Quote from Randy Manese on July 5, 2023, 11:34 pm

You have to take the stats in the Dominican with a grain of salt, however, both Sanchez and Carrillo deserve a chance to show what they've got.  I would say placement in the ACL is a possibility, but both seasons end on 8/22.   Carrillo is a 1b/corner OF but not that good in either spot defensively; Sanchez has more position flexibility all over the infield and the outfield corners but just average at best in most positions.  I'd move up Romeo Sanabria from the ACL to Lake Elsinore to make room but the MLB draft is upon us, so roster spots and maximum minor league player limits (currently 180 active) may come into play.  A lot of guys at the bottom of the position player depth charts and pitching staffs may find out that their time has run out.  The guys in the Dominican don't count against the minor league player ceiling.

Quote from Randy Manese on July 6, 2023, 9:15 pm

Ethan Salas just hit his second HR of the night, giving him 6 in 104 AB's - not bad for a 17 year old kid!

Quote from Notmyopic on July 7, 2023, 3:01 am

Quote from Randy Manese on July 6, 2023, 9:15 pm

Ethan Salas just hit his second HR of the night, giving him 6 in 104 AB's - not bad for a 17 year old kid!

What makes that even more impressive is 3 of the HR he has hit in the last 5 games have been to center or LF.  To have that kind of power at 17 bodes well as his body matures and gets stronger with age.

Quote from WindsorUK on July 7, 2023, 5:52 am

With his hitting skills, does he move off C to 1B, to preserve his knees...hands, body in general?

Also, does anyone see the Padres trying to keep Salas and Zavala together, given their ages and backgrounds? Does anyone know if they've become buddies in their short time in LE?

Quote from fenn68 on July 7, 2023, 6:10 am

Doubt they move Salas off C … his skills apparently defensively along with the bat makes him incredibly valuable behind the plate  I suppose at some point he could move to 1B/DH as he ages … but not until the body forces the move.

I see Salas moving at his own pace … not tethered to Zavala who may end up lagging him by a year or two.

MLBPipeline has Salas at #50 now … when they do the new list after the season would not be surprised to see him jump even higher … maybe Top 10.

Quote from WindsorUK on July 7, 2023, 6:17 am

Does Brandon Valenzuela get a chance in camp next year?

Campusano has to be option 1. Nola is next to useless, Sanchez could be a candidate, then......who?????

Valenzuela's bat sounds similar to Nola but his D also appears on par.

Less expensive option without losing really anything?

Quote from fenn68 on July 7, 2023, 6:42 am

Quote from WindsorUK on July 7, 2023, 6:17 am

Does Brandon Valenzuela get a chance in camp next year?

Campusano has to be option 1. Nola is next to useless, Sanchez could be a candidate, then......who?????

Valenzuela's bat sounds similar to Nola but his D also appears on par.

Less expensive option without losing really anything?

Baring any C add (even as a bench option) … would expect Campusano / Nola having the lead for the ML roster … Sanchez let go as a FA (after the hot start with the Padres has been underwhelming and seeing why let go by the other teams) … probably Sullivan (on the 40 man) and Valenzuela (likely to be added to the 40 man) as the two primary insurance options in AAA.

Campusano will have the inside track for the #1 catcher but Nola would provide veteran insurance if has to step in … liked by the pitching staff … and an important factor is how he has handled the add of Sanchez with the work he has done to get Sanchez game ready with a new staff. Apparently an important “coach in place” that would be valuable to Campusano.

Quote from fenn68 on July 10, 2023, 4:17 am

Any current scouting reports on Romeo Sanabria?

I know it is too easy to get hooked by ACL stats … but his are impressive … and given his background could be a find.

Sanabria (21) was a JC catcher … drafted in the 18th round last year … Padres converted him to a full time 1B … in the ACL hitting (85 AB): 365/450/640 (1.050).

At 21 could be considered “old for the league” and that fact he was drafted in the 18th round suggests scouts did not see much last year BUT playing in JC ball did not present the best showcase and maybe did not show well when viewed as a catcher.

Have the Padres found a hidden gem? He should get a shot at LE sooner than later.

Quote from fenn68 on July 10, 2023, 12:21 pm

Espinosa SUSPENDED at EP.