Prospect Scott Schebler not discouraged by Dodgers’ outfield depth

Scott Schebler’s dream is to play in the major leagues for the organization that drafted him.

One problem: He was drafted by the Dodgers.

Schebler hit 28 home runs this year for double-A Chattanooga, which alone might place him on the brink of his first promotion to the major leagues in some organizations. He is currently playing for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League, which showcases top prospects determined to be close to ready for the big leagues.

But with the Dodgers, Schebler has at least six players ahead of him on the depth chart – and all six of them are established big leaguers.

Yasiel Puig. Matt Kemp. Carl Crawford. Andre Ethier. Scott Van Slyke. And, now, Joc Pederson, the Dodgers co-minor league player of the year.

Schebler said he tries to not be discouraged.

“You keep working hard,” he said. “There are 29 other teams. I’d love to play for the Dodgers. That’s my dream. They gave me the opportunity. But if I let that stress affect me, the other 29 teams are not going to see what I have.”

He said his feelings are common among Dodgers prospects.

Schebler said he tries to focus on his development.

He believes his Fall League experience will benefit him, saying, “There’s a lot of talent here. I feel you should learn, pick up little things to help your game.”

Schebler was particularly pleased with his transition to double A this year.

He batted .296 with 27 home runs and 91 runs batted in with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga last year.

Playing in the Southern League this year, he batted .280 with 28 home runs and 73 RBIs. He did so while cutting down on his strikeouts, from 140 last year to 110 this year.

Double-A hitting coach Shawn Wooten deserved a lot of the credit, Schebler said.

Wooten taught Schebler to shorten his swing.

“Everybody told me, ‘You have really, really quick hands,’ ” Schebler said. “I realized what they were seeing.”