Dodgers: Chatting with Dodgers Prospect Trevor Oaks
By Jason Reed
Recently I chatted with Dodgers pitching prospect Trevor Oaks. With some interesting answers, here is what Oaks said.
Trevor Oaks may not be a household name for Dodger fans, but he will be very soon. Oaks is ranked as the 19th best prospect in the Dodgers organization, according to MLB Pipeline, and has thrived in spring training with the Dodgers.
After his Friday start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Oaks has accumulated 11.1 innings, striking out 11 batters and posting a 2.38 ERA. Oaks’ performance in spring may have been a surprise to some, but as Sully Engels of Dodgersway put it – Oaks may be the unknown answer the Dodgers need.
Oaks, being a genuinely great guy, agreed to answer some questions that we sent his way. We asked him five questions, some silly and some serious, and his answers, quite frankly, were very promising.
1. I have to ask being a ping pong connoisseur myself, who is the best ping pong player on the team? I’ve watched some backstage Dodger segments and saw you guys had a table in the locker room during spring.
"We mostly played doubles so it was hard to get a feel for who would have been the best 1 on 1. But I think Kershaw is up there, and Jacob Rhame is really good. When he keeps it on the table, he might be the best."
2. Coming up through the levels of the farm system, and performing really well, what have you learned about yourself as a person and a player?
"As a person I’ve learned to just stay level headed- don’t get too high on yourself when things are going well, and don’t count yourself out when things aren’t going your way. As a player I’ve learned how to stick to my game and not trying to do too much. I kinda have a chip on my shoulder about not having “top prospect” stuff, but I’ve learned that there are a lot of ways to win a ball game. I’ve learned how to master my craft and understand what I do well. I try to stick to that and try not to be someone I’m not."
3. Which player, at any level of the organization, do you take the most inspiration from?
"I really admire the guys who work incredibly hard to beat the odds and earn their opportunities. Guys that come back from difficult injuries and come out on top. Mike Ahmed comes to mind, not that he’s been injured, but he’s just one of those special players that are critical to the success of a team. He may not have the best tools, but he’s very capable and works hard for the benefit of the team. He’s the same guy on and off the field and gives his best for his guys. I will always root for guys like that."
4. You did really, really, well in your seven innings pitched this spring. Do you see yourself in the big leagues later in the season? Perhaps when the rosters expand?
"I’m not sure what the timing is going to look like, but I’m hoping to get a chance to help out the big club before rosters expand. I think I’m ready and I’ll be prepared to eat some innings whenever the team needs me. Whether that’s as a starter or reliever, I’ll be ready to get some ground balls and help them out the best I can. There is a special chemistry about the team and I think this is going to be the year. You can’t help but want to be a part of that."
5. And perhaps the most generic, what should Dodger fans expect to see out of Trevor Oaks in the coming season?
"Hopefully they see an efficient pitcher that loves to compete and win. When I walk out there to pitch, I try to get as many ground balls as possible, with the fewest amount of pitches. So hopefully Dodger fans see a lot of quick innings to get back in the batters box to score more runs."
Overall, Trevor Oaks seems to be a genuinely great guy that cannot wait to make an impact towards the Dodgers pursuit of championship gold. With the locker room chemistry that the guys have along with the dynamic talent, 2017 is a better year than ever.
Next: Five Break Out Players for the Dodgers
I wish Trevor the best in his baseball future, as a Dodger fan, I cannot wait to see him striking big league batters out. Make sure to shoot Trevor a follow over at @trevoaks to show him support in the upcoming season.