Dodgers: The lite version of the 2017 MLB draft preview

Dec 5, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman speaks at a press conference announcing Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill (not pictured) signing a three year contract during the 2016 MLB Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman speaks at a press conference announcing Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill (not pictured) signing a three year contract during the 2016 MLB Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bubba Thompson — OF — Mcgill-Toolen Catholic (HS)

Another intriguing prospect for the Dodgers to make would be Alabama high schooler, Bubba Thompson. The two-sport standout was choosing between college football or baseball before the year began and is one of the most athletic kids in this class. He was his high school’s quarterback — and a good one at that — leading his team to a state title game and throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 43 touchdowns while doing so. His football future would most likely be at Troy University, but it seems like baseball is his chosen path.

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The 6’2, 190 pounder is signed on to play baseball at Alabama but with his draft stock steadily rising all year, he has blossomed into a potential first rounder. The Dodgers have taken a myriad of athletic, high school outfielders in the past few seasons, including everyday center fielder Joc Pederson in 2010. Thompson will get a chance to continue in center field at the next level and should flourish there because he has the speed and now just has to work on fine tuning his reads.

In the batter’s box, he has his work cut out for him. His swing is shorter than expected for a kid as wiry as he is but it looks like he has a nice natural feel for it.

At the next level, there isn’t a ton of power to be expected from him, but that could change if he fills out a little more. His highlight tapes show him spraying the ball all around the field and putting good swings on a variety of pitches. His base running is also something worth noting because he just has a knack for it.

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Being the athlete that he is, this shouldn’t be surprising, but with his length, it looks like he only takes about two steps from base to base. He has a natural feel for taking the extra base and could be a great base stealer one day, which the Dodgers’ skipper should know a little something about.