2014 Organizational Depth Chart – Centerfield

Cameron Maybin tops the centerfield depth chart.  In 2013, the centerfield platoon did a decent job filling in for Maybin, but we all want to see #24 back in action.

The Organizational Depth Charts list the most major league ready players at each position.  All comments and disagreements are welcome.  For a complete explanation of the depth charts click here.

#1 – Cameron Maybin (2013 – MLB: .157/.232/.235, 1 HR, 5 RBI; 1.000 Fld%, 2.36 RF/G – 14 games, 14 starts*)

After playing only 14 games in 2013, the Padres desperately need Maybin to stay healthy, and produce in 2014.  He has a ton of speed (40 SBs in 2011; 24 SBs in 2012), and is a great fielder.  Maybin has a career .248/.311/.370 slash, which is not great, but is something to build on.  Hopefully, a healthy knee and wrist will allow him to improve his offensive numbers for the Friars in 2014.

#2 – Alexi Amarista (2013 – MLB: .236/.282/.337, 5 HR, 32 RBI; .981 Fld%, 1.77 RF/G – 87 games, 53 starts)

Amarista’s versatility was useful in 2013 because of all the injuries in the outfield.  He made my list of “Top 5 plays,” robbing Juan Uribe of the Dodgers in June.  The play symbolizes his willingness to do what it takes to help the Padres win.  In order to become a better platoon player, he will need to raise his average in 2014.

#3 – Reymond Fuentes (2013 – MLB: .152/.222/.152, 0 HR, 1 RBI; .950 Fld%, 1.27 RF/G – 15 games, 7 starts)

Fuentes made his major league debut in August after putting together a tremendous minor league season in AA San Antonio and AAA Tucson (now El Paso). His call-up to the majors did not go well, and at 22 years old, there is no rush to move Fuentes up to the majors.  Unless Fuentes rips the cover off the ball at Spring Training, I expect him to continue developing in AAA El Paso for the majority of 2014.

#4 – Rico Noel (2013 – AA San Antonio: .266/.348/.333, 0 HR, 41 RBI; .971 Fld%, 2.64 RF/G – 116 games)

Noel is a switch hitter who stole 59 bases in AA San Antonio.  If Fuentes is moved to the majors, Noel may get a shot playing centerfield for AAA El Paso.  However, his lack of power may hold him back.

#5 – Travis Jankowski – (2013 – Hi-A Lake Elsinore: .286/.356/.355, 1 HR, 38 RBI; .994 Fld%, 2.87 RF/G – 118 games)

Jankowski is a left-handed batter who throws righty.  He is a speedster, stealing 71 bases in Hi-A ball.  Jankowski plays excellent defense, and showed promise as a 22 year old in his second year of pro ball.  Expect him to make the jump to AA San Antonio in 2014.

Organizational Depth Chart – Catchers.

*All fielding statistics are based on the number of games played at centerfield.  The offensive statistics are based on all at-bats during the season.