Dodgers: Constructing the Future Dodgers Lineup

Apr 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) shortstop Corey Seager (5) celebrate after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) shortstop Corey Seager (5) celebrate after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 9
Next
dodgers
Nov 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Glendale Desert Dogs infielder Willie Calhoun of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Scottsdale Scorpions during an Arizona Fall League game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Willie Calhoun, Second Base

Willie Calhoun has been quick to make a name for himself. After being drafted by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2015 draft, Calhoun has skyrocketed through the minor leagues and is now the everyday second baseman in Oklahoma City in Triple-A.

In his three minor league seasons, Calhoun has a .282/.345/.508 slash line with 52 home runs and 172 RBI. At 5-foot-9 some wouldn’t consider Calhoun your prototypical RBI man, but so far in his young professional career, he’s certainly proven to be.

This season in 60 games Calhoun has 14 home runs, good enough for top 10 in the PCL league. The issue with Calhoun has been finding the best place for him to play. But like all good managers tend to do, hitters will always find their way in the lineup. Calhoun has seen some time in left field but primarily works at second base. Calhoun, like Alex Verdugo, is one of a few Dodger hitting prospects that could find themselves in the majors this season.

Logan Forsythe holding down second base is the only road block from Calhoun joining the big club. Considering that Forsythe has a team option following this season, it will be interesting to see if Friedman decides to pick up the $8.5m option or give second base to their young RBI machine prospect.

Calhoun slots nicely behind Bellinger because although they are separated by nearly half a foot, Calhoun potentially provides some power protection behind Bellinger. The fact that Willie is a right-handed bat also bodes well for bringing a break to consecutive left-handers.