Dodgers take first baseman Bellinger in fourth round

The Dodgers selected first baseman Cody Bellinger in the fourth round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft on Friday, the first high school prospect drafted by the club this year.

The son of former Major Leaguer Clay Bellinger, Cody has already begun to make a name for himself. At Hamilton High School in Chandler, Ariz., Baseball America rated Bellinger the No. 90 prospect after he hit .429 with a .515 on-base percentage as a senior.

Bellinger played in the Little League World Series in 2007 and has developed into a sweet-swinging first-base prospect. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, Bellinger is a lanky left-handed hitter with an easy swing.

After he was drafted, Bellinger tweeted: "I just want to thank everyone who has helped me get here! I am proud to say I am OFFICIALLY A PART OF THE LOS ANGELES DODGERS ORGANIZATION!!!"

I just want to thank everyone who has helped me get here! I am proud to say I am OFFICIALLY APART OF THE LOS ANGELES DODGERS ORGANIZATION!!!

- Cody Bellinger (@CodyBellinger8) June 7, 2013

Scouts expect Bellinger to develop good power as he physically matures. Some scouts compare him, especially his swing, to a young Adam LaRoche. Bellinger has good range and is an advanced defender. He also pitches, occasionally touching 90 mph with his fastball.