March 15th, 2016 at 6:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka You would think that being cut from major league spring training camp would be among the most devastating things that a young prospect could ever experience. After all, you usually don’t get to The Show without have gone through at least one such camp and in most cases several. And while there is no way that being reassigned to minor league camp isn’t at least a little disappointing, the simple truth is that just having even been there is something that few minor leaguers actually get to experience.
On Monday afternoon Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had to break the news – first to the players themselves and then to the media – that seven of his non-roster invitees were being reassigned to minor league camp – the first of what will end up being several such cuts over the next three weeks. Among this first group was 22-year-old right-hander and Dodgers 20th ranked prospect Chase De Jong.
“I’m very happy with the impact I had at my first big league camp,” De Jong said. “I really enjoyed that opportunity.”
De Jong made two appearances for the Dodgers this spring allowing only two runs on two hits in his 4 innings of work. He leaves his first major league camp with an impressive .154 batting average against. (Photo credit – Jon SooHoo)
De Jong was one of 21 minor leaguers to receive a non-roster invitation to Dodgers major league camp this spring and fully understood that this day might come. But instead of being depressed about it, the Long Beach, CA native embraced the experience and plans to use everything that he learned to improve his game moving forward.
“The time I got to spend with [Hall of Famer Greg] Maddux really helped me with many little things he gave me to work on,” said De Jong. “But the biggest thing that I got out of big league camp would be the confidence boost I got from competing along side those guys and knowing that I can play at that level.”
De Jong said that his time with Hall of Famer Greg Maddux was one of the highlights of his first major league camp. (Photo credit – Jon SooHoo)
De Jong also learned exactly what he needs to do to get back to baseball’s highest level.
“The consistency in my game is what’s going to get me there and keep me there,” he said.
In addition to De Jong, fellow right-handers Lisalverto Bonilla, Caleb Dirks, Jacob Rhame, Chris Anderson, outfielder Alex Hassan and catcher Kyle Farmer were also reassigned to minor league camp. Right-hander Jharel Cotton, who is currently on the Dodgers 40-man roster and ranked as the organization’s ninth best prospect, was optioned to minor league camp as well.
With the first round of cuts complete, the Dodgers now have 53 active players in big league camp, including 14 non-roster invitees. This also includes left-handers Hyun-jin Ryu and Brett Anderson and right-hander Josh Ravin, although Anderson and Ravin figure to be moved to the 60-day disabled list before Opening Day to create addition spots on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
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Being a local boy I gotta be rooting for Chase and hope to see him earn a spot in a couple years…
This is the part of the year I would dread as a manager, having to call kids and veterans into the office close the door…
Man, you are absolutely right, Peter. Definitely the toughest part of the job.
I am blessed to have befriended Chase late last year at Rancho and immediately liked the kid. My son goes to Cal State Long Beach and when I mentioned this to Chase, he lit up and we had a great conversation. We even talked a little baseball – lol!
It’s going to be tough for Chase to crack into the Dodgers starting rotation with so many guys ahead of him on the depth chart at both the higher levels and behind him. As such (and as much as I’d hate to see him leave), his road to the Bigs will probably be with some other team. But regardless, I really hope he makes it. He definitely has the stuff.
No surprises with first round of cuts although I thought Hassan outplayed Trayce Thompson but not a CF’er hurt his chances. Really like De Jong’s ability AND attitude — looks like a keeper. What I don’t understand is why Jamey Wright is still in camp; a waste of laundry services IMO. Each subsequent cut will be tougher. Right now, there is not room on the roster for Hernandez, Barnes, Culberson, and Johnson.
Kiké isn’t going anywhere. He is still the primary back-up for Seager and (probably) Pederson. There is no way that he does not make the 25-man.
Barnes is starting at 2B today, so it’s obvious that the Dodgers are trying desperately to work him into the OD roster somehow. I really hope they do.
Yes, Kike is a must for the 25 man roster but “right now” there is no room for him with bench spots taken by Ellis, Crawford, Guerrero, Van Slyke, and Utley. Options: patiently wait for Crawford to go on the DL, trade Guerrero or Van Slyke, DFA Utley, or ??? I think the strongest team includes both Hernandez and Barnes on the roster (I like Micah Johnson as well), but how to make that happen will be interesting to observe.
They are showcasing Guerrero for a trade. His first at-bat hits are definitely helping his trade value as a potential DH/PH. Don’t see them getting rid of SVS though.
Barnes gives the Dodgers a third catcher, something nobody can afford unless he can be used elsewhere.
Kike not only is a good player, he’s a real spark plug for the team wherever he is, even on the bench.
I asked this before, not sure if it was here: Is FO considering eating some contracts?
Crawford just needs to go somewhere. He was a fine player in his day, but his day is not today.
It’d be to AG2’s benefit to waive the FA if traded clause. He needs to just tell Boras to shut up.
I really doubt they would have signed Utley if they had any idea they’d be getting Howie back. If I remember the rule on this they can’t trade him ’til May 15 (or is it June?)
I still think, as said before, they should at least look at expanding rosters to 27.
Dodgers are on the hook with Crawford through the 2017 season (to the tune of $41.75 million) AND he has a no-trade clause, but only to two teams (including the Yankees). I can perhaps see the Dodgers eating the $21 million he’s owed in 2017 but not the full $41.75. Unfortunately, there isn’t a team out there that will take him unless the Dodgers eat nearly all of his.
He’s still got some pop and great speed, but it only works when he gets a lot of playing time. Obviously, he’s not the best defender out there and he can only play LF because of his below average throwing arm. I will say this much, however (and not many people know this), he’s really a great guy and is very funny.
I do agree, however, that his best days are behind him.
A.J. Ellis is absolutely my favorite Dodger. To me he is everything a professional MLB should be. However, he might be a bit of an impediment now as the team tries to figure out its 25 man roster. But on the other hand I don’t want to see Austin Barnes play as a backup catcher, playing only now and then. He’s 26 so it is time to get regular playing time.
June 15 for Utley and other similar situated players. Barnes can play (in a utility role) 2b and 3b in addition to catching — a guy like that who can also hit and with a high OBP would be very useful on the bench.
Ron, I was very impressed with Carl’s attitude when told Andre had the LF job ahead of him. I reckon that supports what you said about him.
A trade for someone, most likely Guerrero, and a DFA are in the offing before ST is over. The future can’t be stopped for the past now. Tough decisions. The Dodgers have a lot of minor league arms so it would not be surprising to see one or two of them included in a trade.
I expect you are right Ron that Chase’s path to MLB will follow another route other than the Dodgers minor league system.