Star Performer:

Robbie Erlin, LHP (Double-A San Antonio) – Since joining the Padres Organization all Erlin has done is dominate: 12 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 15 K.  Diving deeper into Erlin’s performance you see that he has retired all 12 left-handed batters and maintained his plus-plus command he showed while with the Rangers.  Could he be inspired by his #1 ranking in the Padres Prospects Top-25?  Probably not.  Erlin’s previous career high in innings was 114.2 in 2010, so don’t be surprised to see shorter outings down the stretch for the 20-year-old.

Rock Steady:

Rymer Liriano, RF (Low-A Fort Wayne) – He was the Padres Prospects Player of the Month in July, and a .318/.370/.455 line in 7 August games isn’t going to disappoint anyone.  Liriano is beginning to be pitched around by teams, so don’t be surprised to see his numbers take a dip.  Also, a .395 BABIP is never a sign of completely sustainable play.

Rico Noel, CF (Low-A Fort Wayne) –With an absurd 94.4% steal success rate, he possess game-changing speed and he obviously knows how to use it.  As a point of reference, 36.2% of the time Noel reaches base he steals a bag.

Kevin Quackenbush, RHP (Low-A Fort Wayne) – 6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 10 K since being promoted to the Tin Caps to give him a season line that includes a 0.35 ERA in 27.1 IP since being selected in June’s draft.

Keyvius Sampson, LHP RHP (Low-A Fort Wayne) – One earned run in his last 20.1 IP and 24 strikeouts over that stretch have Sampson climbing prospect rankings.  As always, health is most important here.

Juan Oramas, LHP (Double-A San Antonio) – 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 10 K in his most recent outing.  It was the best start of the year for the 21-year-old lefty.  Scouts love his three-pitch mix.

Joe Wieland, RHP (Double-A San Antonio) – 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7K in his first start with the Padres.  Is it possible the Mike Adams trade was a complete win-win for both sides?

Jonathan Glavez, RHP 2B (High-A Lake Elsinore) – Exceeding expectations is difficult at any level, especially for a 20-year-old.  But a .297/.368/.484 line is forcing many to consider Galvez as an upper level prospect in the game.  Only thing holding him back is the notion of inflated California League production.

Yoan Alcantara, OF (AZL Padres) – .429/.429/.810 over his last 10 games with three home runs.  Breakout candidate for 2012 if he gets pushed into full-season ball.

On the Upswing:

Cory Spangenberg, 2B (Low-A Fort Wayne) – It’s no secret that Spangenberg has struggled since his promotion from Eugene.  While his .193/.260/.239 triple slash in Fort Wayne appears abysmal, the 9^th overall pick has had three-straight multi-hit games and is nearing the end of the longest playing stretch of his life.

Simon Castro, RHP (Double-A San Antonio) – Three-straight good starts have many wanting to see him get another crack at the Pacific Coast League.  Until Castro can prove his composure and makeup can hold against top-level competition the Padres will continue to be slow to advance him.

Jeudy Valdez, SS (High-A Lake Elsinore) – He’s improved every month this season offensively, but Valdez is yet to answer many questions on defense.

Signs of Struggling:

Anthony Rizzo, 1B (Triple-A Tucson) – He caught on fire upon returning to Tucson, but has since cooled off to a .226/.317/.484 line in his last 10 games.  San Diego is watching closely to see how he reacts to struggling at a level he has previously dominated.

Luis Domoromo, LF (Low-A Fort Wayne) – Domoromo has seen his OPS decline each month this season – May .841, June .833, July .702, August .445 – and may be another guy who is excited for the offseason.  He’s taken a real step forward this season and the organization is likely just happy to have him finish the season healthy.

Zach Cates, RHP (Low-A Fort Wayne) – 5.1 IP, 4 H, 5 BB, 1 K in his last start.  It’s been a rough first go-around through pro ball for Cates, but 81 strikeouts and just one home run allowed in 91.1 innings are reasons for hope.

Jason Hagerty, C (Double-A San Antonio) – 24 strikeouts in 20 games since being promoted is definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Matt Lollis, RHP (High-A Lake Elsinore) – He’s struggled with his mechanics this season, which is normal for young pitchers over 6’6” (Lollis is 6’9”).  Lollis will likely repeat High-A unless he shows the development staff some consistency next spring.

Aaron Poreda, LHP (Triple-A Tucson) – Last 10 appearances: 18.2 IP, 16 H, 19 BB, 24 K.  All of the skills are there for Poreda to at least be a situational reliever.  The only problem is that that situation has been “up by 10 runs” ever since he came to the Padres.

Other:

Matt Wisler, RHP (AZL Padres) – The projectable 7^th-round pick who signed for $500,000 has reported to Arizona and should be making his debut any day now.