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Top 25 Padres Prospects – Midseason 2012

Posted by Jeff in AZL Padres | Eugene Emeralds | Fort Wayne Tin Caps | Lake Elsinore Storm | Player Update | San Antonio Missions | Tucson Padres - (14 Comments)

This is a list of the best prospects in the Padres’ organization.  To be eligible for this list a player must still posses their rookie status.  Prospects are ranked both by their ultimate potential and the likelihood that they will reach that potential.  The easiest way to understand the rankings is to consider what order players would be selected in if the entire organization were eligible for a draft.  Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) for each prospect is when they would reach the majors if they are able to reach their potential.

If you have any questions or comments about the list, send Jeff a message or post a question to the Padres Prospects Facebook Page.

Updated: July 2012

*Yasmani Grandal, Yonder Alonso, Alexi Amarista, Anthony Bass and Joe Wieland were not eligible for this list due to their big league status*

1) Rymer Liriano – With the graduations of Grandal and Alonso, Liriano is able to reclaim his spot as the Padres’ top prospect.  A surprising midseason promotion to Double A offered a new challenge for the 21 year old who still has 20/20 potential with plus defense in right field. ETA: Late 2013

2) Keyvius Sampson – Although his stat line looks less than dominant, Sampson has had a huge year for the progression of his career.  The Padres elected to skip the 21-year-old Florida native over High A as a way to jump start his advancement through the organization after he came to camp this Spring with an improved curveball.  ETA: Late 2013

3) Jedd Gyorko – Gyorko has seen his stock rise as much as any Padres prospect this season after putting up huge numbers in San Antonio and Tucson, and a call up appears more imminent than ever.  Still, baring a trade or injury Gyorko is unlikely to see action until later in the season even with his newfound versatility as a serviceable second baseman.  ETA: 2012

4) Max Fried – Fried is making his first appearance in the Padres’ Top 25 after being selected eighth overall in the 2012 MLB Draft.  Fried is scheduled to throw about 20 innings this season in the Arizona League before his preparation for 2013 will begin.  The 18-year-old lefty offers top-of-the-rotation upside and may be benefiting in these rankings from limited play thus far.  ETA: Late 2015

5) Austin Hedges – It’s tough to say enough about how impressive Hedges’ 2012 campaign has been thus far as he’s managed to keep a respectable batting average, show an excellent approach and hit for a surprising amount of power in his first full season of professional baseball while playing elite defense behind the plate.  Hedges’ bat is much more advanced than most scouts had come to believe which could shorten his development time in a big way.  ETA: Late 2014 Continue reading “Top 25 Padres Prospects – Midseason 2012” »

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Padres Prospects First Half Review

Posted by Jeff in Fort Wayne Tin Caps | Lake Elsinore Storm | MLB Draft | Organizational Audit | Player Update | San Antonio Missions | Scouting Reports | Tucson Padres - (4 Comments)

And just like that, the first half of the minor league season is over.  It seems like just yesterday we were reporting from Spring Training and getting excited over the aggressive promotions of Edinson Rincon and Keyvius Sampson, yet here we are 90 days later with a half-season of games to look back on.

Injuries have become the calling card of 2012 on both the MLB and MiLB sides with 13 prospects from our Preseason Top 25 spending time on the disabled list.  Luckily, few of those seem very serious but the Padres seem set on letting guys like Joe Ross, Casey Kelly, Robbie Erlin and Joe Wieland take a very slow road back to live action.

Tucson Padres

Position prospects on the Tucson Padres shined offensively with Yasmani Grandal (.335/.443/.521) and the early-season promotion Jedd Gyorko (.341/.383/.592) leading the way.  Grandal has hit his way into an extended look in San Diego replacing a slumping Nick Hundley and Gyorko is expected to join him sometime in the near future. Continue reading “Padres Prospects First Half Review” »

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2012 Spring Training Notes: Peterson, Jones, Stokes, Liriano, Decker, Spangenberg

Posted by Jeff in Spring Training - (1 Comments)

This is the second installment of our 2012 Spring Training Notebook, which chronicles time spent on the backfields in Arizona watching Padres prospects.  Check back for more notes and observations on top players and batting practice, game and bullpen videos still to come.

Jace Peterson – Peterson didn’t see too much action in games while I was in Arizona.  During batting practice he showed a much quieter swing than he had featured as an amateur – a testament to Padres coaches and Peterson’s own work ethic – and had a definite athleticism to his game.

At this point the best thing for him is to get as many at bats as possible.  As has been noted before, Peterson is focusing fully on baseball for the first time in his life.  His game is raw on both sides, but the ceiling is there.  The 4.2 he ran to first on a double play was a bit lackluster, but Peterson will normally sit in the 4.0-4.1 range hitting left handed, which is above average.

I’ve heard from more than a few people in the industry who aren’t completely sold on Peterson’s baseball future, but the tools are there for him to fight his way into the Padres’ future. Continue reading “2012 Spring Training Notes: Peterson, Jones, Stokes, Liriano, Decker, Spangenberg” »

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Top 25 Padres Prospects – Preseason 2012

Posted by Jeff in AZL Padres | Eugene Emeralds | Fort Wayne Tin Caps | Lake Elsinore Storm | Player Update | San Antonio Missions | Scouting Reports | Tucson Padres - (12 Comments)

This is a list of the best prospects in the Padres’ organization.  To be eligible for this list a player must still posses their rookie status.  Prospects are ranked both by their ultimate potential and the likelihood that they will reach that potential.  The easiest way to understand the rankings is to consider what order players would be selected in if the entire organization were eligible for a draft.  Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) for each prospect is when they would reach the majors if they are able to reach their potential.

If you have any questions or comments about the list, send Jeff a message or post a question to the Padres Prospects Facebook Page.

Updated: February 2012

1) Yasmani Grandal – In his first full season as a professional, Grandal firmly established himself as a legitimate two-way catcher.  He has taken some heat for his receiving skills, but Grandal has enough athleticism and plus arm strength to at least be average defensively down the road.  Combine that with a legitimate middle-of-the-order bat and you’ve got the most intriguing player in a deep Padres system.  ETA: Late 2012

2) Yonder Alonso – Alonso earns the nod over players with higher ceilings below him because of his mix of upside and low bust potential.  With a patient approach and the ability to use all fields Alonso doesn’t quite fit the mold of the traditional first-base masher but should provide the Padres with above average production at the position for years to come. ETA: 2012 Opening Day Continue reading “Top 25 Padres Prospects – Preseason 2012” »

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Q&A with Padres Prospect Cory Spangenberg

Posted by Jeff in Player Update | Q&A - (2 Comments)

Cory Spangenberg was drafted by the Padres in the first round (9th overall) of the 2011 MLB Draft.  After quickly signing, Spangenberg began his season with the Eugene Emeralds where he reached base more often than not before receiving a promotion to Fort Wayne.  Spangenberg is preparing himself to head to Arizona this spring with his sights set on returning to the Tincaps to start the 2012 season.  You can also follow him on Twitter.

Via BBref:

Year Tm G PA R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
2011 Eugene 25 121 20 33 10 0 1 20 10 4 31 15 .384 .545 .535 1.080
2011 Fort Wayne 47 209 35 54 7 1 2 24 15 4 14 42 .286 .345 .365 .710
1 Season 72 330 55 87 17 1 3 44 25 8 45 57 .316 .419 .418 .837

In the last year you went from playing baseball at a Community College in Florida to being taken in the first round of the 2011 Draft, what has this ride been like for you? Continue reading “Q&A with Padres Prospect Cory Spangenberg” »

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Padres Organizational Audit: Second Base

Posted by Jeff in AZL Padres | Eugene Emeralds | Fort Wayne Tin Caps | Lake Elsinore Storm | Organizational Audit | San Antonio Missions | Tucson Padres - (2 Comments)

Over the next few weeks we’ll be taking a look how the Padres’ organizational talent stacks up position-by-position.  Anyone included on a roster of any of the US affiliates will be listed.  Be sure to check out the entire Organizational Audit series.

Major League Situation –

Orlando Hudson

Hudson has been the source of much controversy since arriving in San Diego last fall.  His lackluster season – .246/.329/.352 with seven home runs – has led to many questions as to why the organization decided to dedicate multiple years and millions of dollars to the former All Star.  With his trade value at an all-time low and another year on his contract there is little doubt that Hudson will be the Opening Day starter in 2012.

Logan Forsythe

Although he had never played second base as a professional until 2010, Forsythe has already become a passable defender and should profile to be above average with the glove with more experience.  He has always been able to draw his fair share of walks, but Forsythe’s disappearing power has been disappointing.  He can easily profile as a career utility guy because of his defense, but he’s going to have to fight tough competition as the Padres’ organization is flush with players who fit this profile.

Top Prospect – Continue reading “Padres Organizational Audit: Second Base” »

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Padres Prospect Scouting Report: Cory Spangenberg, 2B

Posted by Ryan in Eugene Emeralds | Fort Wayne Tin Caps | Player Update | Scouting Reports - (0 Comments)

Name: Cory Spangenberg
Report Date: 2011 NWL Season (Rookie Level)
Age: 20
Birthplace: Clark Summit, PA
Height: 6’
Weight: 195
Bats: L
Throws: R

Overview: Cory Spangenberg was the 2011 1st-round draft pick for the Padres. Although he is not the tool-laden prototype that is typically associated with a 10th overall pick, Spangenberg is the epitome of a baseball player and gets the most out of his skills while playing the game with great instincts.

Physical Attributes: Spangenberg does not stand out physically. He blends in with those around him due to his average height and weight. Watching him in warm ups you would not know this kid is a killer baseball player. He is not lighting fast, throw terribly hard or have elite bat speed. All possible doubt in his ability is erased once Spangenberg gets on the field and allows his amazing hand-eye coordination and ability to stand out.  Once he starts to add strength, his overall value will steadily increase. Continue reading “Padres Prospect Scouting Report: Cory Spangenberg, 2B” »

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Padres Prospect Mailbag: September

Posted by Jeff in AZL Padres | Eugene Emeralds | Fort Wayne Tin Caps | Lake Elsinore Storm | Mailbag | San Antonio Missions | Tucson Padres - (0 Comments)

Some questions have been slightly edited to be shorter and more direct. If you have a question for the next Padres Prospect Mailbag, shoot us an email: mailbag@padresprospects.com

Why is everybody so down on Fuentes?  He has identical numbers to last year, all be it at a higher level, when he was a key piece of the Gonzalez trade.  If he can continue to put up similar numbers in the minors and then into the Majors, he will be a prototypical player for Petco, which is what Hoyer has been looking for.  It was the kid’s first season in a new organization with a different teaching style I’m sure.  Everyone else can write this kid off, but if puts up these same numbers next year in AA I’ll be happy. – Dustin

For reference, here is Fuentes’ slash line the last two seasons:
2010 – .270/.328/.377
2011 – .275/.342/.369

The main problem here is that Fuentes went from a league that plays fairly neutral in the Sally League to the second most hitter-friendly environment in professional baseball in the California League.  The Cal League is known to inflate offensive numbers by as much as 10-15%, meaning that you really have to shave off some of Fuentes’ production to see his true performance this season.

Like I said in the August Mailbag, I still think Fuentes has the physical tools and baseball ability to be a major leaguer, but he showed inconsistent effort throughout the season leading to many question marks surrounding his game.

If Fuentes is going to bounce back in the Texas League next year – assuming he gets promoted – he is going to have to start hitting more line drives and show that he is able to make more contact in general.

I was wondering if you could give your opinion on Ross and Kelly’s high school scouting report versus Whitson’s high school report.  Specifically, where would Ross and Kelly be drafted if they were eligible for the 2010 draft? – Chris

Here are the most basic versions of scouting reports for the three pitchers:

Karsten Whitson – 3 pitches (fastball, slider and changeup) that grade out currently at solid average
Joe Ross – 2 pitches (fastball and curveball) that currently grade out at average to plus with a very under-developed changeup
Michael Kelly – 1 pitch (fastball) that grades out as solid average and a curveball that is currently a below average offering

While I think the Padres received great value with their picks this year, Ross and Kelly would both have slotted well back of Whitson if all three players were in the same draft.

If you want an overall ranking of the top high school pitchers available the last two years: Continue reading “Padres Prospect Mailbag: September” »

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Padres Prospect Mailbag: August Part 1

Posted by Jeff in AZL Padres | Eugene Emeralds | Fort Wayne Tin Caps | Lake Elsinore Storm | Mailbag | MLB Draft | Player Update | San Antonio Missions | Tucson Padres - (3 Comments)

Some questions have been slightly edited to be shorter and more direct. If you have a question for the next Padres Prospect Mailbag, shoot us an email: mailbag@padresprospects.com

Make sure you check out Part 2 of the Mailbag.

Where has Edinson Rincon been? – John

Rincon was struck by a pitch on June 25 that knocked him out of action until August 25.  He is currently rehabbing with the Padres’ Arizona League affiliate and may be a candidate for the Arizona Fall League if the Padres are concerned about getting him extra at bats before re-evaluating him in Spring Training.

It is important to remember that we may not see the normal Rincon for quite some time.  The injury he suffered – a broken Hamate bone – is known to sap a batters power severely and full recovery time for their true ability to return can be 12-18 months.  Scouts and talent evaluators love the potential that Rincon brings on offense.  He has a fluid swing that is aided by his strong wrists.  Just be prepared to possibly see a lighter-hitting Rincon than in the past.

Any thoughts on what players the Padres will send to the Arizona Fall League? – Ryan

As I mentioned above, I do believe that Rincon is a strong candidate for the AFL.

Others who could potentially make an appearance:

Simon Castro – he appeared to be on the cusp of a call up heading into the season but has experienced serious regression in his secondary offerings.  With just over 100 innings pitched on the season he has more than enough bullets left in his arm this year to pitch through the winter.

Jason Hagerty – he lacks much experience against upper-level competition so the AFL would be a great challenge for him.

Cody Decker – he missed almost three months of live action.  Now that his ankle is fully healed the Padres would like to get him as much experience as possible so that his promotion path is not delayed.  Still, even with some AFL experience another year in San Antonio is not out of the question for the undersized first baseman.

Jaff Decker – he has already surpassed his career-high in games, but with his struggles in adjusting to a new stance the Peoria native may be asked to play some extra baseball over the offseason.

Like every other team the Padres will send six players, two of which can be from lower than Double-A if the team so chooses. Continue reading “Padres Prospect Mailbag: August Part 1” »

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Padres Prospect Rap Sheet: August 24, 2011

Posted by Jeff in AZL Padres | Eugene Emeralds | Fort Wayne Tin Caps | Lake Elsinore Storm | Player Update | Prospect Rap Sheet | San Antonio Missions | Tucson Padres - (2 Comments)

Star Performer:

Cory Spangenberg, 2B (Low-A Fort Wayne) – Although he looked like a man among boys in the Northwest League in his first taste of pro ball, Spangenberg struggled to make adjustments during his first 20 games in Fort Wayne.  Since August 6, Spangenberg has posted a .414/.443/.603 slash line in 58 at bats with two home runs, three doubles and a triple.  With this late-season push, he may be in line for an aggressive placement in Lake Elsinore to begin next year if the Padres are satisfied with his progress next spring.  Spangenberg has benefited more than any other 2011 draftee in the experience and value he has gained by signing early.  While many August 15 signees may see 10-15 late season at bats, Spangenberg has already appeared in 59 games and has thrust himself into the conversation among the Top 100 prospects in baseball.

Rock Steady:

Jonathan Galvez, 2B (High-A Lake Elsinore) – With so much of the Padres’ offensive organizational talent residing either with corner infielders or raw, young athletes, there is a legitimate case to be made that Galvez could be the best up-the-middle bat in the system.  With 34 doubles, 13 home runs and 35 stolen bases this season as a 20-year-old Galvez provides a skill set that is difficult to come by at second base.

Jeudy Valdez, SS (High-A Lake Elsinore) – Valdez seems to be making it his personal mission to make me look dumb for leaving him off the August edition of the Organization Top 25.  This month he is carrying a .357/.417/.595 slash line in 22 games.

Rymer Liriano, RF (Low-A Fort Wayne) – What more is there to say about Liriano? A nine-game hitting streak and seven stolen bases during that time has brought his impressive season line to .328/.390/.508 with 11 home runs and 59 stolen bases as a 20-year-old in the pitching-dominated Midwest League.

Kevin Quackenbush, RHP (Low-A Fort Wayne) – Emilio continues his onslaught against professional hitters.  Not only has he not allowed a run since being promoted to Fort Wayne, but Quackenbush has a 0.26 ERA in 34 innings as a pro and has struck out 56 batters over that period. Continue reading “Padres Prospect Rap Sheet: August 24, 2011” »

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