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Los Angeles Dodgers Top Ten Prospects For 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Sep 11, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap is seen on the dugout steps with an american flag prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap is seen on the dugout steps with an american flag prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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9. Will Smith, C

Birthdate: 3/28/95 (21 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: rookie, low A, high-A
Stats in 2016: .246/.355/.329, 4 HR, 3 SB

While Austin Barnes is more major league ready, it’s hard to argue him over Smith as the catcher in the Dodgers system to be most excited about.

I’ll admit that I wasn’t as high on Smith coming out of Louisville as many were, and as I heard about him going in the first round, I was very surprised as the game tape I’d seen on him showed an excellent defender, sure, but not a whole lot offensively.

Defensively, Smith’s athleticism is tremendous to watch

Needless to say, I missed this one. Smith did hit a bit of a wall in the Cal League at the end of the summer, but that can as much be attributed to squatting behind the plate every day since February as it can true issues at the plate.

Smith really has an offensive projection that reminds me a lot of Jason Kendall. He has a lot of athleticism that plays well in his speed on the bases and even knows how to drop a bunt and leg it out. He’s got a short, quick stroke that allows him easy contact, and while he doesn’t exhibit big power, he does make consistent solid contact that should lead to some future gap power.

Defensively, Smith’s athleticism is tremendous to watch. He has a plus arm behind the plate, gets down on balls extremely well, and he moves laterally well. He also does very well framing, something I’d heard from folks who saw him working with Louisville’s pitching staff this spring, which included a number of pro prospects.

I don’t know how quickly Smith will move. He could be jumped up to AA in 2017 to challenge him at 22 or give him another shot at the high-A Cal League to get his bat on track. Either way, the defensive skills are premium enough for him to keep advancing through the system at a fast clip.

Next: #8

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