MLB Draft: Ranking the Dodgers’ top four first round picks of the 2000s
By Jason Reed
![Jul 12, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; National League infielder Corey Seager (5) of the Los Angeles Dodgers and National League pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) of the Los Angeles Dodgers are introduced before the 2016 MLB All Star Game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports Jul 12, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; National League infielder Corey Seager (5) of the Los Angeles Dodgers and National League pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) of the Los Angeles Dodgers are introduced before the 2016 MLB All Star Game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/685672812a8f31487a3ef39d48bdffb1e96124183ec8dba7e4cda076b767da84.jpg)
3. RHP Chad Billingsley (2003, Pick 24)
Career Stats with Los Angeles: 1175.1 IP, 81-61, 3.65 ERA, 1037 K’s
Chad Billingsley was a very consistent arm for the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Billingsley, like Loney, did fade in terms of production late in his Dodger life, he still brought a lot to the franchise and was a very popular player in his time. Billingsley played for Los Angeles from 2006 to 2013, bringing us many memorable moments along the way.
While Billingsley never did make any Opening Day starts, he arguably was the most consistent pitcher in the Dodgers rotation, before another man on this list came around. Every season Los Angeles knew exactly what they were getting out of Billingsley, he was able to eat innings and put the team in situations to walk away with the win.
For the most part, Billingsley was able to post an ERA in the low to mid 3.00’s, while typically striking out around eight batters for every nine innings that he threw. His best season came in 2008, when he posted a 3.14 ERA, a 16-10 record, striking out 201 batters in the process.
Billingsley did have an all-star appearance as well, although it came in his worst year in terms of ERA. Billingsley was elected to the 2009 All-Star team, posting a 3.38 ERA at the time of the game. However, his production took a huge dip, as in the second half Billingsley posted a 5.20 ERA.
Overall, Billingsley was a consistent producer, much like Loney, during his tenure with the Dodgers. While he and Loney are neck and neck in this ranking, that all-star appearance gives Billingsley the edge.