Without question, spring training 2015 is going to be huge for the Dodgers. In addition to guys like Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, Brandon McCarthy, Yasmani Grandal and Brett Anderson (among others) being under the proverbial microscope, it will be the first spring training under the Dodgers new front office staff who themselves will be under the microscope and scrutiny of Dodger fans.

But in addition to those on the Dodgers 40-man roster and those lucky enough to have received non-roster invitations to big league camp including Julio Urias, Corey Seager, Darnell Sweeney and Scott Schebler, there will undoubtedly be a lot more attention paid to what’s happening down on the minor league backfields at Camelback Ranch this spring than in past years.

You just never know who might show up on the backfields at Camelback Ranch.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Although there is little doubt that minor leaguers like Red Patterson, Daniel Mayora, Michael Thomas, Matt Shelton, Blake and Steve Smith (no relation) and recently acquired former Dodger Ramon Troncoso will see playing time in the stadium at Camelback Ranch this spring, Dodger fans can also expect to see a number of highly-touted lower level minor leaguers in the later innings of big league spring training games as well – although they may be difficult to identify with high jersey numbers without names on them.

Among the lower level minor leaguers who will be closely watched by Andrew Friedman, Farhan Zaidi, Josh Byrnes and Gabe Kapler this spring will be pitching prospects Jose De Leon, Lindsey Caughel, Jharel Cotton, and Zach Byrd; catchers Kyle Farmer, Tyler Ogle, Spencer Navin and Julian Leon; infielders Brandon Dixon, Casio Grider, Steven Proscia and Dillon Moyer (Jamie’s kid); and outfielders Jon Garcia, Adam Law, Aaron Miller, Jeremy Rathjen and Joey Curletta. And while none of these guys figure to make the Dodgers 2015 Opening Day roster, they will all be fighting for a roster spot on the Dodgers’ upper level minor league teams.

Ogden Raptors manager John Shoemaker pitches soft-toss BP to outfield prospect Jon Garcia on one of the four minor league fields. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

If I had to pick a handful of these guys who Dodger fans might want to keep an eye on this spring it would be Jose De Leon, Lindsey Caughel, Julian Leon, Jeremy Rathjen, Aaron Miller and Adam Law. These are guys who, in my opinion, have the best shot at making it to the big leagues within the next two or three years – either with the Dodgers or with another MLB team via trades. These are also guys who are well worth making the extra five minute walk down to the backfields to spend a morning or two watching workout. (It’s also a great time to get autographs from them after their workouts).

Outfield prospect Joc Pederson stops to sign an autograph for a young fan after a spring training workout. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

As spring training progresses there are frequent minor league intrasquad games which are open to the public and free of charge. And while there is no score keeping and often times no umpires in these games, they are no less entertaining and provide fans a great opportunity to see some of the organization’s top prospects firsthand. It is also not uncommon to see rehabbing major leaguers getting in a few extra at-bats during these intrasquad games.

Minor league intrasquad games give fans an opportunity to check out the organization’s top prospects.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Granted, most of the focus and excitement of spring training will center around the big league practice fields and inside Camelback Ranch Stadium, but the very future of the Dodgers organization will be taking place down on the minor league backfields.