The wait is finally over. Corey Seager's time in Dodgertown has arrived.
Seager, who is the younger brother of Seattle Mariners' third baseman Kyle Seager, has been on the fast track to the Major Leagues from the moment the Dodgers selected him with 18th overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft. During his climb of five levels in four seasons with the organization, the 21-year-old shortstop has put together quite the resume, which includes being an MiLB.com organizational All-Star three times, a mid-season All-Star twice, and an All-Star Futures Game selection once. He has even earned "Rising Star" honors in the Arizona Fall League the past two seasons.
Although one notes that this year's stats from MLB.com's second overall prospect are inferior in comparison to last season (.349 BA, 20 HR, and 97 RBIs), Seager has had a very good 2015 campaign by posting a .293 average with 18 home runs and 76 RBIs in 125 games between Oklahoma City (Triple-A) and Tulsa (Double-A).
Yet, how much playing time will the talented youngster, who has been compared to Willie Mays and Hank Aaron, actually see in Chavez Ravine?
While the 2015 Pacific Coast League All-Star is very deserving of playing time, at-bats could be scarce since the Dodgers have a pair of veterans, Jimmy Rollins and Justin Turner, manning the left side of the infield. In addition, one must remember manager Don Mattingly did not force a highly touted Joc Pederson into the lineup last season when he was recalled from Triple-A, leading to the 2015 NL Rookie of the Year candidate to receive only 28 ABs in 18 games.
Nonetheless, tonight Corey Seager will immediately receive his chance to make a name for himself as he will be batting eighth for the NL West leading Los Angeles Dodgers in game one of a four game road set against the San Diego Padres.