After a promising series win over the Los Angeles Angels, the San Diego Prospects…errr Padres went out on a 10 game road-trip to St. Louis, New York, and Chicago. It was downright embarrassing to come back to San Diego from a 1-9 road-trip and do not even use the “Petco Park” excuse anymore. That excuse is worn out and simply old. Said and done, this San Diego AAA team needs some major overhaul. On Memorial Day, I finally got a chance to see the prospects on TV via WGN. During the announcement of the line-ups the Prospects had not ONE not TWO but THREE players batting under .200, that’s 3/8 of your starting line-up. Their opponents, the Cubs entering the game with 12 game losing streak had NONE batting under .200. I am beginning to seriously doubt C Nick Hundley can deliver on a full-time basis. After 2010 season, Hundley has been given the full-time duty role of C and hasn’t hit a lick since. Sure, last September Hundley look great but then again consider your opposition when 90% of the teams are out of contention and there is no pressure. September evaluation can be as skewed as Spring Training. Perhaps it’s a good time now for Padres’ GM Josh Byrnes to bring up C Yasmani Grandal and see what Yasmani can do.
Better Evaluation Is Required For Trade Prospects
So far the trade with the Angels involving Frieri is having some serious backlash against the Padres Organization. Check out some of these quotes made by Angels’ GM Jerry Dipito and Angels Reliever LaTroy Hawkins. “He was that middle-relief guy who wasn’t pitching in high-leverage situations and was always airing it out,” Dipoto said. “Watching him, there’s a lot of swing-throughs when Ernie is pitching — he’s always been able to miss bats.” “We looked at Ernie’s makeup and got glowing reports,” Dipoto said. “What we didn’t know was how quickly he’d catch on here. He brought an energy to the team.” “This guy couldn’t pitch meaningful games in San Diego?” Angels reliever LaTroy Hawkins asked, incredulously. “I don’t know how to explain that.” It appears the Angels scouts can evaluate players far better than the Padres scouts. The facts are evident and the Padres received a player who at best will be an utility player in Alexi Amarista who is batting under .200 and pitching prospect Donn Roach. Hopefully, Roach has a huge impact but I am not betting my silver on it, the way the Padres scouting has shown.
What The Prospects Must Do During 1st and 2nd Rounds on Draft Night
Here are my thoughts, the Prospects should draft two of the following with the 7th pick and 33rd picks of the draft:
- LHP Max Fried
- RHP Kyle Zimmer
- RHP Michael Wacha
- RHP Lance Mccullers
- LHP Brian Johnson
- OF Victor Roache
- SS Devon Marrero
- OF Albert Almora
- RHP Nolan Sanburn
There is no reason why the Prospects can’t get two high ceiling players with their first two picks. As a vested season ticketholder, I will be paying close attention as those drop down the slots and see what the Prospects go after.
Oh Padres..errrr Prospects Fans, it has been a long five years ! With that being said, here’s a wicked blues music video featuring Buddy Guy, Ron Woods and Jonny Lang titled “Five Long Years”