On July 2nd the Dodgers dove head first into the international pool coming up with several intriguing signings. In addition to their foray behind the lines on the international scene, they traded four international slots for established minor league players.

In a transaction with the Toronto Blue Jays the Dodgers came away with right-handed pitcher Chase De Jong and second baseman Tim Locastro. They forfeited their 27th, 57th and 117th international slots to the Blue Jays for these two prospects. Both De Jong and Locastro immediately joined the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the High-A California League and both have made regular appearances with the Quakes.

In a separate transaction with the Atlanta Braves the Dodgers traded their 87th slot for right-handed pitcher Caleb Dirks and outfielder Jordan Paroubeck. Dirks has made five appearances with the Quakes pitching six scoreless innings in relief. The only player acquired in the international pool trades by the Dodgers who has not yet surfaced is Jordan Paroubeck.

Jordan Paroubeck
(Photo credit – Kirstina Sangsahachart)

Born in Redwood City, CA the eighteen-year-old switch hitter graduated from Junípero Serra High School, more commonly known as Serra High School, which is a private secondary school in San Mateo County, California. In his 2012-2013 season with his high school team, the Serra Padres, he hit .402 in 34 games with 7 home runs and 32 runs batted in along with an OBP of .540.

While at Serra he was selected as 1st-team West Catholic Athletic League, 1st team all-county, 1st team Central Coast Section.

Prior to the June Draft David Rawnsley from Perfect Game wrote: “The average dedicated fan of high school prospects and the June Draft probably knows less about Serra High School outfielder Jordan Paroubeck than any other top prospect in the country. That does not imply that the 30 Major League teams haven’t scouted the Northern California outfielder very heavily this spring. The opposite is true, in fact. But the 6-foot-2, 190-pound switch-hitting outfielder does not play for a travel team and has never traveled outside of the state of California for a major event. The only national level event he’s ever been scouted at was the 2012 Area Code Games.”

It appears David Rawnsley was correct in suggesting Paroubeck was heavily scouted, at least by the San Diego Padres, who selected him as the 69th overall pick in the Competitive Balance Round B. Even Rawnsley may have been surprised that Keith Law (ESPN) and Baseball America ranked Paroubeck as the 52nd and 62nd best prospect respectively going into the draft.

In less than a week Paroubeck went from being a Serra High School Padre to being a San Diego Padre. Regardless of the drafting team he was delighted to have been selected but especially by the Padres: “It’s an unbelievable feeling – I never thought a day like this would come,” he said. “It has always been a dream, and now it’s a reality. I’m so honored and thankful – especially for everyone who helped me on the field and off the field in becoming a man. San Diego was one of the main teams I wanted to choose me, and I’m just so grateful.”

In 34 games in 2014 the switch-hitter batted .286 with four homers, 24 RBI and 26 runs scored for San Diego’s Arizona Rookie League team.

Paroubeck’s stay with the Padres organization was not as long as he must have expected when he was drafted by the Padres. Just as the 2015 season was beginning he was traded to the Atlanta Braves in a deal that sent closer extraordinaire Craig Kimbrel from the Braves to the Padres.

Paroubeck’s 2015 season hit a definite snag when he suffered what was described as a minor quad injury. The injury was known to the Dodgers when he was acquired on July 3rd along with right-hander Caleb Dirks in the international slot trade with the Braves. He was immediately assigned to the AZL Dodgers but is still rehabbing at the Dodgers Camelback Ranch complex in Phoenix.

It is indeed interesting that the Dodgers were willing to forfeit an international signing slot for an injured Jordan Paroubeck. However, there seems to be a strong body of evidence to suggest they definitely were not fishing in the dark.

Paroubeck will not turn 21 until November so will play this year as a 20-year-old. Age is still on his side.

Before his trade to the Dodgers he had been assigned to the rookie level Gulf Coast Braves.

It appears the Dodgers are very much interested in the character of the young players they are acquiring to form the foundation of the organization. Jordan Paroubeck fits that mold.

“Jordan’s work ethic and commitment to baseball is very impressive for a young man of his age,” said Serra Athletic Director Dean Ayoob. “He had a great career as a Serra Padre, and now we wish him all the best as he moves on as a San Diego Padre.”

The scouting reports classify Paroubeck as a multi-tool player with good speed and the proverbial “cannon” for an arm making him capable of playing right field. Prior to the present season John Sickels wrote: “A 6-2, 190 pound switch-hitter, Paroubeck was born November 2nd, 1994. Although somewhat raw with considerable swing-and-miss in his game at present, Paroubeck offers intrigue as high-upside power/speed package. His family is friends with Barry Bonds and Paroubeck has reportedly taken hitting lessons from the master. If he can lock down the strike zone he could be an impact player in multiple categories a few years down the line.”

When Paroubeck was selected by the Padres in the 2013 draft Josh Byrnes was their general manager and Billy Gasparino ran San Diego’s drafts. Both Byrnes and Gasparino are now in the Dodgers front office.

I’m guessing it is not a mere coincidence that Jordan Paroubeck is now in the Dodgers fold.