Scouting Reports for Dodgers Prospects in the 2015 Futures Game

The MLB All-Star Game is less than a week away, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about their situation heading into the break.

Sitting atop the National League West, Los Angeles will send four players—possibly five if Clayton Kershaw earns a trip via the Final Vote ballot—to Cincinnati, including two first-timers, Yasmani Grandal and rookie Joc Pederson.

But before the festivities get underway on Monday with the Gillette Home Run Derby presented by Head & Shoulders, the 17th annual All-Star Futures Game is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. EST. This exhibition pits a team comprised of U.S. prospects against a squad made up of international prospects.

The U.S. Team has won 10 of the previous 16 Futures Games, including the last five.

Although the Dodgers feature arguably the best prospect yet to reach the majors in Corey Seager, Los Angeles declined to approve the shortstop's selection to the Futures Game, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

Instead, the Dodgers will send Double-A catcher Kyle Farmer to play for the U.S. Team and Triple-A pitcher Juan Gonzalez to compete for the World Team. As both of these prospects continue their ascents to the highest level, here are the updated scouting reports for Farmer and Gonzalez.

Kyle Farmer, C

Born: August 17, 1990, in Atlanta, Georgia (age 24)

Drafted: Eighth round, 244th overall in 2013

At 24 years of age, catcher Kyle Farmer is the oldest position player on the U.S Team.

The converted shortstop began 2015 at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and made the California League All-Star Team as the starting catcher. But Farmer did not play in the game because he was promoted to Double-A Tulsa.

2015 Stats (Single-A and Double-A)

Games Played	BA	OPS	HR	RBI	Strikeouts	Walks
68	.322	.857	2	38	39	13

In 68 games combined between those two levels this season, Farmer has slashed .322/.370/.488 with two home runs and 20 doubles. Since his promotion, he has played 16 games behind the plate and five at the hot corner.

Dodgers director of player development Gabe Kapler recently offered his thoughts on Farmer's progression to J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News:

"

With Kyle, this is a swing that will play at the major league level. He has made a concerted effort to hunt specific pitches to drive and it has shown up in his domination of two separate levels. Kyle has made strides behind the plate and has proven to be a strong defender for us at third base. Remember, this guy was a shortstop [in college]. He’s a true athlete.

"

Farmer has been praised for his receiving skills as well as his leadership abilities. As a former shortstop, he possesses above-average athleticism for a backstop and a strong throwing arm. However, Farmer is still developing the nuances of his footwork behind the plate.

It's unlikely that he'll ever hit for much power. When Farmer does make the majors, it will probably be because of his glove. However, his relatively high OPS despite just two home runs indicates the potential for offensive value down the road.

Juan Gonzalez, RHP

Born: April 5, 1990, in El Tigrito, Venezuela (age 25)

Drafted: N/A, signed out of Venezuela by Colorado Rockies as a free agent in 2006

Another elder statesman in the Futures Game is right-hander Juan Gonzalez, who will be playing for the World Team. At 25, he's the oldest player on either squad.

The Dodgers acquired Gonzalez from the Rockies prior to last season. Colorado had originally signed the Venezuelan native when he was just 16 years old. He made it to Double-A in the Rockies farm system and spent all of 2014 at that same level for the Dodgers. Gonzalez began this season at Double-A Tulsa before being promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

2015 Stats (Double-A and Triple-A)

Record	IP	ERA	WHIP	Strikeouts	Walks	K/9
1-0	29.2	0.91	1.01	27	11	8.2

Kapler also spoke highly of Gonzalez in a recent text message to Hoornstra: "Juan has really opened some eyes with his consistency, his velocity and some deceptiveness in his delivery. We’re thrilled to see a valuable member of our organization be recognized for the leap forward he’s taken in 2015."

Armed with a fastball that has been clocked as high as 96 mph, Gonzalez boasts a minuscule 0.91 ERA between 26 combined relief appearances at both levels this year. He has struck out 27 batters while walking 11 in almost 30 innings of work. 

The Futures Game will be broadcast live on MLB Network and MLB.com. All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.

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