Cory Spangenberg, 2B of the future for San Diego?

Over the last few seasons, the Padres have been able to acquire a wealth of young talent which is beginning to pay dividends for the franchise at the minor league level.  Now that talent is beginning to get noticed on a national level.

MLB.com just ranked it’s Top 10 prospects at each position, and one Padre is #1 at his spot: 2B Cory Spangenberg.

Spangenberg was San Diego’s #1 Draft Choice in 2011 (10th overall out of Indian River State College), and since he has begun his Minor League career (330 AB’s), he has done one important thing well: hit the baseball.

During his first season in the Minors (Between Eugene and Fort Wayne: A-Affiliates), Spangenberg (Bats: Left, Throws: Right) hit a combined .316, with 25 SB’s, 45 BB’s, had a .419 OBP, and drove in 44 runs.  While he may not be a power hitter (3 HR’s), scouts are raving about his bat, his speed, and should be in AA San Antonio by season’s end.

With the Orlando Hudson acquisition appearing to be a bust, San Diego still is looking for a long-term solution at 2B.  While Spangenberg won’t be up to the majors by 2014, the news that he is progressing faster than expected puts a smile on my face, and gives me hope that him, Jedd Gyorko, and Yonder Alonso can form the nucleus of a stellar Infield for years to come in San Diego.

So let’s keep a close eye on Spangenberg this season.  Hopefully he will be making his Big League debut sooner, rather than later.

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