Los Angeles Dodgers May Have Hidden Gem in Andrew Sopko
By David Hill
Typically, if a team has a player in their draft class that immediately makes an impact when starting off, one would expect that the prospect would have been taken in the first two or three rounds. Those players, after all, are considered to be the elite talent in the draft, players that are expected to develop into successful major league options. However, sometimes those picks later on the second day can surprise, coming into the minors and showcasing that their talents are far beyond expectations. Thus far, that has been the case for the Los Angeles Dodgers seventh round pick, Andrew Sopko.
Pitching for the Ogden Raptors in the Pioneer League, Sopko has been impressive thus far. In his 14 innings for the Raptors, Sopko has 2.57 ERA and a 1.071 WHiP, excellent numbers, but not exactly the type that cause one to take notice. However, Sopko has also struck out 18 batters while issuing just one walk thus far, showing amazing command.
Sopko has already begun to be noticed for his work, as he was named the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week last week. While he only lasted four innings in his first start of the year, Sopko allowed only one hit while striking out eight batters. Despite the relative brevity of his outing, that start was certainly an impressive performance, and worthy of the honor.
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When Andrew Sopko was drafted, the reports on him were not exactly glowing. His fastball, which topped out in the mid 90’s and his slider were considered to be average at best, and his command was considered decent at best. In fact, some scouting reports considered Sopko a middle reliever or a seventh inning man at best, and not the type of seventh inning pitcher that would compare to Kelvin Herrera. It was hardly a glowing endorsement of the Los Angeles Dodgers selection.
Perhaps, for whatever reason, Sopko’s average stuff is playing well in the Pioneer League. Or it could be that the Dodgers found something in his grip or arm angle that has allowed him to get better results with his pitches. Whatever the reason, for this first month of Sopko’s professional career, he has been far better than anyone, perhaps even the Dodgers, could have expected.
Obviously, Andrew Sopko has a long way to go before being considered a true top prospect. However, if he continues to perform at this type of a level, the Los Angeles Dodgers may have found a bargain in the seventh round.