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“Padres Draft History-Bad—Getting Better”

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It’s a different era in San Diego Padres baseball history as it relates to the draft.

New owners. New GM. New philosophy. New revenue streams. New results.

No longer is a major league team here, operating with a minor league mentality. The Padres have drafted high recently, and drafted well. They’ve signed the players taken early. They have spent additional money in the international venue.

The Padres have positioned themselves into a wildcard team, and have built baseball’s number 1-ranked farm system. This is progress, compared to the past.

An evaluation of past Padres first round picks, where they were, what they became and a (Letter Grade) on those picks.

2018-P-Ryan Weathers…has started his career fast in Class A ball after signing quickly late last summer. Next up, likely an elevation to Lake Elsinore in the hi-powered California League. (A)

2017-P-MacKenzie Gore…got thru a rugged first year with blister problems, has been dominant at Lake Elsinore. Next stop will be AA-Amarillo, possibly the second half of the season. (A)

2016-P-Cal Quantrill…took awhile for him to find traction coming off the elbow surgery at Stanford University, but his progression has been consistent, and he’s had a couple of quality spot starts with the Padres. Likely a part of full rotation next year. P-Eric Lauer, already a fixture in the rotation as part of a really good draft class. 2B-Hudson Potts-stalled at Amarillo right now, has had good years, bad years in the minors so far. (A)

2015…No 1st round pick (F)

2014-SS-Trea Turner…highly regarded, part of trade package with the Washington Nationals and Tampa Bay that brought Will Myers to Friars. Has become an All Star with the Nats and a strong hitter. Myers has 1-All star appearance but lots of substandard seasons too. (C)

2013-OF-Hunter Renfroe…took awhile to get to San Diego, but has become a complete corner outfielder with power, if not a consistent batting average. Rock solid pro. (B)

2012-P-Max Fried…traded away to Atlanta after a couple of years in minor leagues-has been up and down from minors….P-Zach Eflin…dealt away much like Fried-has established himself in Phillies rotation but has had injury issues…OF-Travis Jankowski…established as strong role player-top of batting order speed-defensive gem-quality player (C)

2011-2B-Corey Spangenberg…became super utility man but not impact player…dealt to Milwaukee in off season-never hit major league pitching consistently….P-Joe Ross-used as part of Trea Turner deal-blew out elbow in Washington-never quite arrived…P-Michael Kelly-never made it to majors…2B-Jace Peterson-dealt away to Atlanta after falling to hit. (D)

2010-P-Karsten Whitson…did not sign-went to college-injured-redrafted-never got to majors. (F)

2009-OF-Donavan Tate…washed out after 6-years beset by injuries then drug problems…never got above Class A…wound up a college FB-quarterback at Arizona. (F)

2008-1B-Allen Dykstra…drafted despite hip problems..bounced around…only got to AAA in Mets system…OF-Jaff Decker-minor league power hitter that’s all….2B-Logan Forsythe-established major league veteran…still playing and producing.(F)

2007-P-Corey Leubke…on fast track to majors, career derailed after strong year and half-retired a year ago after 3rd elbow ligament transplant surgery.(C)

2006-2B-Matt Antonelli….college star-never played in the majors-total dud.(F)

2005-P-Cesar Carrillo…failed in cups of coffee at big league levels-never made an impact (F)

2004-SS-Matt Bush….Compete with Tate for worst pick ever by Padres…Alcohol issues…then beset by injuries….went to Texas Rangers to convert to relief pitcher-then blew out elbow. (F)

2003-P-Tim Stauffer…Beset by arm problems early from college surgery…fought back to majors and had steady couple of years in San Diego. (B)

2002-SS-Khalil Green….Budding star with glove and power….couple of strong years-traded to Cardinals-left baseball with stress disorders…might have been star if mental health issues had not overcome him.(B)

2001-2B-Jake Gaudreau..college star never made it to majors (F)

2000-P-Mark Phillips…never progressed thru system…Wildness problems then injuries ended career. (F)

Grades: Total of 19-Drafts since 2000…..3 (A)..3 (B)..3 (C)..1 (D)…19 (F)

Better days coming. Past drafts were awful.

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