|
"Our catching has never been stronger. We have
16
good left-handed pitchers in the system. Michael
Johnson (a first baseman, who
was a second-round pick in 2002) is emerging,
finally coming out of his shell.
Paul McAnulty can flat hit, and I honestly believe
Matt Bush has a chance to be
great."
-Kevin Towers on the Padres' farm system
The 2006 Top 10: (Full List Coming
Soon)
1. Cesar Carrillo
2. George Kottaras
3. Jared Wells
4. Cesar Ramos
5. Chase Headley
6. Nick Hundley
7. Sean Thompson
8. Colt Morton
9. Matt Bush
10. Yordany Ramirez
(Josh Barfield, Freddy Guzman, Ben Johnson and Paul McAnulty are no
longer considered prospects)
2005 Top 55 Padres' Prospects:
Note: After the top 25, most players are ranked by
their proximity to reaching the Majors, and their order is therefore interchangeable
 Josh Barfield- 2B: The Padres' future secondbasemen is now
in AAA, and will replace Mark Loretta in 2006 or 2007 or possibly earlier, depending on how long Loretta sticks
around. The 6-0, 185-pound Barfield is the 22-year old son of former big-leaguer Jesse Barfield. He is very good at making adjustments and as he grows he will develop into a
middle of the order hitter with 25+HRs. He has sure hands, good instincts and average speed. His footwork and arm aren't great,
which have raised questions and have some scouts thinking of him as a corner OF. And also if he keeps growing
he could find himself in the OF. At the plate, he needs to become more patient, which slowly he has. He's developing into
solid .300 line-drive hitter, similar to Loretta. From MLB.com:
"Barfield missed most of Spring Training last year, which led to a slow start. It took him most of April to get his timing back, then he had to adjust to the rigors of the Southern League. Barfield does have to learn to make adjustments at the higher levels, now that he's facing pitchers who will find his weaknesses. The year wasn't a total loss. Even though Barfield finished with just a .248 average after hitting .337 in 2003, it's worth pointing out he was going from a hitter's league to a pitching-friendly one. And he still led the organization with 90 RBIs. Barfield rebounded to hit .319 in the Arizona Fall League and while his star may have faded somewhat outside the organization, his prospect status hasn't dropped one iota internally. He'll move up to Triple-A, still as a second baseman, in 2005." More Even More
 Freddy Guzman- CF: Scouts from around the league rank him very high. He is the Padres' CF of the future, with speed as
his largest assest. Unfortunately, he's still not major league ready, and his progress has been slowed by arm injuries since
the end of last year. It's now possible he may miss this entire season and at the minimal a total of 10-12 weeks. A decent
hitter, he led the PCL in SB with 48 (he stole 17 more earlier in Mobile). He has great defense, but an average arm.
He was set to be leading for the Padres this season until the acquisition of Dave Roberts. Instead, he will start the season
in Portland to hone his batting skills (mainly to make contact more consistently) because he was overmatched in a cup
of coffe with the Padres last season. Armed with a solid understanding of the strike zone, he can be very dangerous. The goal
is produce a Jaun Pierre out of Guzman, but he must refine his raw skills and put the ball in play more often at
the major league level to do that. Tye Waller, the Padres' director of player personnel, said Guzman would be "an upgrade,"
both defensively and as a base-stealer, over many center fielders in the big leagues. "Offensively, plate discipline would
determine how effective he would be," Waller said. Waller also said he has great instincts on the basepaths and is incredibly
agressive. "He's a combination of quick and fast. He's so quick off the mark that he gets up to full speed very quickly, and
then explodes to the base," said Waller. And like the ideal basestealer Ricky Henderson, Guzman is a brazen and cocky. Guzman
was called up last August and got off to a quick start with a hit in his first AB, after a strong first week and hits in 9
out of 9 games, his last 5 were poor. His defense was average not spectacular. He was sent down on August 6th. If he is able
to return this season, and play well at Portland, he could be tabbed as the opening day CF for 2005.
-
 Tim Stauffer-SP: Honesty was the best policy for the 6-1, 214 lb. Stauffer who forefeited millions when he told the Padres,
that he would need shoulder surgery before signing in 2003 for a 700K bonus with the Padres rather than a 2.6M bonus.
He is armed with a low ninties fastball that has good movement, as well as a 3 slightly above-average off-speed pitches: a change, a knucklecurve, and a cut fastball; he also will
throw an occasional slider. More importantly he has phenomenal control and command of all his pitches. Scouts
have also given Stauffer, who is completely developed physically, credit for his work ethic and pitching knowledge. In his first season, he ended in Triple-A Portland thanks to
his ahead of the curve pitching smarts, going 6-3 with a 3.54 ERA in 14 starts there. Overall for the season, he had a 2.89ERA
to lead all Padres' minor league hurlers. Stauffer will likely be the #3 or #4 starter for the Padres in 2006, though
he could warrant a late season call-up this year if he stays healthy, which did in his first pro season. -
 George Kottaras- C: An
almost 22-year old Canadian catcher and member of the 2004 Greek Olympic Baseball Team, he is a left-handed hitter
with high on-base perecentage that batted .310 with seven home runs and 24 RBIs in just 78 games last season for Fort Wayne.
The Padres gave him a bonus of $375,000 after selecting him in
the 2002 draft out of Connors State (OK) CC, and he accepted, thus turning down an offer from the University of Florida. In
his first year at Idaho Falls, Kottaras hit .259/.476/348, but greatly impressed the Padres with his plate discipline and
ability to hit the ball hard. Defensively he exhibited a strong arm, and threw out 36 percent of base stealers. He
has already leapfroged the Padres' 3rd-round pick of 2003, Colt Morton and if he starts this year off hot, he could leapfrog
Nick Trzesniak and be the starting catcher at AA by the end of the year. Scouts say his throwing and defense need to
be improved, but he is a decent hitter he takes what pitchers give him, according to Tye Waller. But, with the trade of Humberto
Quintero, he becomes the best defensive catcher in the organization, as well. "We love George Kottaras and think he's one
of the best prospects in the game," KT has said of him. "I think George will be our next everyday catcher. We really like
him a lot. He's a pure hitter, he can catch and throw."The ball jumps off his bat with his easy approach and he has the potential
to develop into a power-hitter. He will need to also continue to build up strength for the daily grind behind the plate. At
age 21, he is still a couple years away from the bigs, but he will be there eventually.
-
 Travis Chick-SP: After
being acquired for Ismael Valdez last summer, he started seven games, won five, and also had 55 strikeouts in 42IP, while issuing only nine base on balls with a 2.13
ERA with Fort Wayne. In total, he struck out 167 batters and walked 36. Chick was the fourteenth pick of the Marlins in 2002 out of Whitehorse High School in Whitehorse, Texas. A power and control pitcher, he has great control
of his low to mid 90s fastball (the best in the Pads' system), unlike many others in the system. Chick also sports an above-average
slider in his repertoire, along with an average, but developing change. Scouts are mainly impressed with his pinpoint accuracy. He
should spend most of the year with the Baybears this season, but could possibly find his way to Portland despite being just
20 years old. The 6-3, 220 pounder is likely to end up in a Major League rotation by 2007.
-
 Justin William Germano- SP: The 22-year old, 6-1, 200 Pasadena native was
very effective in 2 starts with Padres in May, but came down with an arm injury during his September call-up. He contended
for the fifth starter's spot during ST, and would be the stater recalled from AAA should an injury occur to one of the Padres'
starters. A good fastball and curve aid his cause, but his stuff is considered average by most scouts. All in all, he had
a 2.51ERA in Mobile during 5 starts, then he went 9-5 for the Beavers last year with a 3.38 ERA in 20 starts. For the Padres in 2004, he
was 1-2 with an 8.86 ERA. Said KT, "Considering his age and that (the Pacific Coast League) is known
as a hitter's league, that's very impressive...One of our scouts, Ken Bracey, said it was as good a curveball as you'll see
in the minor leagues, and he commanded his fastball. He's a special young kid." If he can maintain that command of his fastball,
and stay healthy, then he could be decent back of the rotation starter in the Majors.
-
 Sean Thompson-SP:
The 22-year old lefty, who stands 5-11, and weighs just 160 lbs. is cleary the top left-handed starter in the Pads' system.
His performance in 2004 earned him a jump from Low-A all the way to AA this season. He also possess the best curveball in
the Padres' minor league system. Added to the 40-man roster over the winter, in 148 innings pitched, Thompson struck out 157
(tops in the Padres system), while walking only 57 on his way to a 9-6 record with a 3.10 ERA. Tye Waller has said of Thompson,
""The guy had a great year...we really wanted to see him command his fastball well. He has a plus curveball (the best in the
Pads' system), a plus change..." In 21 of his starts, Thompson allowed two earned runs or less. In 15 of those he gave up
one earned run or less. He was drafted out of Thunder Ridge, High School in Denver, Colorado. This season in Mobile he will
be expected to improve his control and limit the walks. He'll also be hoping that is low to mid-80s fastball, that occasionally
touches the low 90s, is enough to dominate the higher levels of the minor league chain. Thompson should be in Portland
next season and in the middle of the Pads' rotation in two years. "He's a guy who has to use his fastball(that
resides in the mid-80s). He's got a good changeup, got a nice breaking ball - actually I think a major-league breaking ball
- but how he uses that fastball to set up those pitches will determine how successful he'll be." (FACT:
Thompson was the only pitcher to start the season on the Wizards' roster and end the year on it.)
-
 Brad Baker-RP: The 6-2, 180 pounder from Vermont is the likely the Padres' future closer
or at least setup man for possible future closer Scott Linebrink, Baker is major-league ready. Armed with low-90s fastball,
a strong curve and devasting Trevor Hoffman-like change, he
throws strikes consistently, though he still needs better command of his curve and a low-90s fastball. He has racked up 46
saves the last two seasons since bging acquired from
Boston in 2002, including 34 last year to lead the system. That's something KT loves. Baker posted a 1.57 ERA over 55 appearances
in Double-A and a .91 ERA in 8 app. with a 1-0 record in AAA. He also has 568 strikeouts in 557 innings in six-year minor league career. He's
expected to reach the Padres' bullpen by the end of the season and be a mainstay in the future.
-
 Paul McAnulty- 1B/DH/RF/LF: The 24-year old power-hitting 1B is a local product. Unfortunately, he is
not strong defensively and is carried by his bat, despite his on-going workout routine that has gotten him into much better
shape than his first two pro seasons. In his first pro year out of Long Beach State as the 12th rounder in 2002, he won
the rookie league batting title. At the plate, McAnulty was steadily consistent. In his worst month, he batted .283
and his best month he swatted .337. He led the Storm in most major categories:
homers (23), RBI's (87), runs scored (98), walks (88), doubles (36), and
hits (147). His walk total tied for the California League lead and his .404 on
base percentage was good for fourth in the league. "Here
is a guy that believes he can hit," said Tye Waller. "If you talk to him he will
tell you so. That goes a long way - believing you can put the bat on the ball.
He would even have had better numbers if he had someone around him to force the
opposition to pitch to him." He could be a very strong DH somehwere in the AL in the future. He had a strong performance in
the AFL (.353/.647), but still will need some fine-tuning even though he has made it to the 40-man roster. This year he's
at Mobile to prove that he's the organization's best pure hitter. Next year, he should be in Portland to show that he can
be an everday major leaguer.
-
 Matthew Bush: SS- The 19-year old screw up is learning to reduce the uppercut in
his swing that he used to hit HRs at Mission Bay High. Being tall and lanky, he will have to learn to put the ball in play
before hitting HRs. And like Khalil Greene, the Padres want him to get to balls quicker and rely less on his amazing
throwing arm. He should eventually end up on "Web Gems" every night like Khalil Greene, but he will need to produce consistently
on offense to be a quailty regular, something he did not achieve in rookie ball. Bush was drafted far more for his defensive
ability than his offense with the first overall
pick in the 2004 draft. Straight out of high school, he struggled in rookie
ball, but has jumped to Low-A Fort Wayne this year. While Bush did show some
patience at the plate last year, his numbers offensively were not good overall.
He is armed with the best arm in the Pads' system, and hopefully it will
make up for what has been lackluster defense so far. Once he shortens his swing
and learns the nuances of the game, the Padres are confident his tools will help
him evolve into an everyday shortstop. He has already committed 5 errors this
season including 3 in one game. In attendence for that game was Bill Byrk, a special
assistant to Kevin Towers. Bush was batting .204/.235/.265 thru 11 games in
Fort Wayne. While he's not a bust yet, at only 19 years old, he'll be expected to
start producing next season.
-
 Taggert Bozied-1B- Despite his freak injury forcing him to miss the final two months
of the AAA season, he showed some terrific power in Portland last season and hopefully in 2005, he will be able to control
those HR celebrations. Prior to the injury, he hit .315 with 16HRs and 58RBIs in just 213 at-bats. Bozied, though a top prospect
is blocked by the likes of Ryan Klesko and Phil Nevin. He could be the heir to Phil Nevin, once Nevin's contract expires after
2006, but Tagg would suffice as trade bait during this season. However, Tagg is pretty much ready to play in the big leagues,
should the need arise. He will start 2005 on the DL, but he still projects as at least
a big league backup by 2006, if not by the end of this season.
-
 Jon Knott-LF: The 26-year old, lanky OF hailing from Nokomis, Florida supplied the
bulk of Portland's HRs last season. Should an OF become injured during this season,
Knott will likely be the one summoned from the Minors. In a cup of coffe last
season, he hit .214 in nine games with the Padres. But in Portland last season,
he batted .290 with 26 HRs and 85 RBIs. He was signed out of a tryout camp
as a non-drafted FA, and was a longshot to make a big league team, but he already
has. Because there isn't too much room for him at the big league level it's
very possible he could be packaged in a trade sometime this season, despite the
fact most scouts aren't high on him, despite his performance. Knott is pretty smart keeping a notebook on every pitcher he
has faced since his college days at Miss. State. "His age and lack of strong defense limit his grade to C+, but his bat is
for real," says John Sickels.
 Chris Oxspring-SP: The
27-year old Aussie Olympian went 6-4 with a 3.99ERA in 2004 during 17 starts, all at Portland. He also accumulated 81 strike
outs in 85 1/3 IP. Since joing the Padres in 2001, he has mostly been a SP, but most experts project him as relief pitcher.
Last August, he helped Team Australia to the gold medal game at the Athens Olympics by shutting out Japan for six and
two third innings. He and his squad went on to win the silver medal. He alo earned IBF Player of the Year honors. In his first
year in AAA, after being signed out of the Frontier League in 2000, the righthander put up impressive numbers. Oxspring battled
a couple injuries, but finished stong in 2004. Armed with the best slider in the Padres system, he's still behind Steve Sparks
and Justin Germano on the depth chart. But being on the 40-man roster, gives him an edge over Tim Stauffer.
 Ben Johnson- OF: The 24-year
old power-hitting OF did his job to impress the Padres' brass during the Arizona Fall League, as well as during Major League
Spring Training, where he batted .400. Fitting the physique of a football player, he has been recognized by Baseball America
as the "Best Athelete" in the Pads' system. Last season in AA Mobile, Johnson batted .251 with 23 HRs and 85 RBIs, but struck
out 136 times in 136 games. The strikeouts will need to come down, as the Padres' continue to try to stress patience at the
plate with their minor league hitters. The Memphis, Tennessee native is still a year away from a big-league callup, but he
should help lead Portland to a PCL title in the now. Tye Waller: "Ben is basically the same type of player as Barfield and
Sain. Ben is still a very young player, and his power is starting to show up. Like Josh and Greg, he needs to get better plate
discipline and still needs to improve in other areas as well. It is important that he continues to refine his game ever more
and develop into a guy that can hit 20 to 25 home runs. Again, he is so young you never really know what he may develop into."
He finally put his many great skills to use in 2004, and will have to show the Padres' he can do it again 2005 especially
after he opened a lot of eyes during the AFL and Spring Training.
 Chris Kolkhorst- OF: He steadily
imrpoved last season coming out Rice, and one of college's best baseball programs. He hit over .340 and showed patience at
the plate. Kolkhorst was also perfect defensively last season, and that is something he considers a strong point. He was also
able to master all three outfield spots, though he prefers rightfield. With some work, he can quickly develop into what Ben
Johnson is right now. He does not have many tools, but should fall into a Matt Stairs type of mold when he reaches the Majors.
 Wilmer Villatoro- RP:
The flame-thrower with a 92-94MPH fastball he is the set-up man for the Storm once again. As a setup man last season for Storm
closer Dale Thayer, he was as dominant as Scott Linebrink at the Cal League level. If continues to throw gas and blow by hitters
at AA this year, he could be in the big leagues by 2006 as a middle reliever.
 Leo Rosales- RP:
Armed with a decent fastball and a plus breaking ball, he had a terrific year as closer for the Wizards in 2004 (well, at
least for the last three months). Rosales opened lasts season in extended ST after not being assigned to any club. Eventually,
he was tabbed as the Wizards' closer in June. He'll be working in the same capacity for the Storm this year, and hoepfully
with the same results. Most likely, he'll be a middle relief man somewhere in the big leagues within two or three seasons
as long he continues to command his fastball and keep walks at a minimal. In 53 appearances in Fort Wayne, Rosales posted
a 6-1 record with a 1.40 ERA and 26 saves. He struck out 66 batters while allowing just 38 hits and 15 walks in 57 2/3 innings.
Rosales has gone 9-2 with a 1.90 ERA and 29 saves while striking out 124 batters in 100 2/3 innings in his two pro years.
Rosales keeps hitters off balance with a steady diet of high-80s fastballs and then mixing in 77-mph, Hoffman-like changeups.
He also as an average slider that tops out in the mid-80s. But more importantly, he throws all of those pitches for strikes
consistently. "He spots his fastball well, and he commands the strike zone," Tye Waller has said. "If you can throw any pitch
at any time in the count, you have a chance to succeed."
 JJ Furmaniak- SS/3B/2B:
At 6 feet tall Jason Joesph had a breakout year in 2004, after being promoted from Mobile to Portland. Born in Blingbrook,
IL, JJ in his 6th season with the Pods' he has sparkled with the bat showing a power stroke hitting 15+ HRs. Unfortunately,
defensively Furmaniak has committed tons of errors. His defense needs to improve, until then he will continued to be viewed
as a major league utility player. JJ was signed by scout Bob Cummings when he was selected in the 22nd round of the 2000 draft.
He has decent speed and needs to improve with his patience at the plate. He spent time in the Mexican league playing 2B, SS
and 3B over the winter and this season, should an INF come down with an injury, he's likely to get a call-up.
"He's a blue-collar guy who quietly goes about his business
and has kind of been overshadowed," Padres minor league field coordinator Bill Bryk said. "He has some power, he's
playing solid defense and he has some tools. It used to be that he'd be too tight and would blow the routine play, but he's
come out of that." At 25 years of age, 190 pound Furmaniak has quickly moved up the Padres' chain. He started last season in Mobile, but after being called up to Portland in appeared in 120 games, where he batted just under .300 with 17HRs and 73RBIs. His arm is very strong, and is defense
was stellar last season, committing just five
errors has the everyday SS. To start this season he will mostly be playing 3B--for the first time since 2002-- with Damian Jackson and Jeese Garcia (now in the big leagues) manning SS. A 22nd-round pick from a Division II school isn't supposed to make it to the big leagues, let alone the upper levels of the minors, but he should be an exception. The Padres added him to their 40-man roster over the winter to protect him from the Rule V Draft. “We’ve always liked
the guy,” Tye Waller has said of Furmaniak.
“His thing is consistency.” (FACT: Of the 21 players the Padres' selected ahead of Furmaniak in the 2000 draft, only 2 remain with the organization: X-Nady and Justin Germano.)
 Vern Sterry- SP: With a 5-to-1
strikeout to walk raio, it's easy to see why the Padres like him. He believes his key to success is location for all of his
pitches: a 4 high-80s four-seamer, a breaking ball and a changepiece. He's not a power pitcher, but a strike thrower, and
that's something that can help him advance up the chain very fast.
 William
"Billy" "Buzz" "Killer" Killian- C: Killian, who calls cathing his passion, got 135 at-bats in the rookie league
and hit .230 . He earned a late-season callup to Portland for their playoff run and appeared for 7 at-bats, but no defensive
innings. Though he struggled with the Arizona heat, the youngster has shown great poise behind the plate. He's also coming
along with power. Expect him to follow George Kottaras right up the system, as soon as his bat starts to progress..otherwise,
he'll be tabbed into the Humberto Quintero mold. "The high school catcher is a really gritty, blue-collar kind of worker.
He's a good receiver behind the plate, with power potential when he's at it. He'll need to work on his approach at the plate
to handle certain pitches, but the Padres are willing to be patient with his bat because his defense is already advanced.
He was rewarded for his hard work with a quick backup stint in Portland when there was a need for a catcher." FACT: His father,
William, is a part-time scout for the Padres.
 Fabian Jimenez- SP: The 18-year-old
from Cartagena, Colombia was the lone lefty on the Fort Wayne roster to open the season. Through the first two weeks of the
season, he had earned two of the team's first four victories. The Padres lack an abundance of quailty south-paws, but Jimenez
is one gem they do have. Despite, a 6.95ERA in his rookie year in 2004, he has drawn the praise of many scouts and baseball
officials. Kevin Towers recently said, "Jimenez is three or four years away, but he has a chance to be real good."
- Benjamin Krosschell- RHP: A 16th round pick in 2004 out of high school, he holds tremendous talent and
upside. As he starts to fill out his stilld eveloping body, we'll learn a little more about him. He struck out 54 and walked
19 last season. He also had a team-high 7 wild pitches. It's believed the Padres want to refine his devlivery to get him to
throw more strikes, mainly with his fastball, slider combination. This season in short season Eugene, he'll be taught skills
that should help advance him slowly through the system and make a top prospect out of him.
 Rusty Tucker- LHP: The
flame-throwing lefty would have been in the Pods' bullpen this year if not for Tommy John surgery. He spent
most of the 2004 season rehabbing except for a short stint in Lake Elsinore at the end of the year. His velocity came back
during the instructional league in late September, as he hit the low 90's on the radar gun. He should
pan out into a valuable lefty for the Padres' out of the bullpen. Tye Waller said over the winter, "If Tucker continues to
progress, he could be with San Diego next year, but he could also start as low as Double-A if his velocity doesn't get back
up to the mid-90s and he doesn't regain his slider." Currently, he's struggling in Mobile. Going 0-1 in 6 games, he's pitched
6 innings allowing 5 hits and 4ER, while walking 6 and striking out 7.
 Kennard
(Ka-nard) Jones- OF: The speedster quickly
moved up the Pods' charts, but took a major step backwards in 2004. He is not as quick as Freddy Guzman, but has
better offensive numbers overall. He is candidate to be traded in the future, if he can bring his stock back up in 2005.
Gifted with many tools, he fails to put those tools to use on the
field. A speedster, he'll spend another year at Mobile to harness his talent. He's a fast baserunner, with a Juan Pierre-like
work ethic, but he's not smart on the basepaths, which has
led to high CS totals. Scouts also say that his plate disicpline,
which used to be a strength for him, no longer accompanies him. And he doesn't have much power either, which hurts him in
the long run. Agent: Rick Oliver
 Michael Johnson- 1B/DH:
Johnson was the second round pick in 2002 out of Clemson. His teammate Khalil Greene was the Pads' first round pick. He turned
down a 900K bonus and returned to Clemson, but then signed for a 500K bonus a few weeks before the 2003 draft. Despite injuries
over his first two seasons, the 24-year old lefty slugger is still thought of highly. MJ has played his entire professional
career at high Class A Elsinore and has slugged 23 RBIs in 12 games so far this season, including 4 in one game alone, with
averages of .298/.362/.702. Expected to hit HRs, he has turned into a line-drive hitter and needs to improve defensively.
But, if continues on his current tear he could challenge Paul McAnulty for playing time in Mobile by mid-season, thus allowing
him to start moving up the chain. Agent: Don Mitchell
 Fernando Valenzuela Jr.-
1B/DH: The Son of former Friar Fernando Valenzuela, he's a force to reckon with on offense, but he's very similar
to Paul McAnulty, which doesn't help him in the Padres' organization. “He was consistent,” Tye Waller said of
his 2004 campaign. “He was the one guy that you kind of knew what you were going to get, day in and day out. He is a
solid defender and a solid hitter that uses the whole field.” He hit .294 with 81 RBIs and 56 walkes. He fanned
63 times and managed at .373OBP. Unfortunately, the burly Valenzuela much like his father can't run and his extremely
poor defensively. Not blessed with quick feet, he's slow around the base, though the Padres believe he's very mobile for his
5-10, 210 frame.. This season he and Michael Johnson are platooning between firstbase and DH, with MJ get most of the PT on
the field. If he continues to hit, an eye will be kept on him, but his future remains a question.
 R.D. Spiehs- RP: He had a strong showing in the AFL this past off-season. Spiehs uses a low 90s fastball
along with a "killer" slider to get hitters out. "He has the ability to make really good hitters look really bad," Bevo's
pitching coach Gary Lance says about him. If he continues to throw strikes, he should be in Portland by mid-season and the
Majors as a middle reliever sometime next season.
 Natanael
Mateo- RP: The hard-thrower has the stuff to become a middle reliever in the big leagues.
 Daryl Jones- 1B: The raw power-hitter
showed good poise and instincts in 2004 in rookie ball. If he continues to develop and mature, he could be someone to watch.
" 'He has a very quiet approach,' Lopez said, 'but he'll hit and hit for both average and power.' Most of Jones' pop is to
the opposite field, as he stays back on breaking balls well and takes pitches the other way. He needs work on his defense
but should be a quality first baseman in time." (From BA) Jones at just 17 years ago showed a lot of potential with
his bat last season. He received a 375K bonus as the final of the Friars' three high shcoolers in the first 3 rounds. He was
bound to CS-Fullerton, but decided to go for the Padres. If his bat, which has sprayed hits to all fields, continues to come
along "This made three straight high schoolers for the Padres. Jones is very young (turned 18 in September) tall and
lanky, reminding some of a young Derrek Lee. He has a very quick bat and tremendous power potential. During a workout at PETCO
Park, Jones hit balls into the upper deck in left field. He made great strides with the glove in his debut in the Arizona
League and could become an impact-type bat down the road."
 Corey Smith- 3B: A 3B converted into
an OF, he was expected to do so much when drafted as a first-rounder by CLE with the 20th pick in 2000, but he amounted to
not very much. With the Padres, he will try to put his career back on the right path, though it will be hard for him to find
a place on the big-league roster for the Pods anytime soon. "He's a very good player," said Mobile
manager Gary Jones. Jones has said Smith has all the tools: quickness, size, power, running ability, footwork and a strong
arm. "He just needs to play and grow and develop. You know, there is no timetable on getting to the big leagues. Everybody
always wants to put a label on guys, saying they're not doing this and they're not doing that, but anytime you've got as much
ability and talent as he's got, you don't give up on that guy. He's got time to get to the big leagues. He's going to play
in the big leagues."
 Daniel Moore- LHP: The Pods' 2nd rounder in 2003 out of UNC, the The 6-5, 225-pound Moore pitched
in only seven games and 25 2/3 innings last season (four at Fort Wayne and three at Peoria) while rehabbing from a strained
shoulder. "Moore's a mid-90s fastball guy," KT said of during the Spring. "He had a little setback last season, but he's throwing
better, learning to change speeds."
"We love Moore's size, arm motion and durability," Bill Gayton said just after he was
drafted. "He's big and strong with a fastball from 92-93 (mph). And he throws three pitches for strikes. He has a great change-up
and curve."
“The only way they improve is when they get out and compete in everyday situations,” Tye Waller
has said. If not for his lapses, he would have been in AA now, along with Tim Stauffer, who despite injuries has already made
it to AAA. Over the winter he worked on a slider, which is becoming his best pitch to complement his low to mid-90s fastball,
which he also needs to establish more command of. Said the U-T's Tom Krasovic a year ago: "The Padres have gained
little out of their second-round draft choices in the last 15 years. Left-handed pitcher Daniel Moore, selected in the second
round last year, isn't going to improve their luck any time soon. Moore, 21, was put on the disabled list yesterday with rotator
cuff tendinitis. With low Single-A Fort Wayne, he'd gone 1-3 with a 7.41 ERA. Moore, who had a 6.14 ERA last year, signed
for $800,000 after being chosen 41st overall. " Jim Callis on the lefty: " He has very good size (6-foot-5, 232 pounds),
has touched 94 mph and shows three good pitches at times. But they're inconsistent and he's had to dial his fastball down
to the low 80s to throw more strikes. I do think his chances are enhanced by going to the Padres, as they're done a good job
refining and developing pitchers. "
 Jared
Wells- SP: Wells has lots of talent, but has struggled to perform on the field. Despite a high-90s fastball, many
scouts have questioned his desire and work ethic. They say he's arrogant and that affects him when he's pitching. KT is very
high on the right starter who has suffered some injuries that past few seasons. Between Lake Elsinore and Fort wayne, he went
8-12, with a 4.25ishERA in 27 games and about 150IP. He struck out slightly more than a 100 batters and walked 49. The hard
thrower struggles with his control. Says, Jim Callis,"There are few true No. 1 starters, and I'm not going to put that label
on him. He has a 92-94 mph fastball that hit 97 during the spring, his arm action and body are good and his secondary pitches
are fine. " One of the few power pitchers in the Padres' farm system, Wells was disappointment in 2004. He suffered several
injuries and did not put up numbers to coincide with his terrific stuff. Wells must starting translating what he has to into
getting outs on the mound."
- Ryan Klatt- LHP: Beleaguered by injuries, the Padres have always been high on him. If not good for anything
else, an injry to him last season forced Leo Rosales into the closer role, which allowed Rosalaes to emerge into a high ranking
prospect. Prior to his injury, he was 4-0 with 3 saves and a 4.79ERA in 25 games. He never returned from his injury. He was
named a Mid-West league All-Star for those numbers. If he stays healthy, he's one of the better lefties in the system.
 Javier Martinez- RHP: He missed the entire 2004 season due to shoulder surgery. He resumed throwing over
the winter in the Mexican Pacific League. Three years ago Padres' brass described him as good as Oliver Perez. But, now 22
he'll have to get back on the radar with a strong season, as well as by reviving his mid-90s fastball. If he does so, he'll
once again be considered a legititmate top prospect. Back in 2003 he was 6-3 with a 3.23ERA in 16 games with the Storm. So
far this season with the Storm, he is 0-1 in 9IP during 2 starts. He has allowed 13 hits and 10 runs, but has struck out 10
and walked only a single batter.
 Clay Hensley- SP: Currently suspended for steroid use, the right advanced to AAA this year, after spending
a year in Mobile where he pitched very well. More info to come.
 Luis
Cruz- SS: The best defensive INF in the Pads' system Cruz, he is considered a fringe prospect. Infield instructor
Tony Franklin says Cruz, a 20-year-old from Mexico currently in Mobile, compares favorably with former Padre Chris Gomez.
"He has a little better tools than Go-Go and as good of a feel for the game," Franklin said. He was an All-Star last year
with the Storm, and contributed offensively throughout the year. He has some pop, but struggles to hit for average with consistency.
He should be a major league utility player.
 Clayton Hamilton- SP: As an
18th round pick out of Penn State, Hamilton was shaky and impressive last year in Eugene. He missed the early part of the
season because of broken right foot, an injury suffered while in college. Only 22 years old, he received a promotion to Mobile
in the final week of the season to make a spot-start as the Baybears prepared for the playoffs. He allowed five hits and just
1ER in 5 innings, along with 6K's in that start. On his performance, "That gave me a lot of confidence that they had that much faith
in me," he said. "Pitching the way I did only added to my confidence." Armed with a 95-mph heater, the Padres are wondering
whether to convert him into a closer. He spent time in the Instructional League after the season and will start this year
at Fort Wayne, though he is likely to end up in Lake Elsinore. He exceeded all expectations last season and
in Fort Wayne this year, he will be expected to do the same. “They say the first year in the organization they just
want to kind of see where you are at with what you got,” said Hamilton. “Maybe make minor adjustments but don’t
change things too much so they can get a feel for who you are when you get here and what they think you can be after they
work with you.” "I've got a fastball, slider, and I'm working on a change. I just mix it in every now and again right
now. I'm working on it, it will be an effective pitch eventually, but I don't want to get beat by my third best pitch." Hamilton
should be in Lake Elisnore next season. As his development continues, he could become a legitimate prospect.
 Jonathon Ellis- RHP: "Ellis is
a big kid with a good arm, but because of the workload he had at The Citadel, his arm was a little tired last summer. As a
result, the Padres shut him down early and will get a better look at what they've got this (year)."
 Brian Whitaker- SP: With a strong fastball, he is in the Brian Lawrence mold
of pitchers. He has lots of velocity and his a command pitcher."Great sinkerball," Bryk said. "He could come
quickly." Last year, Whitaker moved up to AA after starting the year at Lake Elsinore, where he finished strong with the lowest
ERA in the system last year.
 Eddie Bonine- SP: The young righty with a knucklecurve has a lot of talent, but struggles to get out jams, and insteads
makes them into big, long innings. Bonine also has a mid-90s fastball and could develop into a Tim Wakefieldish pitcher. He
is now in Lake Elsinore for his second season, and if he starts to control himself, he could rise up the chain quickly.
 Luke Steidlmayer- SP: The
6-5, 190 pounder is very similar to Andy Ashby. Not only in the kind of stuff he throws, but the way they both have seemed
to never come of the DL. He has a low-90s fastball that he commands well. After missing all of last year with TJ surgery,
he worked in the Instructional League to get himslef back up to speed. “He is another guy that went to Instructional
League and we will take it easy with him so he can finish and regain the confidence in his arm,” said Waller. “It
takes that mentally to believe that I do not have to guard my arm and I can throw and give it everything I have without pain.
That is very important. Just getting to that place mentally and then you will find out what a guy can do again.”
The Padres are going to refine his delievery this year to prevent future injuries, and if it works he could be in the Majors
eventually.
 Yordany Ramirez- OF: One of the
toolsiest prospects in the system, he is gifted with the strongest arm of all Padre minor league defenders. He has tremendous
speeds and is not stupid on the basepaths like others in the Pads' system. He hit for average most of last season until a
late offensive skid. The 6-1, 165 pounder is from the Dominican Republic. Spending time between Peoria and Eugene, he managed
7 doubles, 5 triples, 2 homers and 24 RBIs combined. The youngster has suffered injury after injury his first two years in
the Padres' system. In 2005, he will join Fort Wayne and will work on staying healthy, along with improving his skills. And if
he starts putting all his tools to use and makes more consistent contact, he could do wonders.
-
 Sean Kazmar- SS/2B: Last season, Kazmar was the story of
Jekyll and Hyde when hit came to where it hit. .333 at home
and .196 on the road. Still, he's right behind Matt Bush
when it comes to middle infielders in the system. While he's not as gifted as Yordany Ramirez and not as deft defensively as Luis Cruz, he's still a legit prospect in my mind. Second base may end up being the position of choice for the 5-foot-10, 170 pound Kazmar. He has surprising gap power and was to put on ten to fifteen pounds of muscle this offseason to get ready for the daily grind he expects in 2004. He's also not as strong defensively as originally touted, but he's very good at 2B. “He was inconsistent mainly because he was overaggressive at times,” Tye Waller has said. “That is something we can fix relatively easy with just playing time. That is where you see these guys
grow. When they settle down and understand the type of game
they need to play and if they can take that attitude between
the lines you will see a more consistent player.”
"Kazmar
is above-average defensively with good range and a good arm. As a hitter, he's a gap line-drive hitter and he'll have to learn how to recognize pitches better to really improve at the plate. Worst case,
he profiles as a
hard-nosed utility guy, but if the bat comes along, you don't
want to bet against one of these scrappy gamers who ends
up being better than his tools project. Slightly more polished,
he could move up to Fort Wayne to start the season."
 Dale Thayer- RP: The Chico State grad signed with the Pads out of a tryout camp. “He has a power fastball,” Tye Waller, the Padres Director of Player Development, said. “When he can command that breaking ball and locate that breaking
ball he is tough to deal with. Hopefully we can make that
improvement so he can do it at the next level.” Thayer
has a low-90s fastball, a curve that needs some fine-tuning and
a slider. He's also working on using a changeup more often. Hitters batted .181 off him during his stint with Lake Elsinore and just .133 with runners in scoring position. And he struck out 54 in 55.1 innings with a 1.63 ERA. He was then promoted to Mobile. “What we like to do is put these guys in roles that are demanding,” explained Waller. “We know if a guy can close
in Lake Elsinore he should be able to pitch the middle innings
in Mobile. With R.D. being a setup guy and doing a solid
job, we thought Dale could get the ball to R.D. It keeps things in line and keeps competition. That is how (Natanael) Mateo and (Wilmer) Villatoro ended up replacing (Nate) Sevier and Thayer. It tells you a little bit about guys. When guys can pitch in the seventh and eighth, they can always pitch in the ninth because there is nobody behind them. When we ease these guys into it, this helps them prepare for that. That is what Dale Thayer has been able to do.” Thayer ended up struggling in Mobile, but he and R.D. Spiehs will be in a competition to start the season to see who replaces Brad Baker at AAA, when Baker is promoted to the bigs.
 Mike Ekstorm- RHP: Info to come.
 Ricky Steik- RP: Info to come.
 Nick Trzesniak- C: The statistic stands
out: a .211 batting average last season with the Mobile BayBears. It is, some believe, the only reason Trzesniak isn't moving
up the ladder of the San Diego Padres organization this season. Trzesniak is great defensively, which is one reason the Padres'
believe he'll fall into a Javy Lopez-like mold (with a canon of an arm and incredibly quick feet), but has struggled
to do the same when he's batting at the plate. Some in the Pads' system consider him the best defensive catcher in the Padres'
chain, especially with the departure of Humberto Quintero. "I've never struggled like that in my career. At times it was real
tough. But I knew I could fix some things this winter and get back and make it fun again," he said during the Spring.
"He
has been a puzzle in all of our minds," Tye Waller said. "We have always thought there was more there. This level (Double-A),
I think was a true test for Nick. He had to go home this (past) winter and he had to think about ‘how am I going to
approach this season and come out and be consistent.’ He really has to trust in himself and go out and have enough confidence
to drive the ball and find out what kind of hitter he is going to be." The 6-foot, 210-pounder who was a compensation selection
by the Padres between the first and second rounds of the 1999 draft for the loss of Kevin Brown. Nick, who did drive in 42
runs last season, worked on his hitting throughout the winter. So far, Nick is 10 for 30 with 6 runs, 2 doubles, 8K's, 4BBs,
3RBIs. He's been leapfrogged on the depth chart by George Kottaras, but h still should eb the starter in AAA next year.
  Greg
Sain- 3B: He has posted some tremendous power numbers (led the organization with 28 dingers last year), but has yet
to hit for average. He's big and slow and there's too many guys ahead of him for him to be considered a future Padre.
 Mike Thompson- RP: In his 7th season in professional
baseball after being drafted in 1999, the veteran minor leaguer from Lamar, Colorado posted a 10-2 record that included a
9-2 mark as a starter with the Baybears last year. He returns to Mobile once again this year. "After my first year in professional
baseball I said to myself that I wanted to make it (to the majors) by the time I was 25," the 24-year-old Thompson said in
a spring training interview. "I'm knocking on the door. However, it's doubtful that he will, but he should be promoted
Portland by mid-season. He posted a 3.41 earned-run average and had a 3.49 ERA as a starter. He was second on the club in
victories and sixth in the Southern League in ERA. In 17 relief appearances, he allowed eight earned runs in 23 innings. The
6-foot-4, 200-pounder sports a fastball, curveball, and slider, and has added a changeup to his reportoire, as well. He probably
could end up in the back end of a bullpen eventually.
 Lachlan Dale- 3B: A middle of the
order bat, the 21-year old, 6-3, 190 lbs. slugger's devlopment has come along steadily. He is one of 76 Australians in the
Minor Leagues. In spring training, Dale was named the most valuable player among the Padres minor leaguers. After spending
a pair of seasons in rookie ball, Dale impressed last season at Eugene. The Padres will expect him to cut down his strikeouts
this season in Fort Wayne, while continuing to imrpove his power swing, which produced 14 HRs last season up from 3 combined
in his first two professional seasons. Dale batted under .200 last season when hitting third, fourth, or fifth in the lineup
last season. But for whatever reason, when he batted sixth, he hit .293. Still, he'll be a middle of the order guy this season
with the Wizards. Another area of concern is his defense which produced over 25 errors last year. Said Tye Waller, “We
continue to work with him on his defense as long as he is going to be in a Padres uniform.” The Padres, who have praised
him for his work ethic, are keeping a keen eye on Dale.
 Nate Sevier- RP: Nate
had a terrific year in 2004. His 3.10 ERA in 38 games with the Storm earned him a promotion to Mobile, where he had a 1.47
ERA in 11 games in a picther's league. A former Mariner farmhand, Sevier had 24 starts under his belt when he joined the Storm.
"This guy – from the beginning of the year until the end he continued to gain confidence," Tye Waller said of him.
"He has solid-average stuff. Good fastball with a breaking ball he can command and I think he got confidence in his stuff.
When we moved him to Mobile we just wanted a middle guy who could throw strikes and we thought he could do an adequate job.
He really exceeded our expectations. He has to feel good about his year and hopefully he can come in next year just as confident."
He started this season on the suspended list due a steroid violation, and has yet to pitch, but if he continues to throw
strikes he could be in Portland late in the season.
 Drew Macias- OF:
He showed little with his bat and a lot with his glove in Idaho Falls in 2003. Then last year, he had a solid season both
defensively and at the plate. He started the season very hot, and despite ending the season in a slump, which caused his BA
to end the year at .266, he was impressive for the better part of the year. He hit 8HRs, scored 60 runs and drove in 55. Meanwhile
he only struck out 68 times in 478ABs, and walked 49 times. On the field, he committed just 8 errors in 129 games, all in
CF. He also successfully stole a base in 16 of 30 attempts. Like Kennard Jones, he has tons of speed, but ins't intelligent
when it comes to using it. "And I like [outfielder] Drew Macias a lot. He's kind of an Andy Van Slyke, a slender guy, who
can run and swings the bat well," KT said of him during ST.
“He was a pleasant surprise,” Padres’ Director
of Player Development Tye Waller said. “He has always played a solid outfield for us. When we sent him there, it was
to hopefully solidify the outfield – hoping that he could hit .240 and he would have a great year.” Macias is
now with the Lake Elsinore Storm and if continues to produce, he could move into the eyes of the Pods, but for now he still
has a lot to prove.
 Brett Bonvechio- 2B/3B:
Acquired in a trade with Boston last summer, he impressed at times last season htting .237 wuth 9HRs and 45RBIs in 82 games
with the Wizards. Unfortunately, he struck out 76 times, though while drawing 27 walks. This season, he had a great spring
which has earned him a starting gig in Fort Wayne. Most likely an organizational player, he could end up in the bigs someday
as a utility player. "He played in Fort Wayne. He's a third baseman who has some power," KT has spoke of him.
 Colt Morton- C: Did nothing but struggle and found himself back in Eugene, last season. Jim Callis on Kristopher:
"He drew some walks this spring but still needs to learn how to control the strike zone. If he hits, he's pretty enticing
because he's huge (6-foot-6, 227 pounds) and has power and defensive skills. He still has adjustments to make at the plate.
" Morton, who fits the Russell Branyan mold, will be expected to produce in Fort Wayne next season or the NC State alum could lose
whatever prospect status that remains for him. And he has already taken steps to regain prospect status this season
by smacking 3 bombs in 9 games this season in Fort Wayne.
He had 4 HRs in 36 games with the Wizards last season and
another 17 with Eugene in 66 games, but while fanning 75 times.
-
 William Ponce- SP: The El Salvador native is a favorite of Bill Byrk and was his "pick to click” last year. Ponce opened eyes with
a good job in Idaho Falls two years ago. Unfortunately, last year in Eugene through 10 starts, he was 1-7 with a 6.00ERA and
62H in 51IP, with 31Ks and 24BBs. If he can turn it around, and work out his problems this year again in Eugene, the 20-year
old could escalate through the system and become a legitimate prospect.
Others to watch:
Dirk Hayhurst- SP
Clark Girardeau- SP
Daniel Baca- RP
James Darby- RP
John Hussey- RHP
Jodam Rivera- SS/2B
Jordan Pickens- OF
Alfredo Fernandez- SP
Minor League Depth Chart:
(last updated 2/23/06)
|
Position |
Future Starter |
Future Reserve
|
Mid-level prospects |
Still in the low minors |
| C |
George Kottaras |
Billy Killian |
Colt Morton |
Nick Hundley |
|
1B |
Tagg Bozied |
Michael Johnson/Fernando Valenzuela Jr. |
Daryl Jones |
Kyle Blanks |
|
2B |
Josh Barfield |
Sean Kazmar |
Brett Bonvechio |
Kelvin Vazquez |
|
SS |
Matt Bush |
Seth Johnston |
Jodam Rivera |
Jarol Gonzalez |
|
3B |
Chase Headley |
Corey Smith |
Greg Sain |
Brett Dowdy |
|
LF |
Jon Knott |
Kennard Jones |
Drew Macias |
Drew Davidson |
|
CF |
Freddy Guzman |
Chris Kolkhorst |
Yordany Ramirez |
Mike Sansoe |
|
RF |
Paul McAnulty |
Ben Johnson |
Jordan Pickens |
-- |
|
CL |
Leo Rosales |
Dale Thayer |
Matt Varner |
-- |
|
RP |
Wilmer Villatoro |
-- |
-- |
- |
|
SP |
Cesar Carrillo |
Cesar Ramos |
Vern Sterry |
-- |
|
SP |
Sean Thompson |
Jared Wells |
Ben Krosschell |
-- |
Minor League PROJECTED Depth Chart-
BY AFFILIATE:
(Latest update: Feburary 23, 2006)
|
Position |
Portland |
Mobile |
Lake Elsinore |
Fort Wayne |
| C |
Pete LaForest |
George Kottaras |
Colt Morton |
Nick Hundley |
|
1B |
Walter Young |
Michael Johnson |
Fernando Valenzuela Jr., Mike Baxter |
Daryl Jones |
|
2B |
Bobby Hill |
Brett Bonvechio |
Sean Kazmar |
Jodam Rivera |
|
SS |
Manny Alexander |
Juan Ciriaco, Dave Matranga |
Matt Bush |
Seth Johnston |
|
3B |
Justin Leone |
Corey Smith |
|
Chase Headley |
|
LF |
Jon Knott, Jack Cust |
Casey Baker, Steve Baker |
Jordan Pickens |
Chris Kolkhorst |
|
CF |
Freddy Guzman, Joey Gomes |
Kennard Jones |
Drew Macias |
Yordany Ramirez |
|
RF |
Paul McAnulty |
Jeff Duncan |
Adam Bourassa |
Josh Alley |
|
CL |
Dale Thayer |
Leo Rosalaes |
Matt Varner |
Neil Jamison |
|
RP |
Scott Cassidy, Jon Adkins, Steve Andrade?, Jason
Anderson, Andy Ashby, Ryan Meaux |
Erick Burke, Wilmer Villatoro, Andy
Santana, Geoff Jones |
|
|
|
SP |
Jared Wells, Tim Stauffer |
Sean Thompson, Jose Oyervidez |
Javier Martinez |
Ben Krosschell |
|
SP |
Mike Thompson, Brian Whitaker, Brian Sweeney |
Cesar Carrillo, Luke Steidlmayer, Arturo Lopez |
Clark Girardeau |
Ernesto Frieri |
|
Position |
Eugene |
Peoria |
|
C |
-- |
--
|
|
1B |
-- |
-- |
|
2B |
-- |
-- |
|
3B |
-- |
-- |
|
SS |
-- |
-- |
|
LF |
-- |
-- |
|
CF |
-- |
-- |
|
RF |
-- |
-- |
|
CL |
-- |
-- |
|
RP |
-- |
-- |
|
SP |
--
|
-- |
|
SP |
-- |
-- |
|
