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Fort Wayne’s Future is in San Diego!
By Chad Gramling | December 25, 2006
Looking through the 12/16/06 San Diego Padres Mailbag shows that there are a lot of Fort Wayne connections to the future of the franchise. The most immediate is with regards to Fort Wayne native, Rob Bowen’s opportunity in light of the Padre’s letting Mike Piazza go:
Catching, with Josh Bard and Rob Bowen prepared to take over for Mike Piazza, is not a concern.
Also, several former Wizards are being mentioned as possible components of the team within the next year or two:
- In terms of upside, several intriguing outfielders are on the horizon — Will Venable, the organization’s Minor League Player of the Year . . .
- Nick Hundley has made excellent strides behind the plate and is generally seen as the catcher of the future, although big Colt Morton also has a shot with his booming bat.
- Jared Wells has the right stuff to make it in the Major Leagues with a power arm. Fellow right-handers Leonel Rosales . . . and Michael Ekstrom — the team’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year — also have made excellent impressions.
- Lefties Sean Thompson and Cesar Ramos have the poise and command to start in the Major Leagues, perhaps in 2008.
- Third baseman Chase Headley has a fine future . . . [f]irst baseman Kyle Blanks has top-shelf power in a huge frame.
- With a solid season at Triple-A Portland, Luis Cruz could make the jump to San Diego. He’s a strong athlete who can drive the ball, and he has a strong enough arm to play multiple positions.
Topics: Alumni, Local Ties |