Griff Erickson was drafted in the 15th round of the 2006 draft at the tender age of 18. He did not play any professional ball until 2007, and after two seasons (2007-2008) he had garnered less then 200 plate appearances. In 2009 the Dodgers cut the strings and gave him the full time gig on the rookie Ogden team where he rewarded them with a .860 slugging percentage. He followed that up by being terrible in his first foray into full season baseball with the Loons in 2010, posting a .619 OPS. His slugging percentage was .310. That performance got him an invite to the 2011 January Workout where it was assumed he was there because he was a catcher the real prospects could throw too, not because he himself was a prospect.
The tall catcher seemed like an afterthought when the 2011 season began but after putting up a .899 OPS in the California League and making the all-star team. Erickson was promoted to AA and surprisingly held his own, and in fact posted a decent .809 OPS. At that point Gorman Erickson had had a very exciting 2011 season and seemed to be our top offensive catching prospect passing the J.T. Wise's of the world. In my mind the offensive emergence of Erickson during the 2011 season was one of the big surprises in our system.
Erickson was selected to play in the AFL and instead of putting himself on the prospect map he did his best to make FedEx look like an offensive juggernaut as he put up a .640 OPS and impressed no one.
Brandon Lennox made him his 22nd top prospect
Why #22: What’s not to love about a big switching hitting catcher coming off his best season? Especially when he held his own during his first taste of AA as a 23 year old? The only thing keeping him out of my top 20 is the fact that he hadn’t shown much potential prior to this season, so I’m a bit worried that he’ll return to his career averages in the future.
2012 should give us a better idea of what to expect from him. Anyone can hit in the California League, what he did in AA gives us some hope, but that AFL turkey time makes one wonder.
Erickson is a switch hitter and Ned has traded every other switch hitting prospect over the last few years: Carlos Santana, Josh Bell, and Trayvon Robinson. There is a good chance Erickson is not in the Dodger organization by the end of 2012.
Erickson is not yet on the 40-man roster, but was invited to big league camp in spring training as a non-roster invitee.
| Year | Age | PA | HR |
Runs | RBI | BA | OBP | SLG | wOBA |
| 2010 (A - Great Lakes) |
22 | 299 | 2 | 32 | 27 | .215 | .309 | .310 | .298 |
| 2011 (A - Rancho Cucamonga) |
23 | 273 | 7 | 37 | 40 | .305 | .408 | .491 | .397 |
| 2011 (AA - Chattanooga) |
23 | 157 | 6 | 18 | 26 | .275 | .329 | .479 | .362 |
| 2012 Projections - Age 24 Season | |||||||||
| Source | PA | HR |
Runs | RBI | BA | OBP | SLG | ||
| Pecota | 250 | 4 | 25 | 21 | .212 | .276 | .309 | ||
| ZiPS | 439 | 7 | 41 | 44 | .234 | .302 | .354 | ||
I expect he will spend most of the season in AA, it is possible that if he succeeds and Fed Ex does get promoted to the Dodgers Erickson could see AAA. He should be a September callup, can he throw his hat into the 2013 catching ring?
0 recs | 122 comments
No big league debut
Dodgers will go all-in with Fedex as The Franchise behind the plate.
silverwidow - February 19, 2012
I’m with SW: No.
Maddz - February 19, 2012
meercat being meercat
kinbote - February 19, 2012
Not much for fantasy [baseball], but it appears Kemp/Kershaw are one oozy footstep behind Cabrera/Verlander for most valuable duo in the game. Not bad . . .
kinbote - February 19, 2012
hopefully
somewhere Dre is reading this and getting madder by the second
Maddz - February 19, 2012
valley breakfast
about to get my du-pars on for the first time. what a time to be alive.
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - February 19, 2012 via iPhone app
I had a Subway and an Arnold Palmer for breakfast. Not too exciting.
silverwidow - February 19, 2012
Two cups of black coffee and a stale cookie.
kinbote - February 19, 2012
Oatmeal with blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and walnuts.
Topped with maple syrup
All organic of course
And green tea
68elcamino427 - February 19, 2012
An old opened Pabst Blue Ribbon with a surprise cigarette butt
BaldBilly - February 19, 2012
I had oatmeal with blueberries, maple syrup and non-fat milk on Saturday, but eggs, bacon and toast today.
David Young - February 19, 2012
I had a double green smoothie:
2 cups almond milk
1 cup kale
1 cup spinach
1 banana
4 dates
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 1/2 scoops vanilla protein powder
DELICIOUS
Maddz - February 19, 2012
Crackers, summer sausage. Or, I’ve been moving and haven’t had time to go grocery shopping or make room in the kitchen to cook.
regfairfield - February 19, 2012
Du-Pars is fantastic.
Josie Becker - February 19, 2012
i'm sure you are creeped out by TBLA Valley friends
but I can point you in the direction of other breakfast places if you are so inclined.
Du-pars was the place we used to hang out in high school, so I am very familiar with their menu. And the incredibly old waitresses. And their pie. Mmm. Pie.
Maddz - February 19, 2012
have you been to nat’s early bite? love that place the most
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - February 19, 2012 via iPhone app
It’s one of her favorites.
I personally think it’s delicious, but comes with a side of long waits, bad service and a couple extra dollars per menu item.
That said, it’s delicious.
G.Scott - February 19, 2012
the key is to get there before 10. my lady gets up early so I kinda do too.
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - February 19, 2012 via iPhone app
I’ve actually never been, but I sometimes go to Nat’s West on Topanga, north of Roscoe, in the northernmost reaches of Canoga Park.
David Young - February 19, 2012
one of my friends works there as a server, we just haven’t been lucky enough to sit in his section. you’re totally right about getting there before 10, though.
More Than Waffles in Encino is bomb. Jinky’s is pretty good too. And if you’re looking for bars, let me know.
Maddz - February 19, 2012
Haven’t been in awhile, but loved More Than Waffles. Coral Tree Cafe nearby is pretty good too.
David Young - February 20, 2012
blocked by aj ellis and fed ex
he gets traded as the centerpiece for david wright
nolander - February 19, 2012
Griff Erickson couldn’t even be a wedding table centerpiece let along a trade centerpiece.
G.Scott - February 19, 2012
this is basically what I was thinking
Maddz - February 19, 2012
Just wondering....
How does this qualify as a “2012 Dodgers Player Profile” if Erickson isn’t even on the 40 man roster? Is this series for both up and coming prospects and occupiers of 40 man roster spots?
latenite - February 19, 2012
Everybody invited to camp
Griff was one of the NRI
silverwidow - February 19, 2012
and plus
funkyjam - February 19, 2012
we like Griff.
funkyjam - February 19, 2012
Not everyone invited to camp
Just everyone on the 40-man plus some of the NRIs
Eric Stephen - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Griff has a solid or good year, gets noticed more on prospect charts, and is traded for someone who’s average at best at the deadline to support a fringe-contending Dodger team.
Taylor Maricle - February 19, 2012
If
Erickson is worth a MLB player at the deadline, that is a nice return for the investment
bhsportsguy - February 19, 2012
Not of it’s a 35-year old relief pitcher with a fluky ERA.
The Dude Abides - February 19, 2012
As part of a package, obviously.
Not going to name other players since their profiles are coming later
Taylor Maricle - February 19, 2012
There was a short reliever at the UCD baseball game who came in to
a dubstep remix of Smells Like Teen Spirit.
Of course he gave up 3 runs because screw him.
Taylor Maricle - February 19, 2012
A catcher who can’t even be seen as the best catcher in the Dodgers organization. A shameful catcher.
No appearances this year, still has a ways to go to prove he’s better than the Josh Bards of the world.
regfairfield - February 19, 2012
Jeremy Lin
28 pts/ 14 assists/ 5 stls/ BALLER
Julio Nievas - February 19, 2012
Yes, but is he really better than Derrick Caracter?
The Dude Abides - February 19, 2012
and 19 turnovers
G.Scott - February 19, 2012
Only 7 today
silverwidow - February 19, 2012
kobe broke lin's turnover high for the season tonight..
with 10.
Most Lin has had was 9.
Joey Joe - February 19, 2012
One plays a position that is supposed to score. The other plays a position that is supposed to distribute the ball.
The ball distributor should be better at not turning the ball over.
Both suck at limiting their turnovers at this point in their careers. Lin is young enough to where he can learn to play under more control and hopefully start to limit his turnovers. Will it happen? I’m not so sure.
VegasBlues - February 19, 2012
kobe's night is way worse
Lin has the ball in his hands more often than Kobe trying to create, so he’s going to commit more turnovers.
His turnover per usage stat probably isnt that bad concerning Lin.
If he plays 40 minutes a night and 80% of the Knicks offense is ran off Lin initiating the pick and roll..the turnovers are going to come.
Joey Joe - February 19, 2012
I wasn’t saying Kobe’s night was better. Both were crappy in the turnover department.
As a point guard Lin is going to need to cut back on the turnovers. There is no question about it.
It’s not like I’m saying something that hasn’t been said by pretty much every basketball analyst out there.
VegasBlues - February 19, 2012
Go man go!
But he doesn’t see ML action this year.
underdog - February 19, 2012
No major league plate appearances
Michael White - February 19, 2012
Grif's my guy
I think he gets the call to the major leagues once Ellis/Treanor/Bard hit like pitchers.
Joey Joe - February 19, 2012
and fedex. this guy is fifth on the depth chart for catcher, which is quite an accomplishment given how bad the dodgers catchers are.
court168627 - February 19, 2012 via Android app
Can we have a community projection for Ned Colletti?
I wish to include getting the fuck out of here.
Tripon - February 19, 2012
July 1 if there are any candidates that would be fan/media-pleasers. Maybe Kim Ng, maybe Tony LaCava, maybe David Oppenheimer, David Forst(?), hell, DePodesta maybe.
G.Scott - February 19, 2012
Wishing
Won’t make it happen
bhsportsguy - February 19, 2012
I believe we can file this one under “no shit”
Maddz - February 19, 2012
Guzman is 30 and spent last year in High fucking A.
silverwidow - February 19, 2012
AJ Ellis isn’t going to be doing any prospect projections on twitter. Dude is being a good teammate. Appreciate that.
G.Scott - February 19, 2012
Gotta start your comeback from career threatening shoulder surgery somewhere.
Eric Stephen - February 19, 2012
My apologies; I’ll re-direct my annual NRI hate elsewhere. :)
silverwidow - February 19, 2012
If Guzman is anywhere near healthy (he pitched just under three months last season after missing a year and a half after shoulder surgery), he is the best arm of all the NRIs.
Eric Stephen - February 19, 2012
I have never seen him pitch
His peripherals look all right. Problem with BBs.
silverwidow - February 19, 2012
Actually, the walks aren’t even that bad.
silverwidow - February 19, 2012
[with a nod to Shane Lindsay for Phil] :)
Eric Stephen - February 19, 2012
Tucker, too, has a big arm and is the youngest NRI (25).
silverwidow - February 19, 2012
Youngest NRI pitcher
silverwidow - February 19, 2012
Lindblom is one of the few [if only] young players we have who can rightly make a case that he is being blocked. Of course, things have a way of sorting themselves out during the spring.
kinbote - February 19, 2012
its not like he's going to say they sucked
even if they did
Joey Joe - February 19, 2012
right
G.Scott - February 19, 2012
Guzman
I had chipotle with Guzman a little over a year ago. He was dating a girl that I knew and was rehabbing in Zona.
#coolstorybro
npurcell - February 19, 2012
NATE!
silverwidow - February 19, 2012
The Lakers missed their flight to Phoenix right? :-/
LOLakers.
underdog - February 19, 2012
working theory: the Lakers are a mediocre team
Josie Becker - February 19, 2012
:P
Tommy Blackjack - February 19, 2012 via iPhone app
Slightly better than mediocre but yes, not especially world beating this year.
still, they whomped just the other day. They are just so, so bad on the road though.
underdog - February 19, 2012
they old
Maddz - February 19, 2012
Tony Jackson on this interview says Ethier is motivated by money and will have a big year.
silverwidow - February 19, 2012
Who isn’t motivated by money?
And I don’t think Ethier signs for huge money. He’s two years too late for the big pot of cash that could of been his.
Tripon - February 19, 2012
Jayson Werth signed that big contract of his to start his age-32 season. Ethier will be looking for a contract to start his age-31 season. Ethier, barring a crappy season, is going to make either a lot of coin, or A LOT OF COIN.
David Young - February 19, 2012
I’m convinced Ethier is leaving after this year so go crazy, Dre. Have a big year and get as much as you can when you can get it.
kinbote - February 19, 2012
Who is going to give it to him though? The Cubs aren’t likely, the Dodgers would have already done it if they thought Either warranted one. Seattle?
Tripon - February 19, 2012
Boston? There are plenty of possibilities.
kinbote - February 19, 2012
So he can be the new J.D. Drew? Or would that be the anti J.D. Drew since Ethier constantly gets his panties in a bunch.
Tripon - February 19, 2012
The point is: if he has a good year, there will be plenty of suitors.
kinbote - February 19, 2012
only takes 1
G.Scott - February 19, 2012
his inability of hitting lefties won’t do him any favours though
wukunlin - February 19, 2012
Carl Crawford and Andre Ethier have similar career OPS vs lefties.
G.Scott - February 19, 2012
Chavez getting ready to sign with the Yanks
Eric Chavez is near to signing with the Yanks for about 1million dollars. I know he was interested in the Dodgers last year and vice verse. Wonder if Dodgers could have signed him this year for about 1 million instead of Adam Kennnedy, who I believe is signed for 900K.
Any thoughts?
wineracquet - February 19, 2012
Kennedy
Is more versatile
bhsportsguy - February 19, 2012
Uribe and Hairston is already on the team. Kennedy is a bit of an overkill
Tripon - February 19, 2012
And Chavez would be too.
Taylor Maricle - February 19, 2012
Chavez can actually hit. If you’re looking to acquire another bench player, I would rather have Matt Stairs than David Eckstein.
Tripon - February 19, 2012
In between injuries, Chavez hit .263 / .320 / .356 / .676, 79 OPS+ last year.
From age 38-42 (the end of his career not including last year when he tanked), Matt Stairs hit .255 / .344 .455 / .799, 109
David Young - February 19, 2012
Chavez from 2008-2011: .238 / .288 / .341 / .629, 69
David Young - February 19, 2012
Don’t use facts. :(
Chavez(84 OPS+) does beat out Kennedy(81 OPS) on OPS+ from 2007 to 2011.
Lets split the difference and say they’re both horrible offensive players.
Tripon - February 19, 2012
Dead Kennedys amirite
We were rumored to be in on Chavez last year. I’m over it.
kinbote - February 19, 2012
Neither one is horrible. Neither one would help the Dodgers significantly,
Nolij - February 19, 2012
Damn
Kevin Durant: 49 points
Russell Westbrook: 40 points
These people are on the same basketball team.
Julio Nievas - February 19, 2012
KD and Westbrook score 91 points together on 57 shots :o
Julio Nievas - February 19, 2012
Serge Ibaka with a sweet triple-double
14 points, 15 rebounds, 11 blocks
Julio Nievas - February 19, 2012
Hope they can beat the Heat in the finals (sorry Clipper Phil).
kinbote - February 19, 2012
The regular season
Is just that, regular.
bhsportsguy - February 19, 2012
Phil has his hater pants on
oh crap that’s craig
G.Scott - February 19, 2012
abercrombie and fitch
Do there bags ever have hot chics on them? I dont shop there often but any time i have bought something out there they always give me a bag with a dude that has a 8 pack of abs picture bag…
i want the skimpy bikini girl…where’s that bag at?
Joey Joe - February 19, 2012
You poor thing.
Wherever will you find images of attractive women?
court168627 - February 19, 2012
i demand them on my shopping bags!
Joey Joe - February 19, 2012
why are you buying anything there?
nolander - February 19, 2012
Knowing Joey Joe, does he shop anywhere else?
Taylor Maricle - February 20, 2012
Joey Joe strikes me more as brooks brothers
nolander - February 20, 2012
assuming he is willing to pay that much for clothes
and if he is goint a A and F he probably is…
nolander - February 20, 2012
nah
i only buy stuff there when it’s marked down like 80%
Joey Joe - February 20, 2012
dont think they have that where i live
at least i never heard of it..
i dont buy many clothes – i might get jeans from areopostale and some t shits but i have a collection of clothes i never get rid of..i’ll still wear stuff that i wore 10 years ago..like out in public even
Joey Joe - February 20, 2012
I’m a big fan of t shits
The Dude Abides - February 20, 2012
sweaters for $20
if i dont buy that i’m ripping myself off
Joey Joe - February 20, 2012
Brawl transcript
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/boxing/17088322
I had to read it just to see what a brawl transcript was. First for me.
kinbote - February 19, 2012
Phil
Finally saw Win-Win. Really liked it
mleadman - February 19, 2012
I love that movie
that is all
Hollywood Joe - February 19, 2012
Good morning
Or what is left of it.
bhsportsguy - February 19, 2012
just watched a movie about a different type of wrestling: Warrior
I really really liked it
nolander - February 20, 2012
set it to record after this. thanks.
kinbote - February 20, 2012
Just my opinion but that is acting, because at the end of the movie you can’t tell me he did not nail that role to perfection.
meercatjohn - February 20, 2012
Made a nice 6-week dry age 1.25 inch thick strip steak
Seared 5-6 mins a side, finished in 350 degree oven for 4 mins. Also made a mushroom risotto, asparagus with shallots, bacon, fish sauce vinegarette and salad. Drank a 2004 Sonoma Valley cab with it.
bhsportsguy - February 19, 2012
did it totally fill your house with smoke and force you to lock your pets in the bedroom so they didn’t go apeshit? because that’s what happened when we panseared our tbones.
G.Scott - February 19, 2012
Why would anyone want to trade for Joe Blanton at this point?
Tripon - February 19, 2012
have you seen the average MLB rotation? Hell, the $200mil Yankees are starting a rotation of 3 guys with 133 combined career MLB starts and two guys who no one has any idea when their health will give out. Joe Blanton is only 30 (31?) and pretty much what you want out of a 5th starter on a good team and a 4th starter on a mediocre team taking a shot. The price tag of $10.5mil this year is steep, of course.
G.Scott - February 19, 2012
If you manage the Colorado Rockies…
court168627 - February 19, 2012
In case you haven't seen it
There’s a new post.
David Young - February 20, 2012 via iPhone app
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