In the latest news involving the San Diego Padres, Jim Callis of Baseball America looks back at the 2005-2007 draft and shows that the Cardinals (24) and Padres (22) have developed the most Major Leaguers from those three drafts to this point. Now, take a look who were in charge of baseball operations back then for the Padres ? Yes, the unpopular Sandy Alderson and his entourage which included Grady Fuson. Former GM Kevin Towers was here at the time, but let’s be honest Towers failed to produced players in 12 twelve years prior through the draft. So the Padres in less than THREE years have fired or let go two of the most successful baseball operations people in Sandy Alderson, Grady Fusion, Jed Hoyer, and Jason McLeod. Can you guess who is the common denominator through this all ? That’s right Padres CEO Jeff Moorad. Let’s see the next two years if Moorad’s guy (Josh Byrnes) can match that of his predecessors accomplishments. I tell you one thing, this is looking much like the Chargers situation when Norv was brought in only time will tell and the clock is ticking now. If you had been keeping up with the offseason moves, you will take notice the Padres have lost a few players. Let’s take an in-depth look:

1. P Evan Scribner – A’s. Padres had acquired Scribner in the deal that sent 1B Tony Clark to D’backs.
2. OF Cedric Hunter – A’s. Drafted under Alderson and Fuson regime in 3rd round 2006 draft.
3. P Samuel Deduno – Twins. Padres had acquired Deduno off waivers from Rockies.
4. P Luis Perdomo – Twins. Padres had acquired Perdomo through waivers from Giants.
5. P Jeremy Hefner – Pirates. Drafted under Alderson and Fuson regime in 5th round 2007 draft.
6. P Andrew Carpenter – Blue Jays. Padres had acquired Carpenter through waivers from Phillies.
7. Inf Steve Tollenson – Orioles. Padres had acquired Tollenson through waivers from A’s.
8. P Wil Inman – Red Sox. Padres had acquired Inman through a trade with Brewers for Scott Linebrink.
9. P Steve Garrison – Mariners. Padres had acquired Garrison through a trade with Brewers for Scott Linebrink.

In the above list, there are two players that may become the next David Freese. The two with the most upside potential are OF Cedric Hunter and P Jeremy Hefner. Ironically, both were drafted by Alderson and Fuson as was Freese. Hunter is an agile speedy OF that bats from the leftside of the plate, whom made the opening day roster in 2011 with the Padres. Hefner is a righty on the mound and can be a late bloomer, teams are always looking for more arms for their pitching staffs. The Padres already have a log-jam of lefties in their farm system Wade LeBlanc and Nick Schmidt. But then again, the same was said when Freese was in the farm system, and 3B was a log-jam with Chase Headley, James Darnell, and Logan Forsythe. All of them draftees under Alderson and Fuson, thus we do know where to give the credit. Enough said and thank you Sandy Alderson, Grady Fuson as you both have stamped your legacy on this franchise.

It is time to close out this post as I want to wish all my loyal readers a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving Weekend to your loved ones and extended family. Oh Yeah ! Here is a blues awesome tandem of Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa with the song called “I’ll Take Care Of You”. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone !