Quote from Randy Manese on March 13, 2022, 9:58 am

Michael Curry has been an interesting prospect in that it appears the Padres tried to do all they could to make him more valuable, even trying to get him to be a catcher because he did not have the offensive ceiling to be a corner OF in the majors.   To some extent, it was probably true he was passed over by those who were drafted higher, but if he had shown more projectable skills it really didn't matter where you were drafted or signed as an international free agent.  Baseball is a very tough game to play and highly competitive; if you don't have the perseverance and make progress by a certain age then you become an "organizational player" just filling out a minor league level roster until the next better prospect emerges.  I'm sorry he is bitter but probably 90% of all minor leaguers signed will be released or retire - that is the nature of the game.

Quote from Randy Manese on March 17, 2022, 9:47 am

With the AAA minor league season opening up in less than 3 weeks and the other A leagues following just a few days later, expect to see some movement on those players who were invited to the major league roster and those who likely had little chance to make a AAA roster.  If Nix and Lawson still have starter potential after all their injuries, projected rotation could be very good with Gore, A Martinez and Knehr rounding out the top 5; I'd put Weathers down in San Antonio given his youth and lack of total minor league innings pitched.  Also should have a decent bullpen with Wilson and J Castillo being the first out from the right and left side respectfully.

On offense, like the addition of A Rodriguez and Ona has a chance to prove his worth along with some steady veterans - could be a very competitive offense even with Mazara expected to move to 40-man and break camp with the San Diego club.   Eguy and Batten should be solid as will Azocar and the catching staff, especially if Campusano starts the season here.  It seems this team has the potential to be much better than last year's.  There is going to be a lot of shuttling back and forth even with the limit of 5 moves, particularly with pitchers, as you want to keep the big league team fresh.

Quote from fenn68 on March 17, 2022, 10:56 am

What will be interesting to see in who make the AAA pitching staff … I have a long list of non-roster candidates then add the optioned 40 man roster arms. Some bounce all the way down to AA … some released … some to the injured list. Mainly a pack of minor league veterans in play.

As it stands, Mazara up to the Padres is likely but pending a Padre move or two … maybe an INF needs to be added to the 40 man (or Rosario stays up until Tatis returns). If they want Rosario getting ABs … an opening for Batten or one of the veteran minor league winter signings? Same logic … if Campusano is sent down and only Profar for the INF/OF bench … could one of the OF be added? They signed Trayce Thompson and Tommy Milone both fringe ML histories. Although no one sees them as ML prospects … could Podorsky (unless he get injured again) or Azocar get a cup of coffee. Azocar by all accounts can play defense and some hitting in his game … maybe not ML quality but as a back-up piece?

Given the “bodies” on the AAA roster … good chance we see Ona start in AA. That also will be a better test of his hitting vs. EP.

Quote from Randy Manese on March 17, 2022, 3:00 pm

Another retirement at the AA level - Dwanya Williams-Sutton, former #5 draft pick.  He could really get on base, oftentimes by getting hit by the pitch, but never could show the power needed for a corner outfielder nor get his average above .260.  Since he turns 25 this year, the writing was on the wall since he certainly would not be any higher than San Antonio to start the season and his chances of moving up from there were slim.  Baseball's a tough game!

Quote from fenn68 on March 17, 2022, 4:32 pm

Quote from Randy Manese on March 17, 2022, 3:00 pm

Another retirement at the AA level - Dwanya Williams-Sutton, former #5 draft pick.  He could really get on base, oftentimes by getting hit by the pitch, but never could show the power needed for a corner outfielder nor get his average above .260.  Since he turns 25 this year, the writing was on the wall since he certainly would not be any higher than San Antonio to start the season and his chances of moving up from there were slim.  Baseball's a tough game!

Going to be interesting who ends up in the SA OF ...

Quote from Randy Manese on March 22, 2022, 6:04 pm

I think you can count on Tirso and the Ruiz's in the starting OF (Agustin and (Esteury) unless Ona is assigned there to start the season.  I'm projecting organizational fillers Matthew Acosta and Grant Little to round out the SA  OF until Hassell and Rosier likely move up from Ft. Wayne a couple of months in.  Liberato or Podorsky could also be sent down from El Paso but unlikely.  My guess is that the Padres want  to see whether these long-time OF "prospects" can handle AA or will they have reached the end of the line via Free Agency in 2022.   It would be Ornelas in LF, E Ruiz in CF and A Ruiz in RF, not a great defensive OF.  Also, there is the possibility that Ornelas plays some 1b since no real prospect for the Padres at the AA level.

Quote from Randy Manese on March 24, 2022, 10:23 am

Good article in Baseball America today on Jarlin Susuana and also my favorite to make a big leap, Jackson Merrill.  Susana apparently showing mid-90's FB, topping out at 98, with hard changeup and a slider that could develop into plus.  Now almost 240 pounds on his 6:05 frame.  Likely start at Arizona Rookie League Peoria Padres but could be advanced up to Lake Elsinore if control is good.

Look for Merrill to be a quick mover from Lake Elsinore, maybe to Ft. Wayne by middle of 2022.  I really like his swing and his attitude at the plate.  Heading up to Lake Elsinore early this year to see him and Wood.

Quote from fenn68 on March 24, 2022, 10:37 am

I will be interesting to see the SS movement mid-season in the lower levels ... Padres have some excellent prospects (all very young) in play. Would guess season starts with:

FW ... Angeles (19) ... hit lights out last season in low A ...

LE ... Merrill (18) ... #1 pick and getting rave review this spring

AZ ... Acosta (17) ... one of the most prized international signings who excelled in his first season in the DSL

Assuming Abrams starts in AAA (and maybe get promoted mid-season to the Padres) .... not much preventing all from promotion mid-season (if they preform). Guess Lopez is the starting SS in SA.

In about 4 years the Padres could be in really good shape to replace Cronenworth and Kim ... plus would not rule out an OF conversion out of that group.

Quote from MrPadre19 on March 24, 2022, 11:08 am

Quote from Randy Manese on March 24, 2022, 10:23 am

Good article in Baseball America today on Jarlin Susuana and also my favorite to make a big leap, Jackson Merrill.  Susana apparently showing mid-90's FB, topping out at 98, with hard changeup and a slider that could develop into plus.  Now almost 240 pounds on his 6:05 frame.  Likely start at Arizona Rookie League Peoria Padres but could be advanced up to Lake Elsinore if control is good.

Look for Merrill to be a quick mover from Lake Elsinore, maybe to Ft. Wayne by middle of 2022.  I really like his swing and his attitude at the plate.  Heading up to Lake Elsinore early this year to see him and Wood.

I hope you're right.That high leg kick worries me as he starts to face more elite competition.

Reminds me of Luis Urias who was great at every level but then took 2+ years once he got to MLB to adapt.

Maybe he will reduce it some or maybe he won't have too?

Guess we'll find out together!