Dodgers draft pick Grant Holmes is compared to Chad Billingsley

Dodgers first-round pick Grant Holmes reminds scouting director Logan White of possible future teammate Chad Billingsley and Giants rival Matt Cain.

“He’s a strong power guy,” White said in a conference call Thursday evening.

Holmes, 18, was taken by the Dodgers with the 22nd overall selection. He pitched this year for Conway High School in South Carolina.

“You have to look at him as more than a high school pitcher,” White said. “He’s an advanced high school pitcher.”

By White’s estimation, what separates Holmes from other hard-throwing high school pitchers is his breaking ball.

“He has a feel,” White said.

White also described Holmes as a capable hitter, comparing his athleticism to that of Zack Greinke.

As for second-round pick Alex Verdugo, White compared him to top outfield prospect Joc Pederson.

A two-way standout from Arizona, Verdugo will initially play center field. If he fails to hit as a professional, White said the Dodgers could convert him to a pitcher.

Even though the two players were selected lower than they had expected, White said he was optimistic of signing both of them.