Sep/094
Padres MiLB, September 3, Players of the Day
Hitter(s) of the Day
Dan Robertson (Low-A): 2-4, 2B, 2 R, RBI, BB
Jaff Decker (Low-A): 2-4, R, RBI, BB
Brad Chalk (High-A): 2-5, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, SO
James Darnell (High-A): 2-4, 2B, R, RBI, BB
Sawyer Carroll (AA): 2-4, 3B
Chad Huffman (AAA): 4-4, 2 2B, R, RBI, 2 BB
Pitcher of the Day
Keyvius Sampson (SS): 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO, 0 HR
Commentary
Chad Huffman went 3-4 on Tuesday (hits in last 2 at-bats), 3-3 on Wednesday, and 4-4 on Thursday with 4 doubles and a home run (combined). Yesterday I said Huffman had 49 XBH, I was wrong, he had 50, tonight’s double was #51. Huffman is now hitting .273/.366/.478.
Keyvius Sampson’s professional debut season consists of 6 innings so far. Thus we cannot conclude anything. However, the fact that he has only allowed 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 6 is definitely encouraging. Fourth round pick? I’m excited.
Aug/095
Padres MiLB, August 24, Players of the Day
Hitter(s) of the Day
Edinson Rincon (SS): 2-4, HR, R, 3 RBI, BB, SO
Blake Tekotte (Low-A): 3-4, 2B, 2 R, BB, SO – also had OF assist at home
Lance Zawadzki (AA): 2-4, 2B, R
Chad Huffman (AAA): 3-5, 2B, R, SO
Pitcher(s) of the Day
Keyvius Sampson (Rookie): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 0 HR – pro debut
Chris Fetter (SS): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0 HR
Alexis Lara (Low-A): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO, 0 HR
Commentary
Everett Williams made his professional debut tonight as well going 0-3 with a walk, 3 strikeouts, and a stolen base. He’ll figure it out – quickly I’m guessing.
It is an automatic exclusion from Pitcher of the Day if you walk more hitters than you strike out. As such, Castro’s 5.0 innings of shut-out baseball were wiped out by 3 walks vs. 1 strikeout. Still, Simon Castro lowered his ERA to 3.57.
In the Weekend Edition I mentioned that Lara continues to impress. Breaking it down:
April: 9.72 ERA
May: 5.02
June: 2.70
July: 0.50
August: 0.82
From June 1st Lara has a 1.15 ERA in 39 innings has allowed only 1 home run, 16 hits, and 12 walks while striking out 48.
Aug/098
Five Questions with Keyvius Sampson
Keyvius Sampson was drafted in the forth round (114th overall) this June by the Padres. As a high school senior, Keyvius put up video game numbers:
10-2 with 1.49 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 71 innings.
PadresRunDown: Some experts had you ranked as a first or first-supplemental pick, is that slide extra motivation to show teams what you can do?
Keyvius Sampson: I was told so many things that ended up being not true. Not having some of the team follow through with their word has motivated me like no other.
PRD: What has been your biggest moment on the baseball diamond – the moment that gives you the most pride?
KS: The biggest moment on the baseball diamond for me has to be my senior year and it was the district championship game and I had pitched 2 days before but our closer had run out of gas and my coach called me in to pitch. My team just perked up and got extra energy and came to the mound and told me that I had gotten them here and they wanted me to bring it home. That moment showed how much my team looked to me for leadership.
PRD: What major leaguers have you tried to emulate or pattern your game after?
KS: I have to say I pattern myself after Greg Maddux because it’s all about getting strike one and pitching to the bat and not about velocity.
PRD: Have you talked to other pitchers who have played or who are playing professional baseball? What are they telling you?
KS: Yes I have, and they all tell me to go with my heart because if your heart is not in something it wouldn’t be as successful as it could be.
PRD: What would Padre fans be surprised to learn about Keyvius Sampson?
KS: What would Padre fans be surprised to learned about me? It would have to be the fact I love to sing in the shower haha.
***
Thanks so much Keyvius for doing Five Questions. Singing in the shower, huh? Future roommates, be warned!
I think I can safely speak for all Padre fans and say we’re excited to see you do your thing. Good luck, Keyvius.
Aug/0910
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 18th 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.”
***
Now, can we please stop the, “Padres are cheap,” comments?
First five round breakdown:
Bonus Slot % over/under slot
- Donovan Tate $6.25m $2.925m 218% of slot
- Everett Williams $775k $684 113% of slot
- Jerry Sullivan $430k $430k at slot
- Keyvius Sampson $600k $263k 228% of slot
- 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.
Aug/097
Padres MiLB, August 14-16, Players of the Day; Weekend Edition
Sorry this is late getting out – because I just finished it this morning, there are no links today…
Hat tip to loyal reader Howard Lynch: Keyvius Sampson signed with the Padres according to Ocala.com.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Hitter(s) of the Day
Cody Decker (Rookie): 2-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, SO
Rymer Liriano (Rookie): 2-4, R, SB
Edinson Rincon (SS): 2-3, 2 R, BB, SB
Nate Freiman (SS): 2-4, 2B, R, 2 RBI
James Darnell (High-A): 1-3, HR, 2 R, RBI
Matt Clark (High-A): 2-4, HR, R, 2 RBI
Logan Forsythe (AA): 3-4, 2 R, RBI, BB
Pitcher(s) of the Day
James Needy (Rookie): 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO, 0 HR
Jonathan Berger (SS): 7.0 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 SO, 0 HR
Chris Fetter (SS): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO, 0 HR
Commentary
Rincon seems to be heating back up…
Likewise Logan Forsythe…
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Hitter(s) of the Day
Cody Decker (Rookie): 2-4, 2B, R, SO
Drew Cumberland (Low-A): 2-4, 2 2B, R, RBI
Logan Forsythe (AA): 2-4, 3B, 2 SO
Matt Antonelli (AAA): 1-2, 2B, R, BB, SO – he had a good August last year too
Pitcher(s) of the Day
Pedro Hernandez (Rookie): 6.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 SO, 0 HR
Erik Davis (Low-A): 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO, 1 HR
Alexis Lara (Low-A): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO, 0 HR
Commentary
Alexis Lara is still dominating but gave up a hit (the sky is falling!).
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Hitter(s) of the Day
Cody Decker (Rookie): 3-5, 2 2B, 2 R, RBI
Jonathan Galvez (Rookie): 2-4, 3B, 2 R, RBI, BB – hitting .322/.432/.533
Nathan Freiman (SS): 2-5, 2B, HR, R, RBI, SO – 14 2B, 7 HR
Cole Figueroa (Low-A): 1-3, 2B
Danny Payne (High-A): 1-3, R, 2 BB, 2 SB
Matt Clark (High-A): 2-4, HR, R, 2 RBI,
Lance Zawadzki (AA): 3-5, 2B, 3 R
Logan Forsythe (AA): 2-4, R, BB, 2 SO
Pitcher(s) of the Day
n/a
Commentary
Logan Forsythe is having the kind of season (in San Antonio) that shows why it is such a tough place to hit:
.338/.425/.515 on the road (along the lines of what he did in Cal League)
.232/.309/.333 at home (tough to deal with wind blowing in at home)
Aug/091
More Everett Williams “To Sign” Indications
Yesterday I posted that it looked like Everett Williams – 2nd round pick – might sign for more than $1million, today it looks like that number might be a little less than $1million… Either way, the rumors indicate that the Padres are close.
A University of Texas fan site, Burnt Orange Nation (to whom Williams is committed) says, “Rumors have Williams signing with the Padres for a little less than a million.”
There is nothing new with Donovan Tate or Keyvius Sampson. I expect all three to sign.
Aug/099
Everett Williams To Get Million Dollar Bonus?
Baseball America, who is well-connected to teams’ front offices, has an article/chart on their website discussing the status of negotiations for every unsigned pick through the first ten rounds.
They don’t spend a lot of time/space/ink [whatever] on each player, but they give updates such as (for Donovan Tate), “Seeking multimillion dollar deal.”
Now for those of us who have been paying even a little attention, that is about as informative as if I told you, “It is a rather nice day today in San Diego.”
Here’s the interesting piece, with regards to Everett Williams, BA says, “May get seven-figure bonus.”
It take a little reading between the lines, but the reason that is significant is because BA uses the following categories:
- Seeking multimillion dollar deal
- Seeking multimillion dollar bonus
- Seeking over-slot bonus
- Has medical issues
- May get seven-figure bonus
- Expected to [return/attend college]
- May get over-slot bonus
So when they designate that Williams, “May get seven-figure bonus,” not that he is, “Seeking…” it implies that the Padres are close to signing him.
Now any competent journalist or blogger should advise against parsing quotes. And along those lines, I would agree and advise following that paradigm even though this exercise is exactly that; parsing quotes.
For the record, BA updates Keyvius Sampson’s status as, “May get over-slot bonus.”
Aug/091
Padres MiLB, August 13, Players of the Day
Hitter(s) of the Day
Blake Tekotte (Low-A): 2-4, HR, R, 3 RBI, BB, 2 SB – Have a day!
Edinson Rincon (SS): 1-3, 2B, BB, SO
Pitcher(s) of the Day
Ernesto Frieri (AA): 6.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 9 SO, 0 HR
Evan Scribner (AA): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0 HR
Commentary
Ernesto Frieri is often overlooked as a Padres pitching prospect – by myself as well. That is a mistake. Frieri’s season stats:
9-7 with 3.27 ERA in 121.0 IP with 101 H & 10 HR and a 51/100 BB/SO ratio
The walks and HR allowed are high but he is hard to hit… I do not think Frieri will be a Major League starter (I’d love for him to prove me wrong) but I do think he will have a Major League career.
This doesn’t fit into the above catagories but I didn’t want to omit it either:
Jake Peavy (AAA): 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO, 0 HR
I don’t have a lot of commentary, but I will… I usually post a mid-Friday piece discussing any Padre prospect on Baseball America’s Prospect Hot Sheet. I actually do not expect any Padres on this week’s list. But I will be chiming in as the Donovan Tate, Everett Williams, and Keyvius Sampson sagas play out.
Aug/090
Padres MiLB, August 12, Players of the Day
Hitter of the Day
Cody Decker (Rookie): 2-4, 3B
Pitcher(s) of the Day
Will Startup (Rookie): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0 HR – “Hey, remember me?”
Brad Brach (Low-A): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0 HR
Commentary
You can’t give up a walk every 1.5 IP and make the “Pitcher of the Day” list but Stiven Osuna did have a noteworthy outing for the Fort Wayne TinCaps:
6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 5 SO, 0 HR
Not a lot of game action to talk about. However, the Padres are presumably close to a deal with 1st round pick, Donovan Tate. As has been reported numerous places, Tate left UNC to go home to “consider an offer” from the Padres.
The Padres are also reportedly close to a deal with 4th round pick, Keyvius Sampson, according to a personal source.
No word on any progress with 2nd round pick, Everett Williams.
Aug/092
Padres MiLB, August 3, Players of the Day
Hitter(s) of the Day
Nate Freiman (SS): 2-3, 2B, RBI, BB
Blake Tekotte (Low-A): 2-6, 2 2B, 2 SO
Cole Figueroa (Low-A): 3-6, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI
Lance Zawadzki (AA): 2-3, 2 R, BB, SB
Pitcher of the Day
Will Inman (AA): 6.0 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO, 0 HR – 1st start after demotion
Commentary
Adam Russell made his organizational debut tonight pitching a scoreless, hitless inning while allowing one walk.
Monday was August 3, 2009. The significance of that date is that the draft signing deadline was two weeks from Monday. First round pick Donovan Tate, second round pick, Everett Williams, and fourth round pick, Keyvius Sampson remain unsigned. Tate will almost certainly sign. And Grady Fuson recently suggested that the Padres may only sign one of Williams or Sampson. However, with the Padres trade of Peavy and the remaining 2009 salary coming off the books, the Padres should have additional funds to sign all three players. It will be interesting to see how the next two weeks go.
Corey Brock’s Padres.com Blog
- Padres postscript: 3/10/10 March 10, 2010
DePo’s Blog Feed
- Winter Meetings December 7, 2009
Another Padres Blog Feed
- Site news November 20, 2009
Mad Friars RSS Feed
- Scouting Padres Prospect Nick Schmidt March 11, 2010
- Padres Prospect Interview: Jorge Reyes March 10, 2010
Padres.com News Feed
- No letup in Thatcher's approach March 11, 2010
- LeBlanc works three innings as starter March 10, 2010
- Venable goes deep in first at-bat March 10, 2010