Quote from Randy Manese on March 30, 2024, 9:16 am

El Paso/San Diego didn't announce any cuts/releases from the pre-season El Paso roster so assume most of the guys are headed over to San Antonio.  In fact, Mad Friars announced that Go's option had been transferred to San Antonio.

San Antonio pre-season roster only had 10 active pitchers so there is opportunity there - likely 5-6.  Position players only numbered 8, so maybe 4-5 from the El Paso or up from Fort Wayne to round out the 28 maximum player limit.  My guess is that all 7 pitchers make the SA roster, but a couple might end up on the developmental list.    Of the position players formerly on the EP roster, Dunn and Perez have the best chance of being reassigned.  Murphy a probable add from FtW and then either Hollis (EP) or Didier (FtW), a couple of older guys who could man the vacant shortstop slot (Ripken Reyes doesn't have the arm or the range for the position), unless they think Dale (EP) can handle that position.

San Antonio easily looks to be our strongest team in the minors with some very promising pitchers on the staff.  Can't wait for their season to start!

Quote from Randy Manese on March 31, 2024, 7:19 am

Although San Antonio hasn't announced its official 2024 roster, its recently released media guide shows 28 active player biographies.  One that is mysteriously missing is Ethan Salas, although there is a picture of him within the guide.  Could be just a misprint or have the Padres decided Salas needs more time at a lower level to get his stroke down?  If so, he might struggle in the cold weather initially but still could be an early call-up to SA after a month or so. Guide has many of those who didn't make the El Paso roster, so there is a good chance that most of it reflects reality.

Quote from fenn68 on March 31, 2024, 7:50 am

Quote from Randy Manese on March 31, 2024, 7:19 am

Although San Antonio hasn't announced its official 2024 roster, its recently released media guide shows 28 active player biographies.  One that is mysteriously missing is Ethan Salas, although there is a picture of him within the guide.  Could be just a misprint or have the Padres decided Salas needs more time at a lower level to get his stroke down?  If so, he might struggle in the cold weather initially but still could be an early call-up to SA after a month or so. Guide has many of those who didn't make the El Paso roster, so there is a good chance that most of it reflects reality.

Not surprised if Salas begins in FW. In 2023 only had 9 games in AA (28 AB) and 9 games in A+ (35 AB) with a combined OPS of around .500. So, more development on the offense is probably called for without pushing him too fast.

Also, allows Valenzuela to get the main catching role in AA … still a prospect with the need to show his bat to go with this plus defense.

Quote from fenn68 on March 31, 2024, 8:33 am

I guess because SA got so many late season call ups from FW ... only one player (Lizarraga) moving up from FW for the first time. Should make for a good starting five: Bergert - Krob - Lizarraga - Mazur - Snelling ... all five on the Padres' Top 30.

Good to see Lawson getting another shot.

Don't know how long this will last but as with EP only 12 position players (including 3 catchers). So we should see a lot of players moving around in defensive positions. Don't really see a lot of A+ players ready to make the jump early in the season however a few "system players" might get the call as filler if an injury (eg Dunn, Dale).

Quote from fenn68 on April 1, 2024, 8:17 am

Initial FW and LE rosters are set .... no big surprises ... actually pretty close to what had been listed over the winter.

One thing I did notice ... virtually no players off the ACL roster were promoted at this time. Might suggest that while they get more extended ST work ... some of the players that were placed in FW and LE are also getting their last look before Padres make some promotions in a month or so.

Quote from Stergios on April 1, 2024, 9:02 am

So Salas is in high A?

Quote from fenn68 on April 1, 2024, 10:25 am

Quote from Stergios on April 1, 2024, 9:02 am

So Salas is in high A?

Yes

Quote from Randy Manese on April 2, 2024, 12:04 am

Looks like the Lake Elsinore (LE) roster is one short at 29 plus there are a number of players who might be on short-term injured lists that are not accounted for and have been in the system for awhile.  Agree that before the Arizona Complex League (ACL) opens, could see a lot of movement from the "current" ACL roster to LE.  In particular, the position players are very weak on the LE roster and I can see guys like King, Jr., De Vries or even Murillo or Montesino assigned there after a couple of weeks if they are having good camps.  Similarly, there are pitchers like Carson Montgomery and Bradgley Rodriguez who deserve to be in Low A.

The Ft. Wayne team is comprised of a lot of possible "break-out" candidates, which might mean a lot of inconsistency at the beginning of the season and certainly not helped by the cold Midwest weather.  We'll see which players rise to the top and which may never see AA.  Salas and Lesko are expected to be the stars but we really don't know what we'll get from Bush, Jr., Robertson or even Fabian (yes, I may be only guy who still likes Fabian!) as position players or Haynes, Baez or Pinales as SPs.  Except for a couple of pitchers who might move up from LE, don't see a lot of hitting help joining this team during the majority of the season.

 

 

 

 

Quote from fenn68 on April 3, 2024, 5:10 am

A few last minute moves for the FW/LE rosters.

Nett gets a promotion for LE to FW ... hints of being a better prospect than his rankings

LE gets from ACL some legit prospects in RHP Bradley Rodriguez, Carson Montgomery, and C Rodriguez ... plus a few other adds ... sent to ACL where not notable prospects.