Quote from LynchMob on November 16, 2020, 9:36 am

Bernie Pleskoff at rotowire.com sez ...

This week I begin a three-week series of articles about prospect players who don't get the headlines but could see their roles increase in the 2021 season.

Each of these players is among the organizations' better prospects.

Given salary issues and the potential roster vacancies if veterans aren't retained, these players should be thoroughly considered for the near future.

Scout Grades:

45 = utility, part-time player with a platoon possible
50 = a regular player in the lineup daily with less probability of being platooned
55 = an above average player with multiple skills

Luis Campusano, C, BR, Padres

Campusano was drafted by the Padres in the second round in 2017 out of Cross Creek (Georgia) High School. He signed for $1.3M, a hefty sum.

Campusano saw action in one 2020 game, getting four plate appearances and hitting a home run.

We often hear about the Padres pitching prospects, but Campusano should get as much love.

He's a solid hitter with above average power.

An average defender, Campusano's arm strength is superb. His strength is in his bat, which is what we want from fantasy catchers.

Think of the prototypical catcher's frame, and that's Campusano. He has a thick frame with strength and power throughout his body. He has slimmed down recently, but his strength cannot be denied. He is an aggressive hitter capable of punishing the ball by finding the barrel and hitting the ball hard.

I think we can draft Campusano in keeper leagues for sure. Watch the catching corps for the Padres this spring. They may want more defense than he provides for their young pitchers. But I really think he has a chance to contribute.

GRADE: 55

Quote from fenn68 on April 2, 2021, 4:07 pm

Felony charges against Campusano in GA have been dropped .... as I thought the rationale was to put the legality of the stop in question ... that seemed the only loophole.

Basically if they did not stop him they would not have found the marijuana ... so if the stop was not justified the discovery of the stash was voided.

Quote from hoffy51 on April 2, 2021, 7:06 pm

He's very fortunate, he'd better learn his lesson.

Quote from MrPadre19 on April 2, 2021, 7:22 pm

Lesson being only have it on you when in California.

 

Quote from WindsorUK on April 3, 2021, 9:57 am

Or Colorado!

How many states have now legalised marijuana use? I'm in Manhattan quite a bit and that place REEKS of reefer!

Quote from Brian Connelly on April 3, 2021, 10:48 am

Team/Preller didn't seem too worried about it, but it's a big exhale sigh of relief for Luis.  And Me!  I was nervous it was going to get politicized somehow due to being in Georgia & just general political division.  I'm sure he's learned his lesson.

Gotta say I was impressed with him behind the last plate, although in 9th it did look like Melancon was getting annoyed about communication or signs or something during a mound visit;  "grandpa" vet dealing with the rookie 🙂

Quote from fenn68 on April 25, 2021, 9:14 am

Just laying the groundwork for decisions that may come up in a couple of years as they relate to the catching options.

Campusano (22) will be spending the next couple of seasons in the minors ... and he needs the development to be ML quality. He will not get a year’s worth of service time in 2021 ... maybe not 2022 ... so under the current CBA will have 6 years of control when he does arrive for a full season unless the new CBA changes the rules. So,IF he develops, he could be a catching solution for a very long time.

However, look at the other options:

Nola (31) is controlled through 2025 ... FA in 2026 at age 35.

Caratini (27) is controlled through 2023 ... FA in 2024 at age 30).

PTNL ... will there be a hot catching prospect developing and ready in that 2024-26 timeframe?

=====

Even if Campusano just progresses AA (2021) - AAA (2022) and used as the #1 call-up .... he should be ready in 2023 but Nola and Caratini are still around.

Performance of all three is critical but also the Padres are built to win in the 2021-23 timeframe (a lot of FA will hit in 2023-24). Will there be an advantage in dealing one of these catchers (catchers are always in demand) to add a strong needed piece elsewhere in the line-up?

Campusano if he is coming off a very good minor league season(s) ... he may have the highest trade value (think OF with the departure of Pham and the DH coming in 2022). Nola (but getting older) and Caratini have 2022-23 covered then Nola covered two more and extending Caratini (young enough) is possible.

A next winter debate (or maybe trade deadline) but Campusano may a trade chip.

Quote from LynchMob on June 14, 2021, 7:47 am

From today's DFR ...

Catcher Luis Campusano led the offense with three of the club’s 12 hits, including his first triple of the year. The 22-year-old backstop is hitting .308/.400/.538 and has struck out just five times in 45 trips to the plate this month. After being forced into duty for the big league club to open the year, Campusano took a few weeks to find his footing in Triple-A but has brought his season OPS up to 730, nearly league average.

Quote from LynchMob on June 21, 2021, 7:54 am

From today's DFR ...

Luis Campusano out of the lineup for the second straight game after appearing to injure his throwing hand behind the plate Friday night