Matt Clark To Play For Chunichi Dragons

The Padres’ talented Minor League system just took a big hit.

First base prospect Matt Clark is leaving the Padres organization and taking his talents to the Pacific Rim.

The 26-year-old Clark has elected to play the 2013 season in Japan with the Chunichi Dragons of the Nipon Professional Baseball League.

Courtesy: Christopher Hanewinckel – US PRESSWIRE

Last year with Triple-A Tucson, Clark played in 121games and compiled a .290 batting average with with 22 home runs and 77 RBIs.

The left-handed slugger was selected in the 12^th round of the 2008 draft.

Obviously, I can’t speak for Clark but he was on a long list of Padres first baseman, so cracking the Big Leagues with the Padres looked bleak.

The Padres currently have Yonder Alonso at first base with Kyle Blanks, Jesus Guzman and occasionally Mark Kotsay serving as subs.

The Padres also have Cody Decker and James Darnell waiting in the wings.

We at Chicken Friars wish Clark nothing but the best!