Thursday, June 04, 2009

Padres focusing exclusively on Tate and Minor?

I have become increasingly confused/concerned about reports that focus exclusively on Donovan Tate and Mike Minor when the Padres are supposedly considering five prospects (now it would make sense that the Padres would narrow their focus, but well-informed sources have not reported that)…

Reports have said the Padres like Tate but may balk at the price tag – which makes complete sense – and are likely to take Mike Minor – over Crow and Wheeler?

I exchanged communiqués with several of my "sources" today in an effort to determine if the Padres had in fact narrowed their focus to Tate and Minor. From what information I have been able to gather, the Padres have not eliminated either Crow or Wheeler and all four are still in the mix (as well as Dustin Ackley if Seattle passes on him – not likely).

Additionally, the Padres have stated (Towers and Fuson in local media) that they have made a conscious decision to target and acquire more big-velocity arms for the system. Mike Minor would be a solid addition to any farm system (though he is not a top 5 talent) but he does not fit that big-velocity focus.