Baseball in Fort Wayne

One of the great things about this time of year is following the developing story lines out of Spring Training. Certainly, there will be many involving former Wizards and other local ties. For instance, a few days ago I mentioned that the Padres may be considering trading Paul McAnulty. Today, MLB.com has picked up on the “human interest” story that’s brewing. In “Rededicated McAnulty aims for rebound” Corey Brock discusses the seasoned minor leaguer and his likelihood of a future within the Padres organization. After a disappointing 2007 that was sidelined by injuries and falling placement on the depth chart as a result, McAnulty spent the off season getting into what he believes is the best shape of his career.

He worked out three times a day — that’s right, three times a day — six days a week, an arduous mix of weight training, conditioning, riding the stationary bike and, of course, hitting, at his home . . . Can he realistically win a job with the Padres? McAnulty is out of Minor League options, which means he might have greener pastures with another organization if the Padres opt to go with prospect Chase Headley or non-roster invitees Jody Gerut or Jeff DaVanon as their backup outfielders to Scott Hairston, Jim Edmonds and Brian Giles.

McAnulty was selected by San Diego in 12th Round (355th overall) of 2002 amateur entry draft. As a member of the Fort Wayne Wizards in 2003, he appeared in 133 games and hit .273 with 7 home runs and 73 runs batted in over over 455 at-bats.

[tags]Paul McAnulty, MLB, Padres, San Diego, Baseball in Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Wizards[/tags]