Dodgers: All-time mock draft of first round picks

Dodgers all-time mock draft: Mike Scioscia

Mike Scioscia is remembered by modern-day fans as the long-time skipper of the Angels, but before his managerial career, he was a lifetime Dodgers catcher, playing all 13 seasons of his playing career in Dodger blue.

Of course, no moment is bigger than the home run he hit in Game 4 of the 1988 National League Championship Series off Doc Gooden in New York. The Mets were looking to take a commanding 3-1 series lead when Scioscia tied the game in which Los Angeles eventually won, shifting the entire momentum of the series. There would be no Kirk Gibson homer without Scioscia first shocking the baseball world with his long ball against the mighty Mets.

Never one of the best catchers in the game, Scioscia represented consistency. From 1985 to 1992, he routinely caught around 130 games every season, while holding his own at the plate, never deviating too far from his career .259 average, and finding ways to get on base with a patient eye.

His best season was probably in 1985 when he batted .296/.407/.420 and smacked seven home runs and drove in 53 RBIs.

In the first round, you look for high-end talent. But many times, it’s high risk and high reward. For every top prospect that pans out, there are several who prove to be busts. Scioscia is a safe pick in the first round as a consistent player who provides value over a long period of time.