Padres Option Blanks Back To Triple-A

Mar 6, 2014; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Kyle Blanks (88) scores a run against the Texas Rangers in the second inning at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

In a move that has some scratching their heads, the San Diego Padres have optioned first baseman/outfielder Kyle Blanks back to Triple-A El Paso in order to make room for the recently activated Carlos Quentin according to Marty Caswell of 1090 Sports Radio:

The real question Padres’ fans and the organization should be asking themselves, is why Blanks is getting sent down yet again, while struggling first baseman Yonder Alonso gets as many at-bats as needed to prove he is in a prolonged slump? Alonso is the one who truly needs to work out his issues at the Triple-A level, hitting .195 with no home runs, 7 runs batted in, and is only slugging .266. Rumors have surfaced over recent days that the Padres and Oakland Athletics were discussing a deal that would send Blanks to Oakland. Chris Cotillo of MLB The Dish first reported the rumor via Twitter. Instead, he finds himself out of favor with Bud Black once again, and in Triple-A, where he has dominated the entire season.

The frustrations will continue for Blanks, and perhaps his best option, is for him to move to an organization that recognizes and appreciates his talents, rather than continue to bury him at a level he has clearly shown he excels at. All the while, San Diego continues to maintain it’s most recent offensive output. Sending viable sluggers to the minors while keeping guys who can’t perform on the big league roster, doesn’t sell well to the fan base. Just in case you were paying attention…