LOS ANGELES -- With the 2017 Draft set to take place on Monday, the Dodgers don't plan on shifting away from their usual strategy.
The Dodgers hold the 23rd pick, in addition to the 62nd, 100th and 130th picks in the first four rounds. Dodgers director of amatuer scouting, Billy Gasparino, spoke with reporters before the Dodgers' 9-7 win over the Reds on Sunday and said the team expects to take the best player available.
"I think the perception is that maybe this is a little bit weaker class, which has made it more uncertain on who may get to us," Gasparino said. "It's always hard at No. 23."
In MLB.com's latest mock draft, the Dodgers are slated to take University of Missouri right-handed pitcher Tanner Houck, who was taken in the 12th round of the 2014 Draft by the Blue Jays.
Gasparino said the Dodgers have about 10 scenarios set up for this draft, and mentioned college baseball batting champion and UC Irvine standout Keston Hiura as a possible option if he falls to the Dodgers.
Hirua's smaller frame was also not a concern for Gasparino and his staff, he said. They see it as an advantage.
"We actually like his body type a lot," Gasparino said. "Especially in terms of ingredients to hit. We think his short, kind of stronger compact build gives him an advantage over some other hitters. We're really comfortable with his athleticism and body type."
While projected top-five picks Hunter Greene and Brendan McKay will be gone by the time the Dodger make a selection, Gasparino said he's interested to see how their careers pan out.
"I do think it creates another path to the Major Leagues," Gasparino said. "From an amatuer perspective, if he failed as a hitter, we could put him on the mound and that gives him another path the Major Leagues, which kind of ups his floor again."