
Dodgers all-time mock draft: Bob Welch
Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 14th round of the 1974 draft, Bob Welch ended up playing college baseball for Eastern Michigan University where he helped the school reach the 1976 College World Series.
The Dodgers selected Welch with the 20th overall pick in 1977, gaining a right-handed starter who was ready to make an immediate impact in the majors. Only one season after being drafted, he appeared in 23 games for Los Angeles, working as both a starter and reliever, pitching to a 2.02 ERA.
By 1980, he was a full-time starter, and he won 14 games that year while earning his first All-Star appearance. Welch would go on to become a Cy Young Award winner for the Oakland Athletics in 1990, with an incredible 27-6 record, but before moving to the Bay Area, he gave the Dodgers ten strong seasons from the mound.
Welch finished his Dodgers career with a 115-86 record and 3.14 ERA. His most famous moment coming during his rookie season when he struck out Reggie Jackson with two runners on base to close out Game 2 of the 1978 World Series. Only 21-years-old at the time, it was clear the Dodgers found a great pitcher in the first round of the 1977 draft.