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2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Los Angeles Dodgers to Keep an Eye On

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Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Los Angeles Dodgers to Keep an Eye On

Joc Pederson 2015 Rookie
Gary A. Vasquez - USATODAY Sports

Not only are the Los Angeles Dodgers one of the favorites in the National League in 2015, but they also have a rather impressive farm system, giving them a good mix of young players and veterans on their roster. Many of those young players are close to being regular contributors in the big leagues, if not already, and here are five Dodger rookies to watch closely this spring.

5. Yimi Garcia, Pitcher

Yimi Garcia Dodgers
Kirby Lee - USATODAY Sports

5. Yimi Garcia, Pitcher

Yimi Garcia Dodgers
Kirby Lee - USATODAY Sports

With some uncertainty in the Los Angeles bullpen, Garcia may have a chance to make the opening day roster. He made eight appearances with the Dodgers last season and has been a strikeout machine in the minor leagues. Garcia is someone the Dodgers could be grooming to be a key set-up man for them and that could happen sooner rather than later if he has a strong spring.

4. Corey Seager, Shortstop

Corey Seager Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark J. Rebilas - USATODAY Sports

4. Corey Seager, Shortstop

Corey Seager Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark J. Rebilas - USATODAY Sports

Seager is merely a non-roster invitee this spring, but many feel he's the team's top prospect. He won't turn 21 until April, but he finished last season in double-A, and judging by the numbers he put up in 38 games at that level, he may not need much more time in the minors. If Jimmy Rollins struggles this year, Seager could become an option for the Dodgers mid-season; if not, he's still a young player fans want to watch closely this spring.

3. Chris Reed, Pitcher

SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game
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3. Chris Reed, Pitcher

SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game
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Reed got a rude introduction to Triple-A last year, with an ERA over 10 in five appearances, but fans shouldn't read too much into that. Reed has the stuff to be a quality starter in the big leagues, and while making the rotation out of spring is a long shot for him, if he has a strong performance during Spring Training, it could indicate that Reed could be an option if the Dodgers need a starter mid-season.

2. Zach Lee, Pitcher

Team Australia v Los Angeles Dodgers
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2. Zach Lee, Pitcher

Team Australia v Los Angeles Dodgers
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Lee spent all of last season at Triple-A, but ended up with an ERA over five. However, a pitcher's numbers in the Pacific Coast League should be taken with a grain of salt. Lee is a polished pitcher with four major-league-quality pitches, and with a strong spring, he may be able to put himself in the competition for a spot in the rotation, or at least be L.A.'s top choice if they need a starter later in the year.

1. Joc Pederson, Outfield

Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect Joc Pederson
Gary A. Vasquez - USATODAY Sports

1. Joc Pederson, Outfield

Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect Joc Pederson
Gary A. Vasquez - USATODAY Sports

Pederson had an outstanding year at Triple-A in 2014, hitting a line of .303/.435/.582 with 33 home runs. Even in a somewhat crowded outfield, Pederson is expected to be an opening day starter, most likely in center field. The Dodgers are banking on him being an important part of their future, starting this year, so it's important for him to have a strong spring and get off to a fast start in 2015.

Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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