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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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Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Willie Calhoun, 2B

Birthdate: 11/4/94 (22 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: AA
Stats in 2016: .254/.318/.469, 27 HR

If it were a matter of going by who I’m cheering for most in a system, Calhoun would be an easy #1 in the Dodgers system without a real close #2.

Calhoun is generously listed at 5’8 (try more 5’5-5’6) and 187 pounds (maybe more like 200+). However, even with that odd frame for a baseball player, he generated some of the most impressive swings from a player in the entire Arizona Fall League.

(Calhoun) has extremely quick wrists with the patience to sit back on a pitch in order to demolish it

Calhoun is listed as a second baseman here, but really, that’s just a placeholder. His bat will play wherever he may go, but most likely, he’s not going to play on the dirt. In all seriousness, Calhoun may be the guy who’d benefit most from a designated hitter in the National League as his arm really doesn’t profile well in the outfield either.

At the plate, Calhoun shines. He has extremely quick wrists with the patience to sit back on a pitch in order to demolish it. He also doesn’t miss often when he does take a cut. He only had 65 strikeouts in 503 at bats in AA last season, and 2016 was Calhoun’s first full season as a professional!

His bat will fast track his progress, but I could see Calhoun hitting some bumps along the way when he first hits the majors and works to find a defensive home. He has an impressive work ethic, and he’d likely make himself into an average or even above-average left fielder if given the opportunity to just stay there and hit every day.

Calhoun is likely to be at AAA to open to 2017.

Next: #4

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