PadresRunDown.com Top-Shelf Analysis of Padres Minor Leagues and Prospects

Padres Sign Tate, Williams, and Sampson

As I post this Padres have announced that the Tate deal is official – terms are unknown at this point (I am trying to confirm $6.5m have confirmed – from several sources that Tate agreed to a $6.25m bonus and but I still am not certain whether or not the Padres had to offer MLB contract).

Donovan Tate

Original Write-up:

.488 with 11 2B, 1 3B, 9 HR, and 17 SB

Donovan Tate may have the highest upside of any hitter in this draft. He’s a true 5-tool talent in CF. He’s drawn comparisons to Arizona centerfielder, Chris Young, and Atlanta OF Jeff Francoeur (for his athleticism).

He is considered a tough-sign and has a commitment to UNC to play QB and CF. The one concern is according to his Baseball America scouting report, “He can get pull-happy and doesn’t have a natural feel for hitting, but that doesn’t significantly limit his ceiling.” Most experts say that if he gives up football he will fully develop his hitting tool.

Paul DePodesta said, “[Tate] is a potential 5-tool player who plays in the middle of the diamond and is probably the best athlete in the draft.”

Grady Fuson went on to say, “We’ve kind of said, worst-case scenario, maybe a Mike Cameron … somebody that hits .240, .250, a lot of punchouts maybe, but big bombs and plays as good a defense as you get. Durable, athletic, steals a lot of bases.”

“Best-case scenario, you got the whole ball of wax. You got an Andruw Jones or something in his best years.”

Everett Williams

ESPNU rated Williams the 18^th best player in the draft (the Padres drafted Williams #52 overall).

Paul DePodesta said, “This is another highly athletic HS outfielder who we think can really hit. He’s about 5′10″ and 200lbs and is another potential 5-tool guy.”

When he was originally drafted, I wrote:

On MLB.com’s coverage, they said Everett’s hit tool was more advanced (and might be better) than Tate’s but his other tools are not as advanced or as projectable… Regardless, Everett is still considered a 5-tool talent and will be a nice addition to the system.

In a draft discussion with fellow Baseball America writer John Manual, Jim Callis wrote, “In Round Two, I love Everett Williams to the Padres at 52. They got two of the very best HS athletes in Tate and Williams. Williams has the best bat of those HS athletes. Tremendous value [sic].”

Keyvius Sampson

After the Padres selected Sampson, Paul DePodesta said, “Keyvius is a very athletic right-handed starter with a fastball that ranges from 90-96 mph and a very good changeup. This season he posted a 0.83 ERA, pitching 59 innings, giving up 19 hits and 14 walks while striking out 113. We believe he has big upside as a starting pitcher.”

Did you read those stats? Wow!

Ozzie Smith once watched him pitch and described his stuff and control saying, “That’s nasty.”

Prospect analyst John Sickels said, “…very live arm, very good athlete, good makeup, needs some polish on his secondary stuff. I thought he was a second round talent, so getting him in the fourth is a nice pickup.”

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Now, can we please stop the, “Padres are cheap,” comments?

First five round breakdown:

                                                Bonus           Slot                 % over/under slot

1. Donovan Tate                        $6.25m             $2.925m         218% of slot
2. Everett Williams                    $775k             $684               113% of slot
3. Jerry Sullivan                         $430k             $430k             at slot
4. Keyvius Sampson                 $600k             $263k             228% of slot
5. Jason Hagerty                       $177k             $177k             at slot

John Sickels, writing immediately after the draft, wrote, “If the Padres can get everyone signed, this is a very strong class.”

Well they did, and I agree… It is a strong draft-class.