It's Miguel Vargas Time

As the season passes the halfway point, Miguel Vargas is poised to make his debut in LA sometime in the next 30 days (that’s my opinion, not a fact). Miguel has made a lot of progress this year defensively. I think he can play an “above-average” Third-Base RIGHT ABOUT NOW, but he is blocked by Justin Turner and Max Muncy. So, he has recently taken up playing LF and while I have not watched every inning, I have seen him make several routine plays look… routine and have also seen a few nice running catches.

This should not be a surprise. Miguel Vargas is a good athlete. It seems to me that some fans and pundits want to say that he is not fast and does not have good “footwork.” I call BS on that. Miguel is 6′ 3″ and about 210, but he has above-average speed and has stolen 9 bases in 12 attempts this year. His footwork is improving at 3B and he has an above-average arm that enables him to play 3B, but LF may be his most logical position as he is not going to play 1B in LA for a few years! Vargas is 22 and is #3 in RBi in the PCL even though the two hitters who are ahead of him are four and three years older than Miguel. He has also struck out 20% less than they have.

I believe that Vargas will develop his “man strength” in the next year or so and become a “Mike Piazza-Type Hitter.” His doubles in the gap will become home runs. Currently, Miguel has 13 HR, 15 doubles, and 4 triples to go with his .293 BA. He also leads the PCL in Runs Scored.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I believe that Miguel is one of these guys who will hit better in the majors than in the minors… and he is pretty damn good there.

Miguel may be a “superstar” but if not, he will be a “star.” While he can play 3B, I think his position is LF. He can play there RIGHT NOW! Miguel Vargas is a natural-born hitter who is able to keep his bat in the zone for a very long time and has an “inside-out swing” that enables him to drive balls the opposite way. Not since Mike Piazza have I seen this. Miguel is ready! Andrew Friedman will call him up soon! Watch Vargas Rake:

Future Dodgers Down on the Farm

• Tulsa won 6-3
  • Bobby Miller went 5 innings allowing 0 ER, 1 hit, 1 BB, and struck out 9. Nuff said!
  • Ryan Ward was 2-5 with his 19th HR.
  • Leonal Valera was 2-3 with his 2nd HR
• Great Lakes Lost 4-0
  • Nothing to see here…. move along!
• Rancho Cucamonga won 7-2
  • Damon Keith was 2-4 and Luis Rodriguez hit a 3-run HR.
  • Ronan Kopp pitched 3 innings, allowing 2 hits, 0 runs, 1 BB, and struck out 3. He has a 1.91 ERA.

Rants & Raves

• I read comments about how the Dodgers pitching is good but the offense is not … and yet: THE DODGERS ARE #1 in the NL in offense: MLB.com says this: “The Dodgers remain one of the most well-balanced teams in the big leagues, with the offense leading the NL in runs per game (5.0) and the pitching staff posting an MLB-best 2.96 ERA — including a 2.72 ERA for the starting rotation.” JT is already breaking out of his funk and when (not if) Max and Cody do, look out!
• Julio Urias deserved better. I think Gavin was not able to read the ball off the bat yesterday.
• Alex Vesia is rounding into form while Phil Bickford is rounding out.
• The Dodgers have some filth in that bullpen.
• All-in-all, yesterday was a great win and an off days is greatly needed before taking on the Cardinals on Tuesday.
• Congratuations to the Dodger All-Stars (photo courtesy of MLB.com):

This Guy Should be in the HOF

Yes, he screwed up after his playing days were over, but listen to what he has to say about his teammates.