Outfield Gluttony in San Diego
The San Diego Padres have some nice depth in the outfield, with at least one intriguing prospect at each level of the minor league system.
Triple-A: Chase Headley
Earlier this week I wrote about top prospect Headley who was recently converted from third base to left field. He is currently hitting .285/.356/.444 at Triple-A. In his last 10 games, Headley is hitting .395 with two homers and could be recalled any day now. The switch-hitter could stand to do some work on his swing from the right side with an OPS of only .705. He is also hitting only .233 with runners in scoring position.
Triple-A: Will Venable
Venable’s numbers have never quite matched his tools, although he has had pretty good success at the minor league level. So far this season he is hitting .289/.330/.470. After stealing 21 bases in 23 attempts last season, Venable has attempted only two steals (both successfully) in 2008.
Double-A: Chad Huffman
The former second round pick slammed 22 homers between two levels in 2007 but has yet to show that power this season in San Antonio. He currently has a line of .333/.424/.472 in 37 games. He is showing OK plate discipline with a walk percentage of 13.6 and a strikeout percentage of 17.9.
High-A: Cedric Hunter
Hunter, 20, is showing almost no power but he has the makings of a good leadoff hitter. His current line is .321/.403/.372 with only eight extra base hits (all doubles) in 156 at-bats. He could stand to walk more but it is impressive that he has more base on balls (21) than strikeouts (18). The left-handed batter is hitting .333 against southpaws.
Single-A: Yefri Carvajal
His numbers don’t wow you at the lowest level of full-season minor league baseball – .237/.275/.328 – but you have to remember that Carvajal is only 19 years of age. In his last 10 games, he is hitting .316 but has 12 strikeouts in 38 at-bats. Right now he remains an impressive collection of tools and projection.
Marc Hulet has been writing at FanGraphs since 2008. His work focuses on prospects and fantasy. Follow him on Twitter @marchulet.
Won’t be long before Headley gets the call, since the Padres platoon of McAnulty and Hairston has not produced much,; hairston remains a valuable 4th outfielder.
Venable had a shoulder injury and was at DH so far this year until just a few games ago.
Huffman will get called up to AAA when Headley gets called up to the bigs, if not sooner.
I’ve seen Hunter play, like what I see – good plate discipline, okay speed and arm, but without power and hasn’t been stealing much. He is only 20 though in high A league, maybe will be in AA later this year. So he’s doing pretty well against much older competition, and maybe hasn’t matured physically yet.