompson is seen as a bit of a late bloomer in that his baseball skills had to catch up to his excellent natural athleticism. That athletic ability, and the ability to cover all three outfield spots makes Thompson an extremely exiting prospect. Lets just hope that winning runs in the family.

Andrew- Micah Johnson

After disappointing in his first Major League stint, former Chicago White Sox 2B Micah Johnson is hoping to revive his still-early career with the Dodgers. Johnson will have an opportunity to gain a super utility role this Spring, and I do not expect him to disappoint. Johnson has above-average speed, averaging 39 steals a season in the minors. Johnson’s speed should be enough to garner him a utility spot alone, but his bat could be his full ticket to the 25 man roster. Johnson should prove more valuable than Chase Utley, so keep an eye on him this Spring.

Home/LA Dodgers News