Padres Report - August 21st

Padres’ Minor League Report – August 21, 2006

Before we get to the report, I want to discuss the 2007 starting pitching…

Rotation candidates:

(The following are under contract or otherwise under control of the Padres:)

Jake Peavy, Chris Young, Clay Hensley, Mike Thompson, Tim Stauffer

(The following are free agent Padre starters:)

Shawn Estes, Woody Williams, Chan Ho Park

First, let me say that while there may be a pitcher toiling for another organization that ends up being a starter here next year, I do NOT think the Padres will (or should) spend big money on a free agent pitcher. The Padres are tied (with the Rockies of all teams) for the fewest runs allowed this season. How likely is it that the Padres could improve their run-prevention THAT much? On the other hand only Pittsburgh and Chicago in the NL have scored fewer runs. I think the Padres will open their checkbooks some, but I expect them to open it for a hitter.

How’s that for an intro…? Anyway, with that in mind, I believe our 2007 rotation will be made up primarily from ’06 starters. How will it look?

1. Peavy
2. Young
3. [free agent / trade acquisition]
4. Park/Williams
5. Hensley/Thompson/Stauffer

I do expect the Padres to unearth a solid but inexpensive 3rd starter via free agency or trade.

Don’t forget we have Cesar Carrillo rehabbing in the minors. He’s missed most of 2006 with forearm/elbow problems but he does have #2 starter stuff. It is unlikely Cesar will be ready before the season starts but he should be ready mid-season.

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Is it just me, or is Todd Walker actually playing quite good defense lately?

Hitters:

AAA – Terrmel Sledge --- 1-3; 2B (18), R, RBI, BB
AAA - Paul McAnulty --- 1-2; 3B (), R, RBI, 2 BB
AAA – George Kottaras --- 2-4; 2B (8), R, SO
AA – Luis Cruz --- 2-4; RBI
Hi-A – Chase Headley --- 2-6; RBI, 2 SO
Hi-A – Nick Hundley --- 2-5; 2 2B (9), SO
Lo-A – Will Venable --- 1-3; R, BB
Lo-A – David Freese --- 2-3; 2B (12), 3B (3), BB
SS – Matt Antonelli --- 2-4; R, BB, SO
SS - Chad Huffman --- 2-4; HR (8), R, RBI

Pitchers:

SS – Aaron Breit --- 6.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO, 0 HR

Commentary:

Terrmel Sledge has now hit extra-base hits in 9 consecutive games. During that span he has 3 2B, 3 3B, and 5 HR. While I think bullpens are integral to post-season success, I think you don’t need as many bullpen arms in the postseason as you do in the regular season. I would love to see the Padres recall Terrmel from Portland on Aug. 31st (so he’d be eligible for the playoffs). Having his bat off the bench could be huge.

Will Venable celebrated today in a rather ordinary fashion… Will Venable made Baseball America’s Prospect Hot Sheet today (ranking #3). BA had this to say about Will:

“No other hitters stepped into the zone like Venable, who was 13-for-28 on the week with four homers and 14 RBIs while hitting safely in eight games.”

David Freese now has 35 XBH (20 2B, 3 3B, & 12 HR) in his 228 AB professional career (.338 BA & .610 SLG).

Matt Antonelli continues to do two things well: make contact and draw walks. Unfortunately, Matt has yet to show any power. Going into tonight Antonelli had a disappointing .354 slugging rate. He’s still an exciting prospect (because of his long-term abilities), but I am less than pleased with how his first professional season has progressed.

Another Padre prospect deserved to make BA’s Hot Sheet, Chad Huffman. The 2006 2nd round pick has gone 17 for 29 with 3 doubles and a home run since August 13th.