Friday, June 12, 2009

Padres take 3 of the top HS Centerfielders in last 2 drafts

Friday June 12, 2009

Don't look now, but the Padres have taken 3 of the top 10 HS outfield prospects in the first two rounds of the last 2 drafts.

Jaff Decker last season and Donavan Tate and Everett Williams this season. These kids could be pushing more established players like Cedric Hunter, Kellen Kulbacki and Luis Durango soon.

When you look at that huge outfield in Petco, it cries out for fast outfielders with power at all 3 positions. That is what those 3 players show promise of being someday with a little luck.

You probably thought, maybe even hoped, that was all I would have to say on the draft? Sorry to disappoint you. There is still more.

I have spent several hours over the past 2 days watching film of this kid out of Duke, Nathan Frieman. When I saw the pick come across the board in the 8th round I was surprised at the choice. He is 6'8" and images of Richie Sexson and Dave Kingman and their all or nothing swings and low BA and high SO rate flashed through my head.

Then I saw the film. This guy is a brute and he crushes balls, but he has a great eye and doesn't strike out much. He has pretty quick feet at first and can pick the ball pretty good. He is also a Rhodes Scholar candidate according to Paul DePodesta.

He may quickly add to the plethora of good power hitting prospects at the 1B position in the Padres system.

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