Had a blast Saturday night hooking up with a bunch of Scoresheet buddies at the National Sports Grill in Torrance. Sat around, talked baseball, ate, drank, and admired the scenery. Thanks, guys!
In other news, the Padres traded outfielder and USD alum Kevin Reese to the Yankees for second baseman Bernabel Castro. Reese, age 24, would have ranked 24th in my top 30 Padres prospects. Since I won’t be including him now, here is the writeup:
24. Kevin Reese, CF
DOB: 03/11/78
Acq: draft 2000, rd 27; U. of San Diego
Ht: 5’11″ Wt: 195
Reese put up terrific numbers in the Midwest League in 2001. The downside is that he was 23 years old when he did it. He has a short stroke that generates a lot of doubles and the occasional homer, to go along with good plate discipline. He also runs well and is a solid defensive outfielder. Reese’s age is a definite strike against him but if he can maintain his solid numbers as he climbs the ladder, he could follow in fellow University of San Diego alum Brady Clark’s footsteps and make a terrific fourth outfielder.
Club Lvl AB BA OBP SLG BB SO SB CS
FtW A 459 .329 .402 .505 54 62 30 10
Castro, meanwhile, is an interesting prospect in his own right. He is extremely fast and has very good plate discipline but almost no power. He stands in at 5’10″, 165 pounds and is a switch-hitter. And perhaps the most intriguing aspect or Castro is this: he doesn’t turn 21 until July 14.
I haven’t figured it all out just yet but I’m thinking Castro will be in the 15-20 range in my top 30. Hate to see local boy Reese leave but Castro probably has higher upside, and the system is relatively thin at middle infield. I’m guessing he’ll start the season at Ft. Wayne, which might mean more time at shortstop for Josh Barfield. Interesting…
More information on Ryan Baerlocher, taken in the Rule 5 draft out of the Royals organization. He’s 6’5″, 221 lbs, out of Lewiston, Idaho, via Lewis-Clark State College. He is a converted infielder and turns 25 in August. Reports are that Baerlocher has a decent (90-92 mph) fastball and could end up as a swingman/spot starter if he makes the club.
Also found some info on Lavalroe Cash. He goes by the name Condor and put up some huge numbers (.347/.406/.576) in the Northwest League. The Cubs drafted him in the 12th round in 1999, out of a Georgia high school. I’m not sure what the rules are for players picked in the Triple-A phase of the draft are but this looks like a potential steal for the Pads.
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