With the 2009 season right around the corner (and not much for Padres fans to be looking forward to), there seems no better time to look to the future and break down what’s ahead.
These rankings are inclusive of the entire Padres minor league system and are my personal opinions taken from a combination of scouting reports, statistics and first-hand observations.
For each player I’ve written a scouting report summary and a short projection on where they’ll be this season.
The ages listed are baseball age (age on July 1 of the coming season) and just to recap for you the Padres’ minor league affiliates are Portland (AAA), San Antonio (AA), Lake Elsinore (A+), Fort Wayne (A), Eugene (A-) and Arizona (R). I would love to hear your feedback.
1. Kellen Kulbacki – OF
Age: 23
Acquired: 2007 draft, supplemental round (40th overall, James Madison)
Kulbacki tops this list for one reason: his bat. He had a slow start to his pro career in ‘07 adjusting to the wooden bat, but once he figured it out there has been no looking back.
Last season at Lake Elsinore, he terrorized Cal League pitching, hitting .332/.428/.589 with 20 homers in just over 300 at bats, before injuries cut his season short. There was a stretch this last summer where it just seemed unfair for opposing pitchers. He hit .405 in the month of July and .379 in the second half of the season.
Some will knock him for his defense, which is average, but he should be fine as a corner outfielder with an above average throwing arm.
2009: He’ll start the season in San Antonio and bat in the middle of the order for the Missions. I’d expect him to keep hitting and possibly earn a call-up to Portland.
2. Kyle Blanks – 1B
Age: 22
Acquired: 2004 draft, 42nd round (Moriarty (NM) HS)
Blanks was very impressive as a 21-year-old in AA, hitting .325 with 20 homers and 107 RBI with San Antonio. He’s not your typical, one-dimensional, power-hitting first baseman. He knows he can’t hit the ball out of the park every time and is a selective, good all-around hitter that chooses his pitch to drive.
Blanks is a huge man, and there will always be people that knock him due to his 6’6” 270 lb build. However defensively he’s been solid at first base and should be fine as long as he watches his weight to some extent. His future with the Padres is obviously blocked by Adrian Gonzalez.
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