Padres’ Minor League Roundup For August 17

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Goebbert’s second cup of coffee is proving to be much better for the Padres. During his first stint Goebbert only hit .250, this could be due to the nerves associated with finally making the Major Leagues and fulfilling a childhood dream. It could have been due to pressing too hard to make his presence known and not relying on what got him to The Show in the first place. Either way, his performance has improved his second go round. Since his second promotion he is hitting 4-for-10 with 5 RBI. His last two games have showcased the reason the Padres traded for him from the Oakland Athletics via the Kyle Blanks trade. Over his last two games he is 3-for-7 including a triple in last night’s game, and with Yonder Alonso being out for the rest of the season with a torn tendon in his right forearm Goebbert is have an extended audition time to showcase his skills and show new Padres GM A.J. Preller that he should be a part of the Padres’ future. Every team is looking for talents baseball players, but during this search you also want players with a high level of character. This is why Chris Denorfia was my favorite Padre until he was traded at this year’s deadline. I think Goebbert’s could become my new favorite player. If you read this Thank You letter to the community that help support and propel him to his goal. Goebbert is a solid baseball player and an every better person. These are the people I want on my team, hopefully Bud Black and his staff feel the same way. Let’s take a look down on the farm and see how else is close to cracking the Padres’ 25-man roster.

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Triple-A: El Paso Chihuahuas (61-68)

Last night the Chihuahuas dropped their second straight game to the Memphis Redbirds 7-5 despite outhitting their opponents 15-11. After going hitless in his last 8 ABs during the past three games, Taylor Lindsey rediscovered his hitting stroke. Lindsey went 3-for-5 while driving in 1 RBI. Hopefully this will help Lindsey end the season strong after having a down season at the plate this year. Lindsey was the most Major League ready talent to come to the Padres in the Houston Street trade. I am curious if Headley now gone if Gyorko will move over to the keystone position, where he played during his assent through the Padres minor leagues, to make room for Lindsey. The fact that Gyorko has moved over yet makes me wonder if that is in the future plans or not.

Donn Roach struggled on the mound for El Paso as he tries to work his way back to the Majors. Roach started the game his 4 shout out innings. Roach took the mound in the fifth and allowed 6 earned run while only recording 1 out. Roach has struggled mightily on the mound this season. If he doesn’t turn it around soon he will get lost in the shuffle as many of the Padres top pitching prospects are knocking on the door for their chance.

Future Friar of the Game

Taylor Lindsey 3-for-5, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 R,

Future Friar of the Game

Donn Roach 4.1 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

Catcher Austin Hedges. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Double-A: San Antonio Missions (62-64)

The Missions won last night’s extra inning rubber game giving them the series win against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 6-3. Alex Dickerson had a great night at the plate reminding the Padres that despite a roster with multiple top prospects on it, he is not to be forgot about. Dickerson went 3-for-5 at the plate with a walk-off 3-run shot in the bottom of the 13^th inning. Dickerson’s heroics are not surprising for those who have been following his career. Dickerson owns a triple slash line of .297/.319/.448 on the season with 8 doubles, 2 home runs, and 10 RBI. I think he is often overlooked as a top prospect due to lack of off the chart power or speed. He is just a solid hitter at the plate that will have plate discipline and provide great situational hitting.

San Antonio C Austin Hedges went 1-for-6 on the night with a RBI. Hedges is the Padres consensus top prospect due to his defense despite have a slower developing bat. He is continuously praise for his work behind the dish and for keeping the opponents running game minimal. Even if his bat never develops, if he could be a Jason Veritek type of player I would be very happy about that and I am sure the Padres front office would be as well.

Future Friar of the Game

Alex Dickerson 3-for-5, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R

Future Friar of the Game

Cody Overbeck 0-for-5, 2 K

Mandatory Credit-MiLB.com

Single-A: Lake Elsinore (68-58)

The Storm had an extra inning game of their own last night; however, the game only lasted until the 10^th inning where the Storm scored 4 runs in the top of the inning to win 8-4, andget back in the win column and guaranteeing a series split against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. While Gabrial Quintana plates the final twos via a two-run home run to left, Mallex Smith who scored the go-ahead run earlier in the inning continued his hot streak at the plate. Smith went 2-for-5 at the plate and stole his 36^th base of the inning. In his month of August, Smith is batting .328 and continues to steal bases and play great defense. He still has a few years until he reaches the Majors, but seem to be a better version of Cameron Maybin or he is a not as powerful Mike Cameron.

With yesterday’s victory the Storm are just one games back from the Inland Empire 66ers and Rancho Cucamonga for first place in the South division of the California League. If Smith continues his hot hitting the Storm should have no problem taking over first place and making the playoffs.

Future Friar of the Game

Mallex Smith: 2-for-5, 2 R, 1 SB, 1 K

Future Friar of the Game

Jeremy Baltz 0-for-5, 1 RBI, 2 K