I perused my copy of the 2008 Baseball America Prospect Handbook today and came across BA's projection of the 2011 Padres lineup. Recognizing that it's no easy task to predict a ballclub's lineup three years out, it is still a rather humorous read.
I'll list out the projected lineup and let you know (as if you didn't already know) where they are now:
C - Mitch Canham
Mitch was drafted for his bat and that hasn't really come around. His best year was at Lake Elsinore in 2008 when he hit .285/.382/.434. The last two seasons, however, he's faltered a bit, showing very little pop (.316 slugging % last summer). He'll most likely start the season in AAA and perhaps the hitter-friendly conditions in Tucson will help him find his stroke.
1B - Adrian Gonzalez
In the most marquee deal of the offseason, Jed moved Adrian to Boston for three top prospects and Eric Patterson. Adrian has now taken his talents to the Fens.
2B - Matt Antonelli
In a move that surprised me a bit, the Padres released Antonelli in the offseason. He has since signed with the Nationals and will likely have a shot to make their major league roster out of Spring Training.
3B - Kevin Kouzmanoff
Jed shipped Kouz to the A's last January for Scotty "Bombs" Hairston. The move opened up a spot for Chase Headley at third base.
SS - Khalil Greene
A sad story for young Kal El. His social anxiety disorder has decimated his career. The Padres shipped him to the Cardinals two years ago for Luke Gregerson and Mark Worrell. After spending a rough season with St. Louis, he signed with Texas last January, only to decide he was not well enough to report to Spring Training. The Rangers voided his contract and, as best I can tell, Khalil is still a free agent.
LF - Chase Headley
Moved to third base following the Kouz trade. Only man in this projected lineup who is in the actual lineup.
CF - Drew Cumberland
BA's most interesting projection. Cumberland is a middle infield prospect that may have the athleticism to roam the Petco outfield. He in injury-prone, however, so a move to the outfield seems unlikely. He was having a break out year last summer until an injury ended his season. If he comes out raking in '11 the Padres might not be able to keep him on the farm.
RF - Cedric Hunter
One of the more curious prospects in the Drinos system. He was a high-school draft pick that has over 5 years of pro experience, is still only 22, and has hit at every level. Yet for whatever reason, perhaps an overly complicated swing and/or questionable pop, he is rarely mentioned among the best of the best of the Padres prospects. He hit .287/.342/.397 at AA and AAA last season. He should get a shot in the bigs at some point, maybe later this summer if the Padres are out of the race.
Tomorrow I'll look at BA's projected rotation and closer. It's all very fun to read.
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