Down on the Friars’ Farm – 12/27

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s take a look at what’s making news around the minor league system this holiday season.

AAA – El Paso Chihuahuas

The Chihuahuas have a very good interview with new pitching coach, Mike Cather. Mike is not surprisingly very excited about the potential rotation for the Chihuahuas’ first season.

Although the selection of the name Chihuahuas was higly debated within El Paso, merchandise is flying off of the shelves. The Chihuahuas have shipped orders to 47 states and 6 foreign countries.

The Chihuahuas continue to spread goodwill throughout their new home town through charity work and other events. Recently they invited some members of the 1949 Bowie High School Bears, the first team comprised entirely of Mexican-Americans to win the Texas State Baseball Championship, to the new ballpark for a visit.

AA – San Antonio Missions

Did you know that the San Antonio Missions were the Texas League Champions? Pick up some Championship gear here.

April 10th will be Championship Ring Night for the Missions. Just like the parent club Padres, the Missions will honor military men and women several times this coming season. This and a list of many more fun promotions for 2014 are up at the San Antonio Missions website.

Hi-A – Lake Elsinore Storm

Austin Hedges and Cory Spangenberg (both Storm alumni), were honored by the Arizona Fall League following the close of league play. Hedges was rated as the Number 2 prospect in the league, while Spangenberg came in at Number 15.

Bruce Kessman, who was the Storm’s Vice President and General Manager, recently left the team to take a job as the Ballpark General Manager for the City of Goodyear, Arizona. He will oversee the operations of the entire complex which is the Spring Training home for the Indians and Reds. Congratulations Bruce! Not bad for someone who started off as an intern with the Storm back in 1999.

A – Fort Wayne TinCaps

A series of blog posts by Mike Couzens highlights former TinCaps players. The most recent post covers Jake Peavy’s rise from a 1999 15th round pick to a Cy Young and World Series Winner, as well as the proud owner of a new duck boat.

New Padres first base coach Jose Valentin was the Manager of the TinCaps for the last two seasons. He took the team to back-to-back playoff appearances as well as a League Championship Series.

Short-Season A – Eugene Emeralds

New El Paso Chihuahuas Manager Pat Murphy was the Emeralds Manager in 2011 and 2012.

This article from December 4th highlights the stars of the Padres Minor League System. Many of the prospects listed here are former Eugene Emeralds.

Minor League news isn’t coming fast and furious this time of year but, when it does, we will definitely be here to update you. We also look forward to being your source for Minor League updates throughout the upcoming season. Let us help you keep track of the Padres of tomorrow!