2011 MLB Draft: San Diego Padres Review

2011 MLB Draft Review: San Diego Padres

Multiple picks give a great opportunity to build your system...as well as a great opportunity to spend a lot of money and screw up.

1) Cory Spangenberg, 2B, Indian River CC: I think it's an overdraft, but they didn't think he would still be available at 25, and they really wanted him, so I understand it. Blazing speed with strong on-base abilities are the key here, though he doesn't have the power for 3B and will move to second or center.

1) Joe Ross, RHP, California HS: Brother of Tyson. Low-to-mid-90s heat, plus curveball and improved changeup, good mechanics, good makeup, intelligent. I doubt they would have picked him if they didn't think he was signable away from UCLA.

1S) Michael Kelly, RHP, Florida HS: Big frame at 6-5, 210, 90-92 MPH with more to come as he refines his talent, needs work with his secondary pitches. Not as polished as Ross, but upside is every bit as high.

1S) Brett Austin, C, North Carolina HS: Switch-hitter with power potential, hitting is ahead of fielding at this time, needs a lot of work defensively. Could be regular major league catcher if defense comes around.

1S) Jace Peterson, SS, McNeese State: Football background but not as raw as you may think, draws some walks, has speed, might be able to stick at shortstop.

2) Austin Hedges, C, California HS: Excellent defensive catcher, but bat is doubtful. May require first round money to buy away from UCLA. Could be an outstanding player if the bat comes around.

3) Matt Andriese, RHP, UC Riverside: Low 90s fastball, good curve, OK changeup, has steadily improved in college. Could be fourth starter or strong middle reliever.

4) Cody Hebner, RHP, Green River CC: Very athletic, nice fastball at 93-95, secondary pitches are inconsistent but have potential. Possible mid-rotation starter if it all works out.

5) Mark Pope, RHP, Georgia Tech: Excellent control and great statistical results (11-4, 1.74, 88/24 K/BB in 114 innings)  with decent stuff, 88-90 MPH fastball, good slider and changeup, outstanding makeup. Fifth starter on stuff but has intangibles to exceed that.

6) Kyle Gaedele, OF, Valparaiso: Good tools, speed, power potential, but performance can be erratic. Possible steal in this spot if he can refine his swing.

7) Matt Wisler, RHP, Ohio HS: Strong Ohio State commitment, velocity is mediocre right now but he is very projectable.

8) Kevin Quackenbush, RHP, South Florida: Low-90s fastball, breaking stuff is average but he has outstanding control. 45/7 K/BB in 33 innings this year, 0.81 ERA, 12 saves.

9) Justin Hancock, RHP, Lincoln Trail CC: Illinois junior college pitcher can hit 95 MPH, lacks breaking ball and changeup, needs refinement.

10) Rob Kral, C, College of Charleston: Good bat, hit .319/.471/.563 with 11 homers and 61 walks. Scouts don't like his glove very much so how he fits s uncertain.

OTHERS OF NOTE: RHP Colin Rea (12^th round, Indiana State), RHP Burch Smith (14^th round, Oklahoma), RHP Matt Stites (17^th round, Missouri) are all college right-handers with above average stuff.

SUMMARY: Lots of upside here. This is a terrific draft if they can sign everyone, even if you consider Spangenberg an overdraft.