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Dodgers Trade Analysis: Taking A Chance On Wild Flamethrower Ariel Hernandez

Two years ago while watching a Spring Training game between A-ball affiliates of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds, two scouts and myself noticed a multitude of players gathering around the backstop during a pitching change.

A right-hander came in and started lighting up the radar gun. Neither of the scouts had even heard of him. His name? Ariel Hernandez. The following year, Hernandez would make his MLB debut with Cincinnati.

He posted a 5.18 ERA in 19 games, striking out 29 but also walking 22 in 24.1 innings. That matches the mini scouting report I was given by one of the scouts in attendance during his spring appearance: 70 fastball, 70 breaking ball, 20 command.