Griff Erickson

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #28 prospect in 2012
  The Dodgers signed Erickson for $35,000 in May 2007 as part of the last class of draft-and-follows. He didn't show much offensively in his first four seasons as a pro but turned a corner in 2011, hitting more homers last year (13) than he had in his entire career previously (nine). Erickson always had power potential given his athletic, well-built frame. He has a contact-oriented approach, but his strength and the leverage in his swing give him 15-20 homer potential. Though his average likely will settle in around .250 at the big league level, he has a good eye at the plate and draws a healthy amount of walks. Erickson's size leads some scouts to doubt whether he can stay as a catcher, but others think he blocks balls well and is relatively agile. He has average arm strength and threw out 30 percent of basestealers in 2011. His game-calling improved last year, though his receiving still needs work. As a switch-hitting catcher with pop, Erickson will get every chance to succeed. He got to Double-A last July and will return there to open 2012.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #30 prospect in 2010
  The Dodgers selected Erickson in the 15th round out of a San Diego high school in 2006, then signed him for $35,000 as a draft-and-follow the next spring after he spent a year at San Diego Mesa JC. He has yet to advance past Rookie ball in three pro seasons, yet he has shed the label of organizational player and is a legitimate prospect. A big switch-hitter, Erickson hits line drives from both sides of the plate, though he has trouble catching up to quality fastballs. With his big frame and solid plate discipline, he has the potential to hit for power. Like most catchers, he's not a good runner. Erickson has improved greatly behind the plate. He has a strong arm and erased 28 percent of basestealers last season. His receiving and blocking skills are decent, and he calls a good game. Moving up to low Class A in 2010 will provide a test to see if the gains he made in 2009 were real or the result of playing against less advanced competition.