From the Vault: Brad Wilkerson, Hank Blalock
Mon, Jun 13, 2005
by Geoff Young
[The Padres completed their longest homestand of the year a disappointing 5-8 but remain in first place, 2 1/2 games ahead of the Dodgers. With an off day, and because I am currently en route to Toronto for a little R&R, we take a trip in the wayback machine. The below was originally posted July 10, 2001.]
Anaheim shortstop prospect Brian Specht has been promoted to Double-A Arkansas. On the basis of what he did last season, he deserved to start 2001 there but he’s young, so there’s no hurry.
Olympian Brad Wilkerson will make his big-league debut Thursday. Hitting machine. Think Rusty Greer or pre-Ruthian Luis Gonzalez.
What’s up with that celebrity softball thing at the All-Star Game? I don’t want to see Fez from That 70s Show taking rips at a Goose Gossage lob. My friend Dave, who attended the event, said it was painful to watch. I believe it.
Adam Eaton is on the shelf. Elbow sprain. Supposedly not as serious as the sprain that’s kept lefty Kevin Walker out the past several weeks. Brian Tollberg will take Eaton’s spot in the rotation. I’d say there’ll be a logjam when Eaton returns but by that time, Sterling Hitchcock and Woody Williams will probably be gone.
Padres second-rounder Matt Harrington is struggling in the Northern League. A 9.47 ERA in 19 IP isn’t helping his cause.
San Diego product Hank Blalock is tearing up the Texas League after tearing up the Florida State League. John Sickels once compared him to George Brett. Sickels went out on a limb there but right now, Blalock is hitting like Brett. Of course, Double-A isn’t the big-leagues but this kid has a chance to be special.
So do a couple of his high school teammates, catcher Scott Heard of the Rangers and righthander Matt Wheatland of the Tigers. [Ed note: Wheatland now plays for the San Diego Surf Dawgs.]
That’s it for now. Enjoy the All-Star Game. And don’t forget to watch the Triple-A All-Star Game tomorrow night!
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June 13, 2005 at 10:33 pm
Farm Report … good news from Portland … another decent start from Miguel Ascencio … http://www.minorleaguebaseball.....a_tacaaa_1 …
Also, a 3-hit game from Matt Bush … http://www.minorleaguebaseball.....x_ftwafx_1
OSU Beavers get past USC to advance to Omaha … I went to the first 2 games … just WILD! I think the Padres draftees have fared well in the college post-season … ex. Chase Headley (U Tenn) was 4-for-6 and Josh Alley 2-for-3 + 3 B’s in route of Ga Tech (http://ncaasports.com/baseball/mens/gamecenter/boxscore/super01/02?refresh_rate=60), earning a trip to Omaha, so we’ll get to see him more … ex. Josh Geer went 6 strong for Rice vs Tulane to get W, before tiring in 7th (http://ncaasports.com/baseball/mens/gamecenter/boxscore/super06/01) … ex. Seth Johnson with 3 hits (2 2Bs) to help Texas advance (http://ncaasports.com/baseball/mens/gamecenter/boxscore/super07/03) …
You can go to BA and see which of our draftees have already signed … http://www.baseballamerica.com.....hp?team=SD … 2nd overall pick Cesar Ramos has signed … a several from rounds 6-22 … plus the football player from U of Oregon???
June 13, 2005 at 11:02 pm
Here’s a comment from BA’s Daily Dish …
With fellow PCL second baseman Rickie Weeks being called up to the majors, Josh Barfield is playing like someone who wants to be there soon too. With two more hits yesterday, the Padres prospect is now 21-for-48 in June with two homers and is hitting .289/.335/.396 on the season for Portland.
… still seems like he’s got a ways to go … and the Padres have time for him to develop @ Portland.