http://padres.scout.com/2/753791.html

(2) I think Headley’s struggles had more to do with getting behind in counts than being dissapointed at being sent down. He knew all along that the Padres wanted him to spend some time in AAA, especially after switching to a new position.

Also he started to come out of the slumps when he started looking occasionally “middle-out” early in the count instead of always looking “middle-in”. He started to hit more weak breaking pitches and changes instead of always looking for the fastball early in the count. He was making hard contact and fouling a few balls off that he should have hit.

He also mentioned too in an interview with him in Portland that he started over analyzing things too much because in the OF he had a lot more time to think as compared to 3b.

http://padres.scout.com/2/753791.html

Finally the weather conditions in Portland in April are god-awfull. When I was there in late April it rained every day, the games were played in 40 degree weather, all batting practice was indoors - so it just wasn’t really condusive to playing baseball.

I think he’s fine and is one of the stronger players mentally in the organization. When he went back to San Antonio he was a little dinged up and then came down with a bad flu - which didn’t keep him out of the lineup or should serve as an excuse - but it is a reason why his performance tailed off a little.

I’m sure some players let their emotions get the better of them, but that would seem to be a learning experience rather than a chronic problem. Trevor has talked many times about Brian Harvey teaching him that he had to forget the day before if he wanted to be a successful closer. Some teams don’t want to promote their prospects until they’ve faced disappointment in the minors so they can learn to handle it.

I’m a lot more worried about Headley’s play in LF, and the future of Kouzmanoff at 3b, than I am about Chase’s mental toughness.