Star Performer:
Keyvius Sampson, RHP (Low-A Fort Wayne) – Sampson is leaving little doubt that he is ready for more difficult competition. The 2009 4th-round pick has been a force in his last seven outings: 36.1 IP 0.76 ERA 17 H 3 ER 44 K. The only thing holding him back from a promotion may be the fact that Sampson has already surpassed his career high in innings by 56.2.
Rock Steady:
Robbie Erlin, LHP (Double-A San Antonio) – Erlin caused a major freak out this week in the Padres-fan social media community when he was pulled after just two innings in his Monday start. It was all part of a plan the San Diego front office has put in place to limit Erlin, Wieland, and Kelly’s innings pitched this season. Erlin has thrown 135.1 innings this year, 114.2 was his previous career high in 2010.
Rico Noel, CF (Low-A Fort Wayne) – Noel is absolutely on fire. With six multi-hit games in his last 10 and six stolen bases during that same period, he is beginning to turn more than a few heads in the Midwest League.
Miles Mikolas, RHP (Double-A San Antonio) – Armed with a low-90s fastball and a curveball that sits 78-80, the 6’5” 2009 7th-round pick by the Padres offers a great blend of size and arm strength. He’s only given up five home runs in 196.1 innings pitched in his pro career, a mark complimented by his 4.76 strikeout per walk rate in his three seasons. Mikolas hasn’t allowed a run in his last 12 appearances – 13IP – and may get promoted to Triple-A if the Tucson Padres’ bullpen is raided by roster expansion.
Juan Oramas, LHP (Double-A San Antonio) – Two-straight quality starts and the stuff is still plenty filthy. He seems to be too hittable given the quality of his pitches, but at 21 in Double-A he is young enough to believe the Padres have something special here.
Joe Wieland, RHP (Double-A San Antonio) – It was a very un-Wieland-like outing for the righty this week. He struck out just two batters and allowed six hits in five innings. Wieland even hit a batter for good measure. It was a positive note to see that he was able to pitch well without his best stuff.
Yoan Alcantara, OF (AZL Padres) – This is Alcantara’s second appearance in this category, this time because of a nine-game hitting streak that was snapped on Monday that saw him post a .432/.447/.865 slash line with three home runs, three triples and 15 RBI. Continue reading “Padres Prospect Rap Sheet: August 17, 2011” »
