Anthony Bass, Bryan Oland ... And Other Top Padres Prospects

Hitters yesterday, pitchers today. And leading the charge of Padre minor league pitchers through July 1 are two beasts, Anthony Bass and Bryan Oland (that's Anthony pictured above, back in his Wayne St. days).

I know, I know. Latos is probably the number 1 guy. But he was at the top of these rankings last month and I want to mix it up a bit. That's the beauty of compiling arbitrary rankings on your blog: you can do whatever you want.

A few changes this month: (1) only guys with 1.20 WHIP are lower made the list; and (2) the list is divided between starters and relievers. Hence, both Bass and Oland get recognition as the top guy in their respective roles.

To the lists.

Starters

1. Anthony Bass, RHP, Fort Wayne: Anthony probably should be in High A but, regardless, his numbers are hard to ignore: 7-3 1.95 ERA, 59/25 strikeout-to-walk ratio, 1.14 WHIP. He's given up 3 earned runs over his last 8 starts which is ridiculous. He's ready for a move.

2. Mat Latos, RHP, FW/San Antonio: Dominated at the Texas League All Star Game last night. I'm stoked for his first start this September as a Padre. I'm hoping it's against the hated Dadgers and he K's Ethier, Manny and Loney in order. Yep, that's probably going to happen. He is currently 7-1, 1.28, 65/12, .78 on the season.

3. Cory Luebke, LHP, Lake Elsinore/SA: Man, isn't Cory is exactly what the Padres need? A reliable lefty starter, maybe the #3 guy in the rotation, who can strike guys out? Picture him slotted behing Peavy and Latos in a couple years, or maybe as the #4 guy behind Peavy-Latos-Young. That could be a nice veteran-youngster mix. Cory is kicking it at 9-2, 2.31, 84/18, 1.02.

4. Tim Stauffer, RHP, SA/Portland: He was roughed up a bit last night, but the Timmy Stauffer comeback this season has been a heartwarmer worthy of Hallmark. You know the tale: shoulder injury out of college, still managed to fight his way to the majors, major surgery last year, and now back for another go 'round. Stauffer could be that mystery #5 starter on a pennant winner. The guy who had top of the rotation stuff once upon a time but could never realize his potential because of injuries. That would be some kinda nice, to borrow Mark Grant's phrase, if it happened. Not counting last night, Tim is 2-0, 2.17, 21/5, .86 on the year.

Relievers

1. Bryan Oland, RHP, LE: Bryan is a big kid, measuring 6'3" 230. As the Lake Elsinore closer on the season, he's racked up 19 saves to go along with his 3-1, 1.29, 38/11, 1.06. I don't know a lot about Bryan's stuff, but I like his potential.

2. Brad Brach, RHP, FW: A big part of Fort Wayne's success this season, Brad has 18 saves to go along with his 3-2, 1.64, 43/7, .70. He's been basically unhittable lately, giving up only 1 hit in 6 appearances since June 9.

3. Evan Scribner, RHP, SA: When the Padres acquired Evan last season, I thought they were going to move him quickly to the bigs to take advantage of the fact he was unknown to Big League hitters (similar to what the D'Backs have done this season with Daniel Schlereth). It wasn't to be but Evan is at AA now and is pitching well. So far on the season he's 4-1, 2.02, 35/9, .93. I bet he gets a long look in Spring Training.

4. Nick Schumacher, RHP, FW: Like Anthony Bass, Nick is a Wayne St. guy, for whatever that's worth. Not sure what kind of stuff he's got, but you've gotta like his 3-0, 1.08 21/1, .96. That 21-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio is especially choice.

5. Mike Ekstrom, RHP, Portland: Mike has seen a little Big League time this year but hasn't yet been able to stick. He will pitch in the upcoming PCL All Star game, which is nice. Mike is 3-1, 2.08, 30/14, 1.02 with 9 holds.

6. Zachary Herr, LHP, FW: The lefty from Nebraska has watched his ERA skyrocket since earlier this season, but his peripheral numbers are still choice. Must be a bit of bad luck for Zach. He's at 4-2, 4.09, 40/10, 1.15.

7. Eduardo Perez, RHP, FW: I'll be honest, I had not heard of Eduardo until I started looking at stats to compile this post. He is a 21-year old Venezuelan who, in 13 games this season, is 2-0, 3.51, 19/8, 1.17. He may not make this type of list again, but for now, well done, Eduardo.