Joc Pederson and Scott Schebler might be doing something quite unique
Pederson on the season is hitting .302/.425/.568 with 27 home runs and 26 stolen bases in 105 games for the Isotopes. With 19 games remaining in the minor league season, he has a good chance at becoming the first Pacific Coast League player in 80 years to finish with 30 home runs and 30 steals in the same season.
Eric wrote that on Aug 13th, on Aug 18th, Joc blasted his 30th home run. Joc currently leads the PCL in home runs with his 30 home runs. Adam Duvall has 26 but is currently in the major leagues so Joc would appear to be a shoe-in to win the PCL home run crown since it does not appear likely that Dodgers will be promoting him before the Sept callups.
I noted yesterday how Scott Schebler is leading the Southern League in home runs with his 25. With only two weeks left in the year Scott does not have much competition, so I feel comfortable in saying that Joc Pederson and Scott Schebler will lead their respective leagues in home runs.
Which left me wondering has this ever been done? Two Dodger prospects leading their respective leagues in home runs? Not talking John Lindsey types but actual 25 and under prospects. It isn’t easy to do, for one you need to stay in the same league for most of the year, and usually noted prospects get promoted when they are dominating a league. Joc was blocked at the major league level by the under achieving over paid left fielders currently inhabiting the major league roster. It is a little more curious why Schebler was allowed to stay in AA all year. He’s not a CF by trade so he was not blocked by Joc.
But wait, we aren’t done yet.
Justin Chigbogu (say that three times fast) is also leading the Pioneer league in home runs with 16. His main competition is Aristides Aquino who has 14 so we can’t claim him the winner just yet.
Check back in two weeks and maybe the Dodgers will have three minor league home run champions that are all considered prospects.
Phil Gurnee
Dodgers, Yesterday and Today 