Darnell Sweeney, 2014 Lookout, Having Outstanding Spring With Dodgers

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Dodgers erupted for eight runs in the eighth inning on three home runs Monday for a 10-5 victory over the A's at Camelback Ranch.

Ex-Lookout (2014) Darnell Sweeney's one-out grand slam against right-hander Ryan Cook started the Dodgers' late-game fireworks, followed by back-to-back homers from former Lookout (2014) Scott Schebler (for three runs) and Chris Heisey.

Sweeney has appeared in 11 games this spring, hitting .429 (6-for-14) with a double, two homers, and six RBI.

Davey Lopes has instructed his fair share of base stealers in his 28-year Major League coaching career, and the Dodgers first-base coach can recognize when a player has "Ferrari speed." Former Dodgers second baseman Dee Gordon (Lookouts 2010) is a prime example of a player who fits Lopes' classification. Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton fits his model as well.

Dodgers prospect Darnell Sweeney is looking to help replace Gordon on the roster, but although the 24-year-old has good speed, his raw running ability falls short for Lopes' prestigious "Ferrari" category.

Even though Sweeney might not be as speedy as Gordon, Lopes is helping tutor Sweeney this spring on the finer points of running the bases.

Last year at Double-A Chattanooga, Sweeney had a breakout season in almost every offensive category. A future top-of-the-order candidate, Sweeney showed his power (14 home runs) and his ability to reach base (.387 on-base percentage).

Surprisingly, the one area the young speedster struggled was on the basepaths. Sweeney stole 15 bags and was thrown out 16 times. The previous season at Class A Rancho Cucamonga, Sweeney swiped 48 bases in 68 attempts.

"That's one of the things I really want to do is get consistent on the basepaths," Sweeney said. "Stealing bases and picking the right times to go."

Besides his speed and hitting ability, Sweeney offers the Dodgers versatility defensively. He was drafted as a middle infielder, but he spent part of last season learning center field.

Sweeney's attitude and prowess at the plate have impressed manager Don Mattingly in Spring Training. Although he hasn't attempted a stolen base, Sweeney has four hits, including a home run, in 10 at-bats through Tuesday.

"We like [Sweeney] because he handles himself well," Mattingly said. "He's a worker -- he's doing his thing here in Spring Training in a professional way."

With the Dodgers' depth and influx of top prospects, it's unclear when Sweeney might crack the Dodgers' 25-man roster. Lopes feels baserunning could be the deciding factor on whether Sweeney has a long Major League career.

Two other teammates of Sweeney on the 2014 Chattanooga roster are also performing well in the Big League camp:

* Schebler has been in 12 games batting .444 (8-for-18) with four doubles, two homers and six RBI.

* O'Koyea Dickson is hitting .357 (5-for-14) with a double, two homers, and three RBI. On Tuesday, March 16, Dickson was optioned to the Minor League camp.